McIntosh County, Georgia
Encyclopedia
McIntosh County is a county located in the U.S. state
of Georgia
. It is part of the Brunswick
, Georgia
, Metropolitan Statistical Area which encompasses all of McIntosh, Glynn
, and Brantley
counties. As of 2010, the population is 14,333. The county seat
is Darien
.
in 1793. The new county was named McIntosh for its most famous family, which included Lachlan McIntosh
, who was a general in the Continental Army
. The McIntosh clan in Darien
dates back to 1736.
in Eulonia
. There have been discussions in Darien of placing a traffic signal at the intersection of GA-251
and US-17, as well as at the Interstate 95
exit ramps on GA-251
, as traffic flow has increased in Darien in recent years. However, no definite plans have been made in regards to potential future traffic signals.
of 2010, there were 14,333 people, 4,202 households, and 3,012 families residing in the county. The population density
was 10/km² (25/mi²). As of the 2000 census, there were 5,735 housing units at an average density of 5/km² (13/mi²). The racial makeup of the county was 61.34% White
, 36.81% Black
or African American
, 0.38% Native American
, 0.30% Asian
, 0.04% Pacific Islander
, 0.27% from other races
, and 0.87% from two or more races. 0.91% of the population were Hispanic
or Latino
of any race.
There were 4,202 households out of which 31.00% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.20% were married couples
living together, 14.70% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.30% were non-families. 24.20% of all households were made up of individuals and 8.80% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.54 and the average family size was 3.00.
In the county the population was spread out with 28.00% under the age of 18, 7.20% from 18 to 24, 26.90% from 25 to 44, 26.10% from 45 to 64, and 11.80% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females there were 98.00 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.90 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $30,102, and the median income for a family was $34,363. Males had a median income of $29,782 versus $19,598 for females. The per capita income
for the county was $14,253. About 15.70% of families and 18.70% of the population were below the poverty line, including 24.10% of those under age 18 and 16.90% of those age 65 or over.
members, filed suit in US District Court, alleging that women and blacks were systematically excluded from grand juries responsible for appointing members to the McIntosh County Board of Education. The following May, plaintiffs and county officials reached an agreement providing for random jury selection.
In 1977, the NAACP filed separate suits against McIntosh County and the City of Darien, alleging improper districting for county and city commission seats. The county settled out of court, agreeing to redraw its commission boundaries to include a black-majority district. The NAACP lost its suit against the city, but this decision was remanded and reversed in 1979 by the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
.
Praying for Sheetrock: A Work of Nonfiction (ISBN 0-201-55048-2) by Melissa Fay Greene
narrates the events surrounding the civil rights movement in McIntosh County, particularly the demise of white Sheriff Thomas H. Poppell and the 1978 election of black rights activist Thurnell Alston to the county commission.
U.S. state
A U.S. state is any one of the 50 federated states of the United States of America that share sovereignty with the federal government. Because of this shared sovereignty, an American is a citizen both of the federal entity and of his or her state of domicile. Four states use the official title of...
of Georgia
Georgia (U.S. state)
Georgia is a state located in the southeastern United States. It was established in 1732, the last of the original Thirteen Colonies. The state is named after King George II of Great Britain. Georgia was the fourth state to ratify the United States Constitution, on January 2, 1788...
. It is part of the Brunswick
Brunswick, Georgia
Brunswick is the major urban and economic center in southeastern Georgia in the United States. The municipality is located on a harbor near the Atlantic Ocean, approximately 30 miles north of Florida and 70 miles south of South Carolina. Brunswick is bordered on the east by the Atlantic...
, Georgia
Georgia (U.S. state)
Georgia is a state located in the southeastern United States. It was established in 1732, the last of the original Thirteen Colonies. The state is named after King George II of Great Britain. Georgia was the fourth state to ratify the United States Constitution, on January 2, 1788...
, Metropolitan Statistical Area which encompasses all of McIntosh, Glynn
Glynn County, Georgia
Glynn County is a county located in the U.S. state of Georgia. As of 2000, the population was 67,568. The 2008 Census Estimate showed a population of 75,884...
