Gibson County, Tennessee

County in Tennessee, United States

For the county in Indiana, see Gibson County, Indiana.

County in Tennessee

Gibson County

County

Gibson County Courthouse in Trenton

Location within the U.S. state of Tennessee

Tennessee's location within the U.S.

Coordinates: 36°00′N 88°56′W﻿ / ﻿36°N 88.93°W﻿ / 36; -88.93
Country|  United States
State|  Tennessee
Founded| 1823
Named for| John H. Gibson
Seat| Trenton
Largest city| Milan
Area

• Total| 604 sq mi (1,560 km2)
• Land| 603 sq mi (1,560 km2)
• Water| 0.9 sq mi (2 km2)  0.2%
Population

(2020)

• Total| 50,429
• Density| 82/sq mi (32/km2)
Time zone| UTC−6 (Central)
• Summer (DST)| UTC−5 (CDT)
Congressional district| 8th

Gibson County is a county located in the U.S. state of Tennessee. As of the 2020 census, the population was 50,429.[1] Its county seat is Trenton.[2] The county was formed in 1823 and named for John H. Gibson, a soldier of the Natchez Expedition and the Creek War.[3]

## History

[edit]

Law enforcement agency

Gibson County
Sheriff's Department

Jurisdictional structure
Operations jurisdiction| Gibson, Tennessee, United States
Size| 604 sq mi
Legal jurisdiction| As per operations jurisdiction
General nature|

* Local civilian police

Operational structure
Agency executive|

* Paul Thomas, Sheriff

Facilities
Stations| 1
Jails| 1

Gibson County is located in what was known as "Indian Land": territory that was legally occupied by Chickasaw Native American people. The Chickasaw Cession, proclaimed on January 7, 1819, eliminated those rights and opened the region to settlement and exploitation by white settlers and speculators.[4]

Soon after the Chickasaw Cession, the first log cabin in what was to become Gibson County had been built by Thomas Fite about eight miles (13 km) east of present-day Trenton. From 1819 the area was part of Carroll County but, as settlement progressed, citizens petitioned for the formation of a new county. The county was established by private act on October 21, 1823, and was named in honor of Colonel John H. Gibson[5] who had died earlier that year. Gibson was a native of Bedford County, Tennessee who was commissioned Lieutenant in the Tennessee Militia; he took part in the War of 1812, the campaign to Natchez of 1813, and fought in the Creek Wars of 1813.[6]

In its early years, Gibson County grew rapidly, chiefly because the land had less dense forest growth than some adjacent areas and was therefore more easily prepared to farm cotton and corn. By the end of 1824, the county had 273,143 acres (1,105.37 km2) of taxable land. The county's first cotton gin was built in 1826.[7]

## Geography

[edit]

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 604 square miles (1,560 km2), of which 603 square miles (1,560 km2) is land and 0.9 square miles (2.3 km2) (0.2%) is water.[8]

### Adjacent counties

[edit]

* Weakley County (northeast)
* Carroll County (east)
* Madison County (south)
* Crockett County (southwest)
* Dyer County (west)
* Obion County (northwest)

### State protected areas

[edit]

* Horns Bluff Refuge (part)
* Maness Swamp Refuge
* Obion River Wildlife Management Area (part)
* Tigrett Wildlife Management Area (part)

## Demographics

[edit]

Historical population Census| Pop.| Note| %±

|
|
|

1830| 5,801| | —
1840| 13,689| | 136.0%
1850| 19,548| | 42.8%
1860| 21,777| | 11.4%
1870| 25,666| | 17.9%
1880| 32,685| | 27.3%
1890| 33,859| | 3.6%
1900| 39,408| | 16.4%
1910| 41,630| | 5.6%
1920| 43,388| | 4.2%
1930| 46,528| | 7.2%
1940| 44,835| | −3.6%
1950| 48,132| | 7.4%
1960| 44,699| | −7.1%
1970| 47,871| | 7.1%
1980| 49,467| | 3.3%
1990| 46,315| | −6.4%
2000| 48,152| | 4.0%
2010| 49,683| | 3.2%
2020| 50,429| | 1.5%
U.S. Decennial Census[9]
1790–1960[10] 1900–1990[11]
1990–2000[12] 2010–2014[13]

