columbia, tennessee

Columbia is a city located in Maury County, Tennessee. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 33,055. It is the county seat of Maury County.

Geography

Columbia is located at 35°36'54" North, 87°2'40" West (35.615022, -87.044464). According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 76.7 km² (29.6 mi²). 76.7 km² (29.6 mi²) of it is land and 0.03% is water.

History

A year after the organization of Maury County in 1807, Columbia was laid out in 1808 and lots were sold. The original town, on the south bank of the Duck River, consisted of only four blocks. The town was incorporated in 1817. For years, it was the county seat of the richest county in agricultural wealth in the state. Today, it is an important tourist destination, most of whom are drawn by the numerous historic sites in the area. Attractions include the James K. Polk Home, the Columbia Athenaeum, and nearby plantations. Famous natives of Columbia include James K. Polk, Governor, Congressman, Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives and eleventh President of the United States; A.O.P. Nicholson, state senator, U.S. Senator, and Chief Justice of the Tennessee Supreme Court; Dr. Marion Dorsett, inventor of the serum to control hog cholera; and Fran McKee, first female line admiral in the U.S. Navy.

Demographics

As of the census of 2000, there are 33,055 people, 13,059 households, and 8,801 families residing in the city. The population density is 431.2/km² (1,116.8/mi²). There are 14,322 housing units at an average density of 186.8/km² (483.9/mi²). The racial makeup of the city is 74.63% White, 21.13% African American, 0.28% Native American, 0.41% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 2.06% from other races, and 1.46% from two or more races. 4.70% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race. There are 13,059 households out of which 32.4% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.8% are married couples living together, 16.3% have a female householder with no husband present, and 32.6% are non-families. 27.8% of all households are made up of individuals and 10.8% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.46 and the average family size is 2.98. In the city the population is spread out with 25.8% under the age of 18, 9.8% from 18 to 24, 28.6% from 25 to 44, 21.0% from 45 to 64, and 14.9% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 36 years. For every 100 females there are 89.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 84.1 males. The median income for a household in the city is $35,879, and the median income for a family is $42,822. Males have a median income of $34,898 versus $22,093 for females. The per capita income for the city is $18,004. 13.9% of the population and 10.9% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 19.7% of those under the age of 18 and 13.2% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.

Trivia

A boyhood home of James K. Polk is located on a main thoroughfare near downtown and is open for touring. The town is also notable for being the self-proclaimed "Mule capital of the world" and honors this fact with Mule Day, a large celebration held annually every April.

External links

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