Blount County, Alabama

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Blount County
County
Map of Alabama highlighting Blount County
Location within the U.S. state of Alabama
Map of the United States highlighting Alabama
Alabama's location within the U.S.
Coordinates: 33°58′N 86°35′W / 33.97°N 86.58°W / 33.97; -86.58
Country United States
State Alabama
FoundedFebruary 6, 1818
SeatOneonta
Area
 • Total651 sq mi (1,690 km2)
 • Land646 sq mi (1,670 km2)
 • Water5 sq mi (10 km2)  0.77%
Population
 (2000)
 • Total51,024
 • Density30/sq mi (13/km2)

Blount County is a county located in the U.S. state of Alabama. As of 2000, the population was 51,024. The 2004 US Census estimated Blount County's population to be approximately 54,988. Its county seat is Oneonta and it is a prohibition or dry county.

History

Blount County was created by the Alabama Territorial legislature on 1818 Feb. 6, from land ceded to the Federal government by the Creek Nation on 1814 Aug. 9. It was named for Gov. Willie G. Blount of Tennessee, who provided assistance to settlers in Alabama during the Creek War of 1813-14. It lies in the northeastern section of the state, generally known as the mineral region. Blount County is bordered by Cullman, Marshall, Etowah, Jefferson, Walker and St. Clair Counties. The county is drained by the Locust and Mulberry Forks of the Black Warrior River. Blount County contains 651 square miles. The Warrior coal field is located in Blount County. Bear Meat Cabin / Blountsville was the first settlement in Blount County and the county seat. The town was established by Caleb Fryley and John Jones in 1816 as Bear Meat Cabin. The post office was opened in 1821. Blountsville was incorporated December 13 ,1827. In 1889, an election resulted in its county seat being transferred to Oneonta, Alabama.

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1,685 km² (651 sq mi). 1,672 km² (646 sq mi) of it is land and 13 km² (5 sq mi) of it (0.77%) is water.

Major Highways

Rail

Adjacent counties

Demographics

As of the census² of 2000, there were 51,024 people, 19,265 households, and 14,814 families residing in the county. The population density was 31/km² (79/sq mi). There were 21,158 housing units at an average density of 13/km² (33/sq mi). The racial makeup of the county was 95.08% White, 1.19% Black or African American, 0.49% Native American, 0.14% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 2.07% from other races, and 1.02% from two or more races. 5.33% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 19,265 households out of which 34.30% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 65.50% were married couples living together, 7.90% had a female householder with no husband present, and 23.10% were non-families. 20.80% of all households were made up of individuals and 9.50% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.62 and the average family size was 3.02.

In the county the population was spread out with 25.40% under the age of 18, 8.40% from 18 to 24, 29.20% from 25 to 44, 24.10% from 45 to 64, and 12.90% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females there were 99.70 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.30 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $35,241, and the median income for a family was $41,573. Males had a median income of $31,455 versus $22,459 for females. The per capita income for the county was $16,325. About 8.60% of families and 11.70% of the population were below the poverty line, including 13.20% of those under age 18 and 17.40% of those age 65 or over.

Cities and towns

Trivia

  • Blount County has been dubbed the 'Covered Bridge Capital of Alabama' as it has the most historic covered bridges in existence within a single county than any other in the state with earlier covered bridges. The county celebrates the Covered Bridge Festival every autumn in Oneonta to commemorate its three remaining covered bridges.

See also

External links

33°58′N 86°35′W / 33.967°N 86.583°W / 33.967; -86.583

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