Age pyramid Gibson County[14]

### 2020 census

[edit]

Gibson County racial composition[15] Race  | Num.  | Perc.

|
|

White (non-Hispanic)  | 37,930  | 75.21%
Black or African American (non-Hispanic)  | 8,929  | 17.71%
Native American | 97  | 0.19%
Asian | 200  | 0.4%
Pacific Islander | 15  | 0.03%
Other/Mixed | 1,819  | 3.61%
Hispanic or Latino | 1,439  | 2.85%

As of the 2020 United States census, there were 50,429 people, 19,320 households, and 12,987 families residing in the county.

### 2000 census

[edit]

As of the census[16] of 2000, there were 48,152 people, 19,518 households, and 13,584 families residing in the county. The population density was 80 people per square mile (31 people/km2). There were 21,059 housing units at an average density of 35 units per square mile (14/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 78.66% White, 19.72% Black or African American, 0.20% Native American, 0.14% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.50% from other races, and 0.76% from two or more races. 1.12% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 19,518 households, out of which 30.20% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.20% were married couples living together, 13.60% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.40% were non-families. 27.40% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.70% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.41 and the average family size was 2.93.

In the county, the population was spread out, with 24.00% under the age of 18, 8.10% from 18 to 24, 26.90% from 25 to 44, 23.30% from 45 to 64, and 17.70% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females there were 89.50 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 85.80 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $31,105, and the median income for a family was $39,318. Males had a median income of $30,360 versus $21,351 for females. The per capita income for the county was $16,320. About 9.40% of families and 12.80% of the population were below the poverty line, including 17.00% of those under age 18 and 15.30% of those age 65 or over.

## Transportation

[edit]

### Airports

[edit]

There are two airports located in Gibson County:

* Humboldt Municipal Airport (M53), which is owned by City of Humboldt.[17]
* Gibson County Airport (TGC), located midway between Trenton and Milan and owned by City of Milan and Gibson Co.[18]

## Court System

[edit]

Trenton is the county seat. However, since just after the Civil War, Gibson County's court system has been geographically divided, with both Trenton and Humboldt serving as venues for the county's civil and criminal cases.

## Education

[edit]

Gibson County has five special school districts: Bradford, Gibson County, Humboldt, Milan and Trenton.[19]

Each district has its own school board and director of schools. There are six high schools in the county.

### High schools

[edit]

School  | Location  | Mascot  | Colors

|
|
|

Bradford High School | Bradford | Red Devils  |
Gibson County High School | Dyer | Pioneers  |
Humboldt High School | Humboldt | Vikings  |
Milan High School | Milan | Bulldogs  |
Peabody High School | Trenton | Golden Tide  |
South Gibson County High School | Medina | Hornets  |

## Media

[edit]

### Radio stations

[edit]

* Victory 93.7 - The Victory 93.7 FM—WTKB ATWOOD-MILAN
* WJPJ AM 1190 & 99.9 "La Poderosa 99.9 FM & 1190 AM"
* WTJK 105.3 "Fox Sports Jackson 105.3"

### Newspapers

[edit]

* Tennessee Magnet Publications (free monthly), based in Huntingdon, but circulates in Gibson and Dyer counties
* The Tri-City Reporter, Dyer
* The Gazette, Trenton
* The Chronicle, Humboldt
* The Mirror-Exchange, Milan

## Events

[edit]

The Gibson County Fair is held each August in Trenton. The fair is billed as the "oldest continuously running fair in the South."[20] The fair was first held in 1856 and has been held annually since 1869.[20]