, and Brantley
Brantley County, Georgia
Brantley County is a county located in the U.S. state of Georgia. It is part of the 'Brunswick, Georgia Metropolitan Statistical Area' which encompasses all of Brantley, Glynn, and McIntosh counties. As of 2000, the population is 14,629. The 2007 Census Estimate shows a population of 15,440...
counties. As of 2010, the population is 14,333. The county seat
County seat
A county seat is an administrative center, or seat of government, for a county or civil parish. The term is primarily used in the United States....
is Darien
Darien, Georgia
Darien is a city in McIntosh County, Georgia, United States. It lies on Georgia's coast at the mouth of the Altamaha River about 50 miles south of Savannah, and is part of the Brunswick, Georgia Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population of Darien was 1,719 at the 2000 census. The city is the...
.
History
McIntosh County was split off from Liberty CountyLiberty County, Georgia
Liberty County is a county located in the U.S. state of Georgia. As of 2000, the population was 61,610. The 2007 Census Estimate shows a population of 60,503...
in 1793. The new county was named McIntosh for its most famous family, which included Lachlan McIntosh
Lachlan McIntosh
Lachlan McIntosh was a British-born American military and political leader during the American Revolution and the early United States. In a 1777 duel, he shot dead Button Gwinnett, a signer of the Declaration of Independence.-Arrival in Georgia:Lachlan McIntosh was born near Raits, Badenoch,...
, who was a general in the Continental Army
Continental Army
The Continental Army was formed after the outbreak of the American Revolutionary War by the colonies that became the United States of America. Established by a resolution of the Continental Congress on June 14, 1775, it was created to coordinate the military efforts of the Thirteen Colonies in...
. The McIntosh clan in Darien
Darien, Georgia
Darien is a city in McIntosh County, Georgia, United States. It lies on Georgia's coast at the mouth of the Altamaha River about 50 miles south of Savannah, and is part of the Brunswick, Georgia Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population of Darien was 1,719 at the 2000 census. The city is the...
dates back to 1736.
Geography
According to the 2000 census, the county has a total area of 574.53 square miles (1,488 km²), of which 433.45 square miles (1,122.6 km²) (or 75.44%) is land and 141.08 square miles (365.4 km²) (or 24.56%) is water.Major highways
Interstate 95Interstate 95 in GeorgiaInterstate 95, the main Interstate Highway on the east coast of the United States, serves the Atlantic coast of Georgia. It begins at the St. Marys River at the Florida state line north of Jacksonville and heads north past the border of South Carolina at the Savannah River...
U.S. Highway 17
Georgia State Route 57Georgia State Route 57State Route 57 is a west–east state route located in the central part of the U.S. state of Georgia. The route travels from U.S. Route 80/State Route 19 east of Macon east, then southeast, to Interstate 95 north of Darien.-Route description:...
Georgia State Route 99Georgia State Route 99State Route 99 is a state highway located in southeast Georgia in Glynn County and McIntosh County. It roughly follows an old Indian trading trail....
Georgia State Route 131
Georgia State Route 251Georgia State Route 251State Route 251 is a north–south state route located in McIntosh County in the southeastern part of the U.S. state of Georgia. From the route's southern terminus at U.S. Route 17/State Route 25 in Darien, the route runs northwest, intersecting Interstate 95 northwest of the city. The route...
Traffic Signals
Mcintosh County is noteworthy for being the only county in its area having no cycled traffic lights. There are two flashing lights in the county, however. One is at the intersection of US-17 and First Street in Darien, and the other is at the four-way stop intersection of US-17 and GA-99Georgia State Route 99
State Route 99 is a state highway located in southeast Georgia in Glynn County and McIntosh County. It roughly follows an old Indian trading trail....
in Eulonia
Eulonia, Georgia
Eulonia is an unincorporated community in McIntosh County in the U.S. state of Georgia. It is part of the 'Brunswick, Georgia Metropolitan Statistical Area'. It is situated between Savannah and Brunswick just off Interstate 95.-Culture:...
