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Haywood County, Tennessee

Coordinates: 35°35′N 89°17′W / 35.58°N 89.29°W / 35.58; -89.29
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Haywood County
County
Haywood County Courthouse
Haywood County Courthouse
Map of Tennessee highlighting Haywood County
Location within the U.S. state of Tennessee
Map of the United States highlighting Tennessee
Tennessee's location within the U.S.
Coordinates: 35°35′N 89°17′W / 35.58°N 89.29°W / 35.58; -89.29
Country United States
State Tennessee
Founded1823
Named forJohn Haywood[1]
SeatBrownsville
Largest cityBrownsville
Government
 • MayorDavid Livingston
Area
 • Total
534 sq mi (1,380 km2)
 • Land533 sq mi (1,380 km2)
 • Water0.9 sq mi (2 km2)  0.2%
Population
 (2020)
 • Total
17,864 Decrease
 • Estimate 
(2023)
17,328 Decrease
 • Density35/sq mi (14/km2)
Time zoneUTC−6 (Central)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−5 (CDT)
Congressional district8th
WebsiteHaywood County

Haywood County is a county located in the U.S. state of Tennessee, in the region known as West Tennessee. As of the 2020 census, the population was 17,864. Its county seat and largest city is Brownsville.[2] It is one of only two remaining counties in Tennessee, along with Shelby County, with a majority African-American population.

History

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Haywood County was created from part of Madison County in 1823–24, and was named for Tennessee judge and historian John Haywood. The state legislature designated Brownsville as the county seat.[3] Haywood County was later reduced in size, both in 1835 when a western portion was ceded to help form Lauderdale County, and in 1870 when all Haywood County territory north of the Forked Deer River, save one small district, was given to the newly formed Crockett County.[4]

For much of the county's history, agriculture, primarily cotton production, was the basis of the local economy, as it was throughout western Tennessee. Before the Civil War, this was accomplished by a plantation system based on the use of enslaved African-American workers.

After Emancipation in 1865, many planters hired freedmen as tenant farmers and sharecroppers to produce the still-important cotton crops.[5] The largely rural county continues to have a majority-black population.

Whites lynched three African-Americans in the county, most at the county seat of Brownsville, in the period following Reconstruction and into the early 20th century.[6]

On June 20, 1940, Elbert Williams, an African-American, was murdered in Brownsville for "attempting to qualify to vote" and "an interest in Negro affairs." His body was thrown into the Hatchie River, and was later recovered.[7] He had organized a local chapter of the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People). He was the last recorded lynching victim in the state.[8] Like other southern states, Tennessee had raised voter registration barriers at the turn of the century to disenfranchise blacks.

Geography

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According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 534 square miles (1,380 km2), of which 533 square miles (1,380 km2) is land and 0.9 square miles (2.3 km2) (0.2%) is water.[9]

Haywood County is situated on the southeastern edge of the New Madrid Seismic Zone, an area with a high earthquake risk.

Adjacent counties

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National protected area

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Demographics

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From 1940 to 1970, the county population declined. Many Black Americans left after confrontations and the murder of Elbert Williams in 1940 related to Black attempts to register to vote.[citation needed] In addition, mechanization of agriculture reduced the need for farm workers, and other African-Americans left as part of the second wave of the Great Migration.[citation needed]

Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
18305,334—
184013,870160.0%
185017,25924.4%
186019,23211.4%
187025,09430.5%
188026,0533.8%
189023,558−9.6%
190025,1896.9%
191025,9102.9%
192025,386−2.0%
193026,0632.7%
194027,6996.3%
195026,212−5.4%
196023,393−10.8%
197019,596−16.2%
198020,3183.7%
199019,437−4.3%
200019,7971.9%
201018,787−5.1%
202017,864−4.9%
2023 (est.)17,328[10]−3.0%
U.S. Decennial Census[11]
1790–1960[12] 1900–1990[13]
1990–2000[14] 2010–2014[15]
Age pyramid for Haywood County[16]

2020 census

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Haywood County racial composition[17]
Race Num. Perc.
White (non-Hispanic) 7,554 42.29%
Black or African American (non-Hispanic) 8,993 50.34%
Native American 33 0.18%
Asian 26 0.15%
Pacific Islander 6 0.03%
Other/Mixed 414 2.32%
Hispanic or Latino 838 4.69%

As of the 2020 United States census, there were 17,864 people, 7,181 households, and 4,727 families residing in the county.