Beginning early in 1981, John W. Melton, administrator of the Gibson County General Hospital developed the idea of a “teapot festival;” to draw attention on the rare collection of Porcelain Veilleuses. The festival has grown into a week long event beginning with a ceremonial Lighting of the Teapots and culminates in the Annual Grand Parade.The Teapot Festival begins with the lighting of the teapots ceremony at City Hall.  Music and fireworks show highlight the first evening of the festival.  Other highlights include a parade and the chocolate extravaganza.  Tennis and softball tournaments, along with other athletic competitions, are featured each day during the festival. An arts & crafts show, antique car exhibition, fireworks, display and street dance highlight the final day of the event.  The teapots may be viewed all year round, 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.[21]

The West Tennessee Strawberry Festival had been held annually during the first full week of May in Humboldt since 1934. The festival has drawn up to 100,000 people from across the area.[22] Popular festival events include Thursday's traditional Jr. Parade, which is one of the world's largest non-motorized parades,[23] Friday's Grand Floats Parade, the Horse Show, Governor's Luncheon, Carnival, Prayer Breakfast, Car Show, Berry Idol singing contest, 5K and 10K Runs, Shortcake in the Park, multiple concerts, beauty reviews and more.

## Communities

[edit]

Skullbone

### Cities

[edit]

* Dyer
* Humboldt (partly in Madison County)
* Medina
* Milan
* Trenton (county seat)
* Yorkville

### Towns

[edit]

* Bradford
* Gibson
* Kenton (partly in Obion County)
* Rutherford

### Unincorporated communities

[edit]

* Brazil
* Eaton
* Frog Jump
* Graball
* Hopewell
* Idlewild
* Skullbone

## Politics

[edit]

Gibson County has voted for the Republican in the last five presidential elections. The last Democrat to carry this county was Al Gore in 2000.

United States presidential election results for Gibson County, Tennessee[24] Year  | Republican | Democratic | Third party(ies)

|
|
|

No. | % | No. | % | No. | %
2020 | 16,259  | 72.80% | 5,771  | 25.84%  | 305  | 1.37%
2016 | 13,786  | 70.53% | 5,258  | 26.90%  | 503  | 2.57%
2012 | 12,883  | 65.51% | 6,564  | 33.38%  | 220  | 1.12%
2008 | 13,516  | 63.60% | 7,406  | 34.85%  | 331  | 1.56%
2004 | 10,596  | 55.13% | 8,511  | 44.28%  | 114  | 0.59%
2000 | 8,286  | 48.35%  | 8,663  | 50.55% | 188  | 1.10%
1996 | 6,614  | 40.26%  | 8,851  | 53.88% | 963  | 5.86%
1992 | 7,161  | 39.06%  | 9,555  | 52.12% | 1,616  | 8.82%
1988 | 8,415  | 52.47% | 7,542  | 47.03%  | 81  | 0.51%
1984 | 9,484  | 52.71% | 8,334  | 46.32%  | 174  | 0.97%
1980 | 6,792  | 40.13%  | 9,829  | 58.08% | 302  | 1.78%
1976 | 5,563  | 34.70%  | 10,356  | 64.60% | 112  | 0.70%
1972 | 9,900  | 71.05% | 3,625  | 26.02%  | 409  | 2.94%
1968 | 4,093  | 26.77%  | 3,962  | 25.92%  | 7,233  | 47.31%
1964 | 4,614  | 36.24%  | 8,119  | 63.76% | 0  | 0.00%
1960 | 5,173  | 45.66%  | 5,796  | 51.16% | 360  | 3.18%
1956 | 3,481  | 29.72%  | 7,884  | 67.31% | 348  | 2.97%
1952 | 3,766  | 35.90%  | 6,687  | 63.74% | 38  | 0.36%
1948 | 1,137  | 19.04%  | 3,917  | 65.60% | 917  | 15.36%
1944 | 1,568  | 25.24%  | 4,632  | 74.57% | 12  | 0.19%
1940 | 1,233  | 19.40%  | 5,103  | 80.29% | 20  | 0.31%
1936 | 958  | 16.72%  | 4,744  | 82.79% | 28  | 0.49%
1932 | 704  | 14.96%  | 3,972  | 84.42% | 29  | 0.62%
1928 | 1,365  | 31.95%  | 2,898  | 67.84% | 9  | 0.21%
1924 | 1,037  | 24.05%  | 3,235  | 75.04% | 39  | 0.90%
1920 | 3,209  | 34.99%  | 5,942  | 64.80% | 19  | 0.21%
1916 | 1,443  | 28.44%  | 3,609  | 71.13% | 22  | 0.43%
1912 | 1,002  | 23.71%  | 2,671  | 63.20% | 553  | 13.09%