. There have been discussions in Darien of placing a traffic signal at the intersection of GA-251
Georgia State Route 251
State Route 251 is a north–south state route located in McIntosh County in the southeastern part of the U.S. state of Georgia. From the route's southern terminus at U.S. Route 17/State Route 25 in Darien, the route runs northwest, intersecting Interstate 95 northwest of the city. The route...
and US-17, as well as at the Interstate 95
Interstate 95 in Georgia
Interstate 95, the main Interstate Highway on the east coast of the United States, serves the Atlantic coast of Georgia. It begins at the St. Marys River at the Florida state line north of Jacksonville and heads north past the border of South Carolina at the Savannah River...
exit ramps on GA-251
Georgia State Route 251
State Route 251 is a north–south state route located in McIntosh County in the southeastern part of the U.S. state of Georgia. From the route's southern terminus at U.S. Route 17/State Route 25 in Darien, the route runs northwest, intersecting Interstate 95 northwest of the city. The route...
, as traffic flow has increased in Darien in recent years. However, no definite plans have been made in regards to potential future traffic signals.
Adjacent counties
- Liberty CountyLiberty County, GeorgiaLiberty County is a county located in the U.S. state of Georgia. As of 2000, the population was 61,610. The 2007 Census Estimate shows a population of 60,503...
(north) - Glynn CountyGlynn County, GeorgiaGlynn County is a county located in the U.S. state of Georgia. As of 2000, the population was 67,568. The 2008 Census Estimate showed a population of 75,884...
(south) - Wayne CountyWayne County, GeorgiaWayne County is a county located in the U.S. state of Georgia. As of 2000, the population was 26,565. The 2007 Census Estimate showed a population of 29,046. The county seat is Jesup.-History:...
(west) - Long CountyLong County, GeorgiaLong County is a county located in the U.S. state of Georgia. The constitutional amendment to create the county was proposed August 14, 1920, and ratified November 2, 1920. As of 2000, the population is 10,304. The 2007 Census Estimate shows a population of 11,300...
(northwest)
National protected areas
- Blackbeard Island National Wildlife RefugeBlackbeard Island National Wildlife RefugeThe Blackbeard Island National Wildlife Refuge is a 5,618 acre National Wildlife Refuge located in McIntosh county in Georgia. The refuge was established to provide a nature and forest preserve for esthetic and conservation purposes....
- Harris Neck National Wildlife RefugeHarris Neck National Wildlife RefugeThe Harris Neck National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1962 by transfer of federal lands formerly managed by the Federal Aviation Administration as a World War II Army airfield. It consists of of saltwater marsh, grassland, mixed deciduous woods, and cropland.HNNWR is located in McIntosh...
- Wolf Island National Wildlife RefugeWolf Island National Wildlife RefugeWolf Island National Wildlife Refuge, located approximately off the coast of Darien, Georgia in McIntosh County, was established on April 3, 1930 to provide protection and habitat for migratory birds. The barrier island refuge consists of Wolf Island and two smaller islands, Egg and Little Egg...
Demographics
As of the censusCensus
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
of 2010, there were 14,333 people, 4,202 households, and 3,012 families residing in the county. The population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 10/km² (25/mi²). As of the 2000 census, there were 5,735 housing units at an average density of 5/km² (13/mi²). The racial makeup of the county was 61.34% White
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 36.81% Black
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
or African American
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.38% Native American
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.30% Asian
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.04% Pacific Islander
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.27% from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 0.87% from two or more races. 0.91% of the population were Hispanic
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
or Latino
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
of any race.
There were 4,202 households out of which 31.00% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.20% were married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 14.70% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.30% were non-families. 24.20% of all households were made up of individuals and 8.80% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.54 and the average family size was 3.00.
In the county the population was spread out with 28.00% under the age of 18, 7.20% from 18 to 24, 26.90% from 25 to 44, 26.10% from 45 to 64, and 11.80% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females there were 98.00 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.90 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $30,102, and the median income for a family was $34,363. Males had a median income of $29,782 versus $19,598 for females. The per capita income
Per capita income
Per capita income or income per person is a measure of mean income within an economic aggregate, such as a country or city. It is calculated by taking a measure of all sources of income in the aggregate and dividing it by the total population...
for the county was $14,253. About 15.70% of families and 18.70% of the population were below the poverty line, including 24.10% of those under age 18 and 16.90% of those age 65 or over.
