Gate City, Virginia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Gate City
|
|
|---|---|
Gate City in 2007
|
|
Location of Gate City, Virginia
|
|
| Country | United States |
| State | Virginia |
| County | Scott |
| Area | |
| • Total | 4.02 sq mi (10.41 km2) |
| • Land | 3.98 sq mi (10.31 km2) |
| • Water | 0.04 sq mi (0.10 km2) |
| Elevation | 1,339 ft (408 m) |
| Population
(2010)
|
|
| • Total | 2,034 |
| • Estimate
(2019)
|
1,869 |
| • Density | 469.48/sq mi (181.28/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC−5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−4 (EDT) |
| ZIP code |
24251
|
| Area code(s) | 276 |
| FIPS code | 51-30496 |
| GNIS feature ID | 1498481 |
| Website | Official website: http://www.mygatecity.com/ |
Gate City is a small town located in Scott County, Virginia, in the United States. In 2010, about 2,034 people lived there. It is the main town, or county seat, of Scott County. This means it's where the county government offices are located.
Gate City is also part of a larger area called the Kingsport–Bristol–Bristol metropolitan area. This area is sometimes known as the "Tri-Cities" region. You might be interested to know that some parts of the 1984 movie The River were filmed in Gate City.
Contents
History of Gate City
Early Beginnings
The land where Gate City now stands was first granted to Silas Engart in 1771. He received 200 acres of land. Later, in 1815, when Scott County was formed, a landowner named James Davidson, Sr. gave about 13 acres of his farm. This land was used to create the county seat.
The town's location was very important. It was near Big Moccasin Gap and the North Fork of the Holston River. This made it a key spot for people and goods traveling through the area.
Naming the Town
When the county seat was first set up in 1815, it was named Winfield. This name honored General Winfield Scott, a hero from the War of 1812. The main street in the new town was named after another war hero and future president, Andrew Jackson.
In 1817, the town's name was changed to Estillville. This new name honored Benjamin Estill, a local judge. He played a big part in forming the new county. Because of its location, Estillville grew into an important trading center. Farmers sold their goods here, and business people came for legal matters. Wagon trains and coach lines regularly carried people, mail, and goods through the town.
Becoming "Gate City"
The town got its current name, Gate City, in 1886. The Attorney General at the time, Rufus A. Ayers, said that being close to Big Moccasin Gap made the town the "Gate Way to the West." The town officially became a city in 1892.
Growth and Change
At the start of the 1900s, Gate City was a busy "boom town" in southwestern Virginia. Even though the streets were mostly dirt, it was a lively place for business and travel. Up to six passenger trains passed through Gate City every day.
The town also had a railroad log yard. Logs from all over the county were stored there and then loaded onto trains. Iron ore and glass sand were also processed and shipped from Gate City. The town had a busy manufacturing area on Water Street. Here, things like wood pumps, sleds, and harnesses were made.
By 1915, Gate City had many businesses. These included two stables, a blacksmith shop, a dentist's office, and an ice plant. There was also a casket shop and a furniture factory. By the 1930s, the town had three movie theaters, banks, and a hotel. There were also two businesses that sold and repaired cars.
Later Years
By the 1950s and 1960s, Gate City's growth slowed down. Many residents started working in Kingsport, Tennessee, which is about 6 miles south. Because of this, several local businesses and small factories closed. By 2010, many old commercial buildings were empty. However, the Gate City Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This helps protect its history.
Interestingly, Pilot Flying J, a very large company with travel centers across North America, started in Gate City in 1958.
Geography and Location
Gate City is located at 36°38′18″N 82°34′50″W / 36.63833°N 82.58056°W. It covers a total area of about 2.1 square miles (5.4 square kilometers). Most of this area is land, with a small part being water.
The town is bordered by a mountain. It is located near the Tennessee state line. Major roads like U.S. Route 23 and U.S. Route 421 pass through or near Gate City.
Population Information
| Historical population | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1900 | 521 | — | |
| 1910 | 599 | 15.0% | |
| 1920 | 684 | 14.2% | |
| 1930 | 1,216 | 77.8% | |
| 1940 | 1,565 | 28.7% | |
| 1950 | 2,126 | 35.8% | |
| 1960 | 2,142 | 0.8% | |
| 1970 | 1,914 | −10.6% | |
| 1980 | 2,494 | 30.3% | |
| 1990 | 2,214 | −11.2% | |
| 2000 | 2,159 | −2.5% | |
| 2010 | 2,034 | −5.8% | |
| 2020 | 2,043 | 0.4% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
In the year 2000, there were 2,159 people living in Gate City. There were 984 households, and 604 families. About 23.7% of households had children under 18. Around 47.9% were married couples.
The population was mostly White (95.69%). About 3.80% were African American. A small number were Native American or from two or more races.
The average age in Gate City in 2000 was 43 years old. About 20% of the population was under 18.
Notable People
- Fayette McMullen – He was the second appointed Governor of Washington Territory.
- Mac McClung – A basketball player who plays for the Orlando Magic.
Gallery
-
A view of Gate City.
-
Another look at Gate City.
See also
In Spanish: Gate City para niños