2010 census

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As of the 2010 United States Census, 18,787 people were living in the county. 50.4% were Black or African American, 45.9% White, 0.2% Native American, 0.1% Asian, 2.5% of some other race, and 0.9% of two or more races. 3.8% were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

2000 census

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As of the census[18] of 2000, there were 19,797 people, 7,558 households, and 5,419 families living in the county. The population density was 37 people per square mile (14 people/km2). There were 8,086 housing units at an average density of 15 units per square mile (5.8/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 51.05% Black or African American, 46.73% White, 0.12% Native American, 0.09% Asian, 0.05% Pacific Islander, 1.38% from other races, and 0.58% from two or more races. 2.65% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. Haywood and Shelby Counties are the only counties in Tennessee with a black majority.

There were 7,558 households, out of which 33.40% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.80% were married couples living together, 22.00% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.30% were non-families. 25.40% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.10% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.59 and the average family size was 3.09.

In the county, the population was spread out, with 27.20% under the age of 18, 9.80% from 18 to 24, 27.30% from 25 to 44, 21.90% from 45 to 64, and 13.80% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females, there were 87.80 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 82.40 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $27,671, and the median income for a family was $32,597. Males had a median income of $27,333 versus $21,361 for females. The per capita income for the county was $14,669. About 16.30% of families and 19.50% of the population were below the poverty line, including 24.00% of those under age 18 and 25.70% of those age 65 or over.

Economy

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The largest industry in Haywood County is agriculture. Haywood County grows more cotton than any other county in Tennessee and produced 189,000 bales in 2003 on 103,000 acres (420 km2). Soybeans were the county's secondary crop, followed by corn. Agriculture and other related businesses contributed more than $130 million to the Haywood County economy in 2004. By 2017, grains, oilseeds, drybeans, drypeas and tobacco drew the most income, but Haywood County still grew the most cotton in the state.[19]

In 2009, under the leadership of Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen and Haywood County Mayor Franklin Smith, a 3,836-acre (1,552 ha) tract in southwestern Haywood County near Stanton was designated for a state-supported industrial megasite, intended for a large-scale industrial or business development such as an automobile assembly plant. In September 2009, Tennessee's State Building Commission authorized spending of $40 million for purchase of the land.[20] On September 27, 2021, it was announced that Ford and SK Innovation would construct a complex at the megasite called "Blue Oval City" to manufacture electric vehicles and batteries. The facility, which is expected to be operational in 2025, will cost approximately $5.6 billion, making it the most expensive single investment in state history, and employ approximately 5,700.[21][22]

Communities

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Trinity Cemetery in Nutbush provides a final resting place for more than 50 Civil War soldiers.

City

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Town

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Unincorporated communities

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Notable residents

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One of Haywood County's most notable residents was Sleepy John Estes, a blues guitarist songwriter and vocalist. Born in 1899 or 1900 in Ripley, Tennessee, he lived most of his life in Brownsville.[23] He died on June 5, 1977, in Brownsville.[24][25][26] Sleepy John is buried at Elam Baptist Church Cemetery in Durhamville, Lauderdale County.[26]

Other notable county residents include:

Politics

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Haywood County has recently been recognized as competitive county politically.[27] In most presidential elections, Haywood has supported Democratic candidates. In 2024, however, Democrat Kamala Harris defeated Donald Trump by just 25 votes. This was the smallest margin of victory by a Democrat in the county since the 1972 landslide reelection of Richard Nixon, the last time a Republican carried Haywood County.