Unincorporated communities
- CrescentCrescent, GeorgiaCrescent is an unincorporated community in McIntosh County, Georgia, United States. It lies along State Route 99 north of the city of Darien, the county seat of McIntosh County. Its elevation is 30 feet . Although it is unincorporated, it has a post office, with the ZIP code of 31304....
- EuloniaEulonia, GeorgiaEulonia is an unincorporated community in McIntosh County in the U.S. state of Georgia. It is part of the 'Brunswick, Georgia Metropolitan Statistical Area'. It is situated between Savannah and Brunswick just off Interstate 95.-Culture:...
- TownsendTownsend, GeorgiaTownsend is an unincorporated community in McIntosh County, Georgia, United States. It lies along State Route 57 northwest of the city of Darien, the county seat of McIntosh County. Its elevation is 20 feet . Although it is unincorporated, it has a post office, with the ZIP code of 31331....
- Valona
Civil rights
Despite its large number of black residents, McIntosh County politics continued to be dominated by whites well into the 1970s, even following the federal civil rights legislation of the decade previous. In September 1975, the Georgia Legal Services Program, on behalf of local NAACPNational Association for the Advancement of Colored People
The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, usually abbreviated as NAACP, is an African-American civil rights organization in the United States, formed in 1909. Its mission is "to ensure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights of all persons and to...
members, filed suit in US District Court, alleging that women and blacks were systematically excluded from grand juries responsible for appointing members to the McIntosh County Board of Education. The following May, plaintiffs and county officials reached an agreement providing for random jury selection.
In 1977, the NAACP filed separate suits against McIntosh County and the City of Darien, alleging improper districting for county and city commission seats. The county settled out of court, agreeing to redraw its commission boundaries to include a black-majority district. The NAACP lost its suit against the city, but this decision was remanded and reversed in 1979 by the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
The United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit is a federal court with appellate jurisdiction over the district courts in the following districts:* Eastern District of Louisiana* Middle District of Louisiana...
.
Praying for Sheetrock: A Work of Nonfiction (ISBN 0-201-55048-2) by Melissa Fay Greene
Melissa Fay Greene
Melissa Fay Greene is an American nonfiction author. A 1975 graduate of Oberlin College, Greene is the author of five books of nonfiction, a two-time National Book Award finalist, recipient of an honorary doctorate from Emory University in 2010, and a 2011 inductee into the Georgia Writers Hall of...
narrates the events surrounding the civil rights movement in McIntosh County, particularly the demise of white Sheriff Thomas H. Poppell and the 1978 election of black rights activist Thurnell Alston to the county commission.
Famous residents
McIntosh County is home to- the McIntosh County Shouters, a traditional performance group of the GullahGullahThe Gullah are African Americans who live in the Lowcountry region of South Carolina and Georgia, which includes both the coastal plain and the Sea Islands....
ethnic group, based in the town of EuloniaEulonia, GeorgiaEulonia is an unincorporated community in McIntosh County in the U.S. state of Georgia. It is part of the 'Brunswick, Georgia Metropolitan Statistical Area'. It is situated between Savannah and Brunswick just off Interstate 95.-Culture:...
. They perform the ring shoutRing shoutA shout or ring shout is an ecstatic, transcendent religious ritual, first practiced by African slaves in the West Indies and the United States, in which worshipers move in a circle while shuffling and stomping their feet and clapping their hands...
, an African tradition of counterclockwise movement performed to singing, chanting and percussive accompaniment utilizing the hands and feet, that has been passed down from African ancestors from generation to generation. - Arthur ConleyArthur ConleyArthur Lee Conley was an American soul singer, best known for the 1967 hit "Sweet Soul Music".-Career:...
(January 4, 1946 – November 17, 2003) soul singer.