Andrews, North Carolina

Andrews is a town in Cherokee County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 1,781 at the 2010 census.[5]

Postcard of main street in Andrews, 1950's.
Andrews, North Carolina
Town
First Baptist Church in Andrews
Location of Andrews, North Carolina
Coordinates: 35°12′0″N 83°49′35″W
CountryUnited States
StateNorth Carolina
CountyCherokee
Area
 • Total1.70 sq mi (4.40 km2)
 • Land1.70 sq mi (4.40 km2)
 • Water0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2)
Elevation
1,781 ft (543 m)
Population
 (2010)
 • Total1,781
 • Estimate 
(2019)[2]
1,846
 • Density1,085.88/sq mi (419.33/km2)
Time zoneUTC-5 (Eastern (EST))
 • Summer (DST)UTC-4 (EDT)
ZIP code
28901
Area code(s)828
FIPS code37-01380[3]
GNIS feature ID1018822[4]
Websitewww.andrewsnc.org

History

Cherokee era

The area is rich in Native American history. Indigenous peoples lived in the area for thousands of years before European encounter. By the late 16th or 17th centuries, the historic Cherokee had likely established their culture.

An 1805 European-American map shows the area as the Cherokee settlement Toonatla. It was later listed on a map of the Cherokee Nation as Gunahita. By the time of the removal of the Cherokee Indians in 1838, it was known as Konehetee, or "valley".

One of the most infamous periods in history, the removal of the Cherokee on their journey on the Trail of Tears, had several related actions in the valley. Fort Delaney, one of five forts in the area, was located about 16 miles (26 km) from the mouth of the Valley River on the upper Hiwassee River. The road across Tatham Gap, directly north of Andrews, was built by the US Army to transport Cherokee from Fort Montgomery, which was located in what is now Robbinsville, North Carolina to Fort Delaney and beyond. It is said that the first store in the valley was opened in a former home of Chief Junaluska, who was residing in Valley Town at the time of the removal.

Andrews

The largest town within the township is Andrews. In the early 19th century, when most white settlers began arriving, the area was known as "Jamesville", after James Whitaker. An Indian trading post was established in 1837, just a short time before Cherokee removal. Soon after that, the community was known as "Valley Town".

Andrews was established like many other southern towns, through a land auction. The Richmond and Danville Railroad had stopped construction of the Murphy Branch just east of here. In the late 1880s, Col. A.B. Andrews, who was a second vice president for Richmond and Danville, was sent to the area to establish a commissary for workers in the Nantahala construction camps. Andrews bought 50 acres (20 ha) of land for the sum of $1,200. By spring 1890, Andrews was instructed to sell off the 50-acre tract at a land sale, which was held in September. The land was platted out, and about three quarters of the lots were sold at the initial sale. Some lots were donated for a schoolhouse and churches. The remaining lots were sold through private sales.

In 1905, the town was incorporated, with David Samuel Russell appointed as the first mayor of the new town. The Franklin Pierce Cover House, First Baptist Church, and Walker's Inn are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.[6]

After African-Americans were forced out of Cumming, Georgia in 1912, some came to Andrews and started a community called Happytop.[7]

Marble

The town of Marble derived its name from the white, blue, gray and pink marble which were quarried in the area and known throughout America for its high quality. It is located on the western edge of the township.

Topton

Topton, which is the first town visitors see coming from the east, was instrumental in the expansion of the railroad into the western corner of the state.

Geography

Andrews is located in northeastern Cherokee County at 35°12′00″N 83°49′35″W,[8] on the south side of the Valley River, a southwest-flowing tributary of the Hiwassee River and part of the Tennessee River watershed.

U.S. Routes 19, 74, and U.S. Route 129 form a four-lane bypass around the northern edge of the town; the highways lead northeast 8 miles (13 km) to Topton, where they diverge, and southwest 15 miles (24 km) to Murphy, the county seat. Bryson City is 32 miles (51 km) northeast via US 19/74, and Robbinsville is 20 miles (32 km) north via US 129.

According to the United States Census Bureau, Andrews has a total area of 1.6 square miles (4.2 km2), all of it land.[5]

Valleytown Township dominates the eastern part of Cherokee County. The area is bordered by Graham County to the north, Clay County to the south, and Macon County to the east. Within the township are the towns of Marble in the west, Andrews at the center, and Topton in the far east at the Macon and Graham county lines. The Valley River, once known by the Cherokee name Gunahita, meaning "long", begins near Topton and meanders southwesterly until it meets the Hiwassee River below Murphy.

Government and public safety

Municipal government

Andrews is governed by an elected mayor and four alderman.

Public safety

Andrews municipal police department is located at 1101 Main Street at the City Hall.[9] and is assisted by the Cherokee County Sheriff when requested. Andrews Fire Department is located at 5 Locust Street and the Rescue Squad at 604 Locust Street.[10]

Demographics
Historical population
CensusPop.%±
1910936—
19201,63474.6%
19301,7487.0%
19401,520−13.0%
19501,397−8.1%
19601,4040.5%
19701,384−1.4%
19801,62117.1%
19902,55157.4%
20001,602−37.2%
20101,78111.2%
2019 (est.)1,846[2]3.6%
U.S. Decennial Census[11]

As of the 2010 census, the total population was 1,781 people residing in 780 households including 452 family units. The population density was 1,090 people per square mile.[12]

In the 2000 census, there were 831 housing units at an average density of 613.2 per square mile (235.9/km2). The racial makeup of the town was 93.76% White, 2.68% African American, 0.69% Native American, 1.06% from other races, and 1.81% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.62% of the population.

There were 703 households, of which 26.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 41.7% were married couples living together, 14.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 39.7% were non-families. 36.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 18.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.17 and the average family size was 2.81.

Age distribution was 22.1% under the age of 18, 6.7% from 18 to 24, 25.8% from 25 to 44, 22.0% from 45 to 64, and 23.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females, there were 88.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 77.8 males.

The median household income was $20,273, and the median family income was $28,320. Males had a median income of $23,462 versus $16,375 for females. The per capita income for the town was $11,350. About 17.6% of families and 21.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 31.4% of those under age 18 and 22.9% of those age 65 or over.

Notable people

References
  1. "2019 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved July 27, 2020.
  2. "Population and Housing Unit Estimates". United States Census Bureau. May 24, 2020. Retrieved May 27, 2020.
  3. "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved 2008-01-31.
  4. "US Board on Geographic Names". United States Geological Survey. 2007-10-25. Retrieved 2008-01-31.
  5. "Geographic Identifiers: 2010 Demographic Profile Data (G001): Andrews town, North Carolina". U.S. Census Bureau, American Factfinder. Archived from the original on February 12, 2020. Retrieved December 30, 2014.
  6. "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. July 9, 2010.
  7. Neufeld, Rob (May 2, 2016). "Visiting Our Past: Andrews author provides insight into 'Affrilachia' May 2". Asheville Citizen-Times.
  8. "US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990". United States Census Bureau. 2011-02-12. Retrieved 2011-04-23.
  9. Andrews City website,
  10. Andrews, NC, town map.
  11. "Census of Population and Housing". Census.gov. Retrieved June 4, 2015.
  12. "Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010 (DP-1): Andrews town, North Carolina". U.S. Census Bureau, American Factfinder. Archived from the original on December 30, 2014. Retrieved December 30, 2014.
  13. "Dave Bristol at North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame". Archived from the original on 2013-12-15. Retrieved 2013-12-15.
  14. Our State Magazine Charles Frazier Profile
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