Brantley County, Georgia
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Brantley County is a county located in the U.S. state of Georgia. It is part of the 'Brunswick, Georgia Metropolitan Statistical Area' which encompasses all of Brantley, Glynn and McIntosh counties. As of 2000, the population is 14,629. The 2005 Census Estimate shows a population of 15,491. The county seat is Nahunta, Georgia6.
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[edit] History
Georgia voters passed a state constitutional amendment on November 2, 1920 to form Brantley County from pieces of Charlton, Pierce, and Wayne counties. The state historical marker on the grounds of the Brantley County courthouse and several other sources state that Brantley County was named for Benjamin D. Brantley, a member of a prominent local family. Other sources claim the name honored Benjamin Brantley's son, William Goodman Brantley of Brunswick, Georgia. The younger Brantley served as a state representative, state senator, and eight-term United States representative.
Since the Okefenokee Swamp is to the south and west of the county, passage through Brantley County was essential to the railroads running from the coast through the southern part of the state.
Fort McIntosh was built in the early years of the American Revolutionary War to protect the extensive herds of cattle. It was placed under siege from Tories in 1777 and eventually surrendered.
Fort Mudge was built in the county at about the same time. This fort was immortalized by Walt Kelly in the "Pogo" comic strip.
[edit] Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1,159 km² (447 mi²). 1,151 km² (444 mi²) of it is land and 8 km² (3 mi²) of it (0.67%) is water. The Satilla River goes through Brantley County.
[edit] Major Highways
U.S. Route 82
U.S. Route 301
State Route 15
State Route 23
State Route 32
State Route 110
State Route 121
State Route 520
[edit] Adjacent Counties
- Wayne County, Georgia - northeast
- Glynn County, Georgia - east
- Camden County, Georgia - southeast
- Charlton County, Georgia - southwest
- Ware County, Georgia - west
- Pierce County, Georgia - northwest
[edit] Demographics
As of the census2 of 2000, there were 14,629 people, 5,436 households, and 4,153 families residing in the county. The population density was 13/km² (33/mi²). There were 6,490 housing units at an average density of 6/km² (15/mi²). The racial makeup of the county was 94.36% White, 3.98% Black or African American, 0.14% Native American, 0.09% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.35% from other races, and 1.08% from two or more races. 1.04% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There were 5,436 households out of which 38.20% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.90% were married couples living together, 10.60% had a female householder with no husband present, and 23.60% were non-families. 20.40% of all households were made up of individuals and 7.70% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.68 and the average family size was 3.06.
In the county the population was spread out with 28.30% under the age of 18, 8.50% from 18 to 24, 29.90% from 25 to 44, 23.20% from 45 to 64, and 10.10% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females there were 100.80 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 98.10 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $30,361, and the median income for a family was $35,534. Males had a median income of $29,269 versus $20,709 for females. The per capita income for the county was $13,713. About 12.10% of families and 15.60% of the population were below the poverty line, including 19.70% of those under age 18 and 16.90% of those age 65 or over.
[edit] Cities and communities
[edit] References
- GeorgiaInfo Brantley County Courthouse History
- GeorgiaInfo record of the Brantley County State Historical Marker