## Notable natives

[edit]

* Doug Atkins, Hall of Fame NFL football player
* Wallace Wade, football coach
* Avery Williamson, NFL linebacker

## See also

[edit]

* National Register of Historic Places listings in Gibson County, Tennessee

## References

[edit]

Specific

1. ^ "Census - Geography Profile: Gibson County, Tennessee". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 7, 2023.
2. ^ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Archived from the original on May 31, 2011. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
3. ^ Fred Culp, "Gibson County," Tennessee Encyclopedia of History and Culture. Retrieved: June 28, 2013.
4. ^ "TNGenWeb: Text of the Chickasaw Cession". Retrieved December 8, 2010.
5. ^ "Tennessee State Archives: Formation of Gibson County". Archived from the original on May 29, 2010. Retrieved December 8, 2010.
6. ^ "TNroots: Gibson County Genealogy: John H. Gibson". Retrieved December 8, 2010.
7. ^ "TNGenWeb: Goodspeed's History of Tennessee". Archived from the original on December 6, 2010. Retrieved December 8, 2010.
8. ^ "2010 Census Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. August 22, 2012. Retrieved April 5, 2015.
9. ^ "U.S. Decennial Census". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved April 5, 2015.
10. ^ "Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library. Retrieved April 5, 2015.
11. ^ Forstall, Richard L., ed. (March 27, 1995). "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved April 5, 2015.
12. ^ "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.
13. ^ "State & County QuickFacts". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on June 7, 2011. Retrieved November 30, 2013.
14. ^ Based on 2000 census data
15. ^ "Explore Census Data". data.census.gov. Retrieved December 8, 2021.
16. ^ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved May 14, 2011.
17. ^ "FAA information: Humboldt City Airport". Retrieved December 1, 2010.
18. ^ "FAA information: Gibson County Airport". Retrieved December 1, 2010.
19. ^ "2020 CENSUS - SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENCE MAP: Gibson County, TN" (PDF). U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved October 6, 2024. \- Text list
20. ^ a b History of the Gibson County Fair Archived July 24, 2010, at the Wayback Machine, The Gibson County Fair Association, accessed September 28, 2008
21. ^ "Teapot Festival".
22. ^ History, West Tennessee Strawberry Festival website, 2013. Retrieved: June 28, 2013.
23. ^ Parks and Recreation Archived October 10, 2013, at the Wayback Machine, Humboldt Chamber of Commerce website. Retrieved: June 28, 2013.
24. ^ Leip, David. "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections". uselectionatlas.org. Retrieved March 10, 2018.

General

* http://www.wbbjtv.com/2016/10/21/former-gibson-co-sheriff-chuck-arnold-pleads-guilty-avoids-prison-time/

## External links

[edit]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Gibson County, Tennessee.

* v
* t
* e

Places adjacent to Gibson County, Tennessee

| Obion County |  | Weakley County

|
|

|  |
Dyer County |

Gibson County, Tennessee

| Carroll County
|  |
Crockett County | Madison County |

* v
* t
* e

Municipalities and communities of Gibson County, Tennessee, United States

County seat: Trenton

Cities|

* Dyer
* Humboldt‡
* Medina
* Milan
* Trenton
* Yorkville

Gibson County map

Towns|

* Bradford
* Gibson
* Kenton‡
* Rutherford

Unincorporated
communities|

* Brazil
* Eaton
* Frog Jump
* Graball
* Hopewell
* Idlewild
* Skullbone

Footnotes|

‡This populated place also has portions in an adjacent county or counties

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36°00′N 88°56′W﻿ / ﻿36.00°N 88.93°W﻿ / 36.00; -88.93
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