Republicans have gained more momentum in the county in recent years, with them electing county mayor David Livingston in 2018 and re-electing him in 2022. He had a high-profile endorsement from Republican U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn.[28][29] Republican Governor Bill Lee won the county in the 2022 Tennessee gubernatorial election as well.

Haywood County mayoral elections

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2018 Haywood County mayoral election results[30]
Party Candidate Votes %
Nonpartisan David Livingston 1,801 39.34%
Nonpartisan Clinton Neal 1,211 26.45%
Nonpartisan Sheronda Green 1,079 23.57%
Nonpartisan Angella Palmer-Banks 415 9.07%
Nonpartisan Chris Chapman 72 1.57%
Total votes 4,578 100.00%
2022 Haywood County mayoral election results[31]
Party Candidate Votes %
Nonpartisan David Livingston (Incumbent) 1,483 44.02%
Nonpartisan Joe Stephens 1,324 39.30%
Nonpartisan Cheryl Cole 562 16.68%
Total votes 3,369 100.00%
United States presidential election results for Haywood County, Tennessee[32]
Year Republican Democratic Third party(ies)
No.  % No.  % No.  %
2024 3,285 49.40% 3,310 49.77% 55 0.83%
2020 3,343 44.94% 4,012 53.93% 84 1.13%
2016 3,013 44.09% 3,711 54.30% 110 1.61%
2012 2,960 39.11% 4,569 60.36% 40 0.53%
2008 3,165 38.97% 4,893 60.25% 63 0.78%
2004 3,140 41.60% 4,359 57.75% 49 0.65%
2000 2,554 39.43% 3,887 60.00% 37 0.57%
1996 2,293 38.03% 3,565 59.12% 172 2.85%
1992 2,518 39.49% 3,511 55.07% 347 5.44%
1988 2,687 47.64% 2,923 51.83% 30 0.53%
1984 2,839 46.04% 3,308 53.65% 19 0.31%
1980 2,435 40.97% 3,445 57.97% 63 1.06%
1976 1,952 34.48% 3,681 65.02% 28 0.49%
1972 3,123 59.45% 1,966 37.43% 164 3.12%
1968 1,152 20.51% 1,709 30.42% 2,757 49.07%
1964 2,407 51.25% 2,290 48.75% 0 0.00%
1960 1,188 35.63% 1,867 56.00% 279 8.37%
1956 516 17.04% 2,217 73.22% 295 9.74%
1952 940 27.80% 2,432 71.93% 9 0.27%
1948 148 6.95% 1,050 49.32% 931 43.73%
1944 208 7.61% 2,525 92.36% 1 0.04%
1940 128 3.56% 3,466 96.33% 4 0.11%
1936 29 1.65% 1,725 98.23% 2 0.11%
1932 77 4.09% 1,788 95.01% 17 0.90%
1928 178 8.08% 2,024 91.92% 0 0.00%
1924 60 3.08% 1,872 96.15% 15 0.77%
1920 101 4.64% 2,068 95.04% 7 0.32%
1916 61 3.49% 1,677 95.88% 11 0.63%
1912 34 2.79% 1,069 87.69% 116 9.52%

See also

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Further reading

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  • West, Carroll Van; Duncan Binnicker, Margaret (2004). A History of Tennessee Arts. Knoxville, TN: The University of Tennessee Press. ISBN 1-57233-239-5.
  • Norris, Sharon (2000). Black America Series: Haywood County Tennessee. Mount Pleasant, SC: Arcadia Publishing. ISBN 0-7385-0605-2.
  • Nunn, Emma (2017). "Haywood Country." Tennessee Encyclopedia. Nashville: Tennessee Historical Society.

