Thomson, Georgia

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Thomson, incorporated February 15, 1854, is a city in McDuffie County, Georgia, United States. The population was 6,828 at the 2000 census. The city is the county seat of McDuffie County.^GR6 Thomson's nickname is "The Camellia City of the South", in honor of the thousands of camellia plants throughout the city.

Contents 1 Geography 2 Demographics 3 Landmarks 4 Famous residents

[edit] Geography

Thomson is located at 33°28′2″N, 82°29′58″W (33.467346, -82.499450).^GR1

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 10.2 km² (3.95 mi²)

[edit] Demographics

As of the census^GR2 of 2000, there are 6,828 people, 2,609 households, and 1,792 families residing in the city. The population density is 667.4/km² (1,726.9/mi²). There are 2,895 housing units at an average density of 283.0/km² (732.2/mi²). The racial makeup of the city is 42.38% White, 56.28% African American, 0.07% Native American, 0.28% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.23% from other races, and 0.72% from two or more races. 1.27% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 2,609 households out of which 36.2% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 35.7% are married couples living together, 28.4% have a female householder with no husband present, and 31.3% are non-families. 28.2% of all households are made up of individuals and 12.6% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.50 and the average family size is 3.05.

In the city the population is spread out with 28.6% under the age of 18, 9.3% from 18 to 24, 27.2% from 25 to 44, 19.6% from 45 to 64, and 15.3% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 34 years. For every 100 females there are 81.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 73.5 males.

The median income for a household in the city is $23,179, and the median income for a family is $30,015. Males have a median income of $25,882 versus $20,607 for females. The per capita income for the city is $14,976. 27.6% of the population and 23.8% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 37.7% of those under the age of 18 and 23.3% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.

[edit] Landmarks

Rock House (1785) - oldest stone residence in Georgia.

[edit] Famous residents

• Zebedee Armstrong - outsider artist
• Bill Bales, Internet entrepreneur and founding member Napster
• Alberta Davis--claimant to "oldest living American" title since 2001; now "125"
• Ray Guy - NFL punter and namesake of the Ray Guy Award, presented each year to the NFL's top punter.
• Richard E. Hawes, naval hero
• Vicki Ussery, first Woman State Farm Insurance Agent Thomson, GA.
• Millie Jackson - R & B singer
• Franklin Langham - PGA golfer (1992-present)
• Blind Willie McTell - Noted singer and blues musician, wrote "Statesboro Blues". Thomson sponsors an annual blues festival in his honor.
• Chris Mohr - NFL punter for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Buffalo Bills and Atlanta Falcons (1989-2004); published songwriter.
• Ken Roberson Broadway choreographer noted for his work in the 2004 Tony Award winning "Avenue Q" and "All Shook Up." Movie credits as choreographer include: HBO's "Lackawanna Blues" and Independent film "Preaching to the Choir."
• Tom Watson - U.S. Senator and renowned orator of the late 19th century. Noted for establishing Rural Free Delivery, which set up rural mail service for the nation.