Lincoln County, Georgia

Lincoln County, Georgia
Lincoln County Courthouse in Lincolnton
Map of Georgia highlighting Lincoln County
Location in the state of Georgia
Map of the United States highlighting Georgia
Georgia's location in the U.S.
Founded February 20, 1796
Named for Benjamin Lincoln
Seat Lincolnton
Largest city Lincolnton
Area
 • Total 257 sq mi (666 km2)
 • Land 210 sq mi (544 km2)
 • Water 47 sq mi (122 km2), 18.2%
Population
 • (2010) 7,996
 • Density 38/sq mi (15/km²)
Congressional district 10th
Time zone Eastern: UTC-5/-4
Website www.lincolncountyga.com

Lincoln County is a county located in the U.S. state of Georgia. As of the 2010 census, the population was 7,996.[1] The county seat is Lincolnton.[2] The county was created on February 20, 1796.

Lincoln County is included in the Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC Metropolitan Statistical Area. The Savannah River forming its northeastern border. Located above the fall line, it is part of the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA) and a member of the CSRA Regional Development Center.

History

On February 20, 1796 Lincoln County was established as the twenty-fourth county in the state of Georgia. Before then, its territory was part of Wilkes County, now on its western side. The new county was named after General Benjamin Lincoln (1733-1810), a Revolutionary War hero notable for receiving Gen. Cornwallis's Sword of Surrender at Yorktown, Virginia. In 1809 he retired from the military.

On January 22, 1852 the legislature changed the location of the line between Wilkes County and Lincoln County. There is no record as to why the legislature made these changes.

From before the American Revolutionary War until the 1950s, Lincoln County was primarily a farming and agricultural area. The development and creation of Clarke Hill Dam created a large reservoir that covered portions of Lincoln and nearby counties. Developers have created many residential neighborhoods and subdivisions in areas near the lake.

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 257 square miles (670 km2), of which 210 square miles (540 km2) is land and 47 square miles (120 km2) (18.2%) is water.[3]

Major highways

Adjacent counties

Demographics

Historical population
Census Pop. %±
18004,766—
18104,555−4.4%
18206,45841.8%
18306,145−4.8%
18405,895−4.1%
18505,9981.7%
18605,466−8.9%
18705,413−1.0%
18806,41218.5%
18906,146−4.1%
19007,15616.4%
19108,71421.8%
19209,73911.8%
19307,847−19.4%
19407,042−10.3%
19506,462−8.2%
19605,906−8.6%
19705,895−0.2%
19806,71613.9%
19907,44210.8%
20008,34812.2%
20107,996−4.2%
Est. 20137,751−3.1%
U.S. Decennial Census[4]
1790-1960[5] 1900-1990[6]
1990-2000[7] 2010-2013[1]

As of the census[8] of 2000, there were 8,348 people, 3,251 households, and 2,379 families residing in the county. The population density was 40 people per square mile (15/km²). There were 4,514 housing units at an average density of 21 per square mile (8/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 64.25% White, 34.37% Black or African American, 0.37% Native American, 0.16% Asian, 0.05% Pacific Islander, 0.24% from other races, and 0.56% from two or more races. 0.97% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 3,251 households out of which 30.60% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.20% were married couples living together, 15.50% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.80% were non-families. 23.70% of all households were made up of individuals and 10.40% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.55 and the average family size was 3.01.

In the county the population was spread out with 24.40% under the age of 18, 7.20% from 18 to 24, 27.50% from 25 to 44, 26.30% from 45 to 64, and 14.60% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females there were 94.90 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.90 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $31,952, and the median income for a family was $36,657. Males had a median income of $27,165 versus $21,338 for females. The per capita income for the county was $15,351. About 12.40% of families and 15.30% of the population were below the poverty line, including 19.60% of those under age 18 and 15.90% of those age 65 or over.

Recreation and historical sites

Since the creation of Clarke’s Hill Lake, recreation has contributed to Lincoln County's growth. It is a main destination for tourists, providing fishing, boating, and other water sport opportunities for visitors and those who live near and around the lake. Lincoln County borders about 380 square miles (980 km2) of shoreline on Clarke’s Hill Lake.

Toward the eastern part of Lincoln County, just before the South Carolina line, is Elijah Clarke State Park. This park is roughly 447 acres (1.81 km2). In May of every year, Elijah Clarke State Park holds a bluegrass festival, which has become a major attraction in the last 20 years. Several well-known bluegrass musicians play at this event each year, including Lincoln County natives, The Lewis Family. Also held annually at Elijah Clarke State park is an Arts and Crafts Festival and a Log Cabin Christmas. Both are held in the month of October.

There are many historic places to visit in Lincoln County. Some of these include:

Economy

Economic growth has been associated with development of the J. Strom Thurmond Dam and Clarks Hill Lake, the logging industry. In Lincoln County, logging is a multi-million dollar industry. More than 20 logging business produce most of the jobs for Lincoln County residents. The county has attracted new companies, such as : Hero Metal, LLC; Top Grill, LLC; and Charles Owen, Inc.

Communities

Notable people

See also

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 "State & County QuickFacts". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved June 23, 2014.
  2. ↑ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Retrieved 2011-06-07.
  3. ↑ "US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990". United States Census Bureau. 2011-02-12. Retrieved 2011-04-23.
  4. ↑ "U.S. Decennial Census". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved June 23, 2014.
  5. ↑ "Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library. Retrieved June 23, 2014.
  6. ↑ "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved June 23, 2014.
  7. ↑ "Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. Retrieved June 23, 2014.
  8. ↑ "American FactFinder". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved 2011-05-14.

Further reading

External links

External links

 Elbert County McCormick County, South Carolina
Wilkes County
  Lincoln County, Georgia  
McDuffie County Columbia County

Coordinates: 33°47′N 82°27′W / 33.79°N 82.45°W