References

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  1. ^ Emma Nunn, "Haywood County," Tennessee Encyclopedia of History and Culture. Retrieved: October 16, 2013.
  2. ^ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Archived from the original on May 31, 2011. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
  3. ^ Gannett, Henry (1905). The Origin of Certain Place Names in the United States. Govt. Print. Off. pp. 153.
  4. ^ History of Haywood County Tennessee. Brownsville-Haywood County Historical Society. 1989. pp. 234–237.
  5. ^ Nunn, Emma. "Haywood County", in The Tennessee Encyclopedia of History and Culture, Version 2.0
  6. ^ Lynching in America/ Supplement: Lynchings by County Archived June 27, 2018, at the Wayback Machine, Equal Justice Initiative, 2015, p. 6
  7. ^ Jessie P. Guzzman & W. Hardin Hughes, “Lynching-Crime,” Negro Year Book: A Review of Events Affecting Negro Life, 1944-1946, 1947; part of National Humanities Center, The Making of African American Identity, Vol. III, 1917-1968; accessed 04 June 2018
  8. ^ Kathy Bennett, "Lynching", Tennessee Encyclopedia, 2017/updated 2018
  9. ^ "2010 Census Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. August 22, 2012. Retrieved April 5, 2015.
  10. ^ "Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for Counties: April 1, 2020 to July 1, 2023". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved March 14, 2024.
  11. ^ "U.S. Decennial Census". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved April 5, 2015.
  12. ^ "Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library. Archived from the original on August 11, 2012. Retrieved April 5, 2015.
  13. ^ Forstall, Richard L., ed. (March 27, 1995). "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved April 5, 2015.
  14. ^ "Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. April 2, 2001. Archived (PDF) from the original on October 9, 2022. Retrieved April 5, 2015.
  15. ^ "State & County QuickFacts". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on June 7, 2011. Retrieved December 2, 2013.
  16. ^ Based on 2000 census data
  17. ^ "Explore Census Data". data.census.gov. Retrieved December 8, 2021.
  18. ^ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved May 14, 2011.
  19. ^ "2017 Census of Agriculture County Profile" (PDF). US Department of Agriculture, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Retrieved February 3, 2021.
  20. ^ Chad Sisk, $40M approved for West TN megasite development[permanent dead link‍], The Tennessean, September 30, 2009
  21. ^ "Ford to invest $5.6 billion in Memphis-area Megasite to build electric vehicles and batteries". WHBQ-TV. Memphis. September 27, 2021. Retrieved September 28, 2021.
  22. ^ Round, Ian; Dries, Bill; Moore, Rob (September 27, 2021). "Ford, SK Innovation to invest $5.6B in Memphis Regional Megasite". The Daily Memphian. Retrieved September 28, 2021.
  23. ^ Biography at 7digital.com from the Encyclopedia of Popular Music – accessed February 2008
  24. ^ Allaboutjazz.com birth and death details Archived January 18, 2009, at the Wayback Machine
  25. ^ Brian Dempsey. "'Sleepy' John Estes". Tennessee Encyclopedia of History and Culture. Retrieved December 16, 2008.
  26. ^ a b Norris, Sharon (2000). Black America Series: Haywood County Tennessee. Mount Pleasant, SC: Arcadia Publishing. ISBN 0-7385-0605-2.
  27. ^ "Haywood County, TN Politics & Voting". BestPlaces. Retrieved January 15, 2024.
  28. ^ "Election Results | Haywood County Election Commission". Retrieved January 16, 2024.
  29. ^ Senator Marsha Blackburn Endorses Haywood County Mayor David Livingston for Re-election | I am so pleased to give my full endorsement and support to David Livingston for County Mayor of Haywood. I encourage everyone to vote for my friend David... | By Marsha Blackburn | Facebook, retrieved January 15, 2024
  30. ^ "August 2, 2018 General election". Haywood County Election Commission. Retrieved June 28, 2023.
  31. ^ "August 4, 2022 General election". Haywood County Election Commission. Retrieved June 28, 2023.
  32. ^ Leip, David. "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections". uselectionatlas.org. Retrieved March 10, 2018.
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