Savannah, TN

Town Square in Savannah

Savannah (originally Rudd's Ferry) is a city in Hardin County, Tennessee. It is the county seat of Hardin CountyHistory

The city's original name was Rudd's Ferry, but this was changed in 1850 when the state legislature incorporated the town. and had a population of 6,917 at the 2000 census. Savannah hosted the NAIA college football national championship game from 1996-2007. Savannah is home to several places of historical significance, including the Cherry Family Mansion.

Cherry Mansion


Cherry Mansion in 1974

Savannah, Tennessee's Cherry Mansion is located on the east bank of the Tennessee River. The historic house served as General Ulysses S. Grant's headquarters prior to the 1862 Battle of Shiloh. Two Union generals died in the house. The well-preserved mansion was built in 1830. Although privately-owned, it remains a "must see" sight for U.S. Civil War buffs who travel to the Shiloh, Tennessee area.

Battle of Shiloh

Hardin County was the site of the 1862 Battle of Shiloh (also known as the "Battle of Pittsburg Landing") during the Civil War. This battleground site is just south of the town of Savannah. Union General Ulysses S. Grant commandeered the Cherry Mansion just off the town square for use as a headquarters during the battle.

Demographics


County courthouse dedication plaque at the town square

As of the census of 2000, there were 6,917 people, 2,915 households, and 1,862 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,207.5 people per square mile (466.1/km²). There were 3,206 housing units at an average density of 559.7 per square mile (216.0/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 89.79% White, 8.56% African American, 0.22% Native American, 0.29% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.35% from other races, and 0.78% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.13% of the population. The population as certified in 2006 is 7,030.

There were 2,915 households out of which 27.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.3% were married couples living together, 15.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.1% were non-families. 32.8% of all households were made up of individuals and 15.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.25 and the average family size was 2.83.

In the city the population was spread out with 22.4% under the age of 18, 8.6% from 18 to 24, 24.3% from 25 to 44, 24.0% from 45 to 64, and 20.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females there were 85.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 79.7 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $22,779, and the median income for a family was $29,771. Males had a median income of $26,311 versus $20,219 for females. The per capita income for the city was $15,101. About 20.7% of families and 23.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 28.4% of those under age 18 and 16.5% of those age 65 or over.

The 2007 population estimate was 7,262.

Notable Residents

John Barnhill, American football player, coach, and collegiate athletics administrator

Stubby Clapp, Minor League baseball player

Geron Davis, musician and composer

Hank DeBerry, Major League baseball catcher in the early 20th century

Bolden Reush Harrison, Naval officer and Medal of Honor recipient

Jim Hardin, Major League pitcher from 1967-1973, World Series Champion in 1970.

Chad Harville, Major League Baseball pitcher.

Myles Horton, educator and civil rights activist.

Elizabeth Patterson, actress on I Love Lucy

Darryl Worley, country music performer.

Queen, grandmother of author Alex Haley

Source: Internet