Middleton, Tennessee facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Middleton, Tennessee
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| Motto(s):
"Crossroads of the South"
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Location of Middleton in Hardeman County, Tennessee
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| Country | United States |
| State | Tennessee |
| County | Hardeman |
| Chartered | 1850 |
| Area | |
| • Total | 2.10 sq mi (5.43 km2) |
| • Land | 2.09 sq mi (5.41 km2) |
| • Water | 0.01 sq mi (0.02 km2) |
| Elevation | 417 ft (127 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 658 |
| • Density | 314.83/sq mi (121.54/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| ZIP code |
38052
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| Area code(s) | 731 |
| FIPS code | 47-48340 |
| GNIS feature ID | 1293713 |
Middleton is a small city in Hardeman County, Tennessee, United States. It is known as the "Crossroads of the South" because it sits where two main roads meet. In 2020, about 658 people lived there.
Contents
History of Middleton
Middleton was first settled by people from a nearby place called Slab Town. In 1849, two men named Jesse Jenkins and William Taylor McCommons came from North Carolina. They gave most of the land where Middleton is now.
The town was first called "Jenkins-McCommons Crossing." It became a city in 1850 when the Memphis and Charleston Railroad expanded and built a train station there. The city was named after an important person from the railroad company.
Middleton faced a very hard time during the American Civil War. After the war, almost all the buildings were gone. Only one small log building, which was a store, was left standing.
Geography of Middleton
Middleton is located in the southeastern part of Hardeman County. It sits at specific coordinates: 35.058798 degrees North and 88.891728 degrees West.
Tennessee State Route 125 is the main road in Middleton. It goes north about 15 miles to Bolivar, which is the main town of the county. South of Middleton, this road goes about 4 miles to the border of Mississippi. Another town, Walnut, Mississippi, is about 8 miles south.
Tennessee State Route 57 also crosses Route 125 in Middleton. This road goes east about 16 miles to Ramer and west about 17 miles to Grand Junction.
The city covers a total area of about 5.0 square kilometers (about 2.0 square miles). Most of this is land, with a very small amount of water. The city's water flows east into Cypress Creek, which then goes into the Hatchie River.
Population of Middleton
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1860 | 143 | — | |
| 1870 | 150 | 4.9% | |
| 1880 | 189 | 26.0% | |
| 1890 | 191 | 1.1% | |
| 1900 | 287 | 50.3% | |
| 1910 | 273 | −4.9% | |
| 1920 | 321 | 17.6% | |
| 1930 | 372 | 15.9% | |
| 1940 | 430 | 15.6% | |
| 1950 | 362 | −15.8% | |
| 1960 | 461 | 27.3% | |
| 1970 | 654 | 41.9% | |
| 1980 | 596 | −8.9% | |
| 1990 | 536 | −10.1% | |
| 2000 | 602 | 12.3% | |
| 2010 | 706 | 17.3% | |
| 2020 | 658 | −6.8% | |
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In 2000, there were 602 people living in Middleton. There were 259 homes, and 171 of these were families. The population density was about 326 people per square mile.
About 23.4% of the people were under 18 years old. About 19.9% were 65 years or older. The average age in the city was 41 years old.
Economy and Jobs
Middleton has a large commercial park that can be reached by train. This helps businesses move their goods. The town also has a big facility that distributes natural gas.
Many factories and companies in Middleton provide over 1,000 jobs. For example, ThyssenKrupp has a factory that makes elevators here. Other businesses include Middleton Fiberglass, a company that sells hardwood, and EP Minerals, LLC, which makes cat litter.
Fun Things to Do
Yearly Events
Middleton has several fun events each year:
- The Fur, Fin and Feather Festival happens around Labor Day.
- The "M-Town Variety Show" takes place in March.
- An annual Christmas parade and other holiday events are held in December.
Places to Visit
The oldest building in Middleton is the Rose House, built in 1833. The second oldest is the Methodist Church and Adams Masonic Lodge #264, built in 1859.
The City Hall also has a special memorial for veterans. The community has a library and a community center. There are two city parks where people can play. There is also a "Boy Scout Hut" for the local Boy Scouts of America troop, which started in Middleton in 1938.
City Services
Getting Around
Middleton has two main roads:
- Tennessee State Route 57 (Tennessee Avenue)
- Tennessee State Route 125 (Main Street)
The city is also served by the Norfolk Southern Railway system.
Water and Recycling
Middleton provides water and sewer services to its residents. There is also a place where people can drop off items for recycling.
Safety Services
The town has a full-time police chief and police department to help keep everyone safe. The Middleton Volunteer Fire Department also serves the community. They have a good fire insurance rating, which means they are well-prepared for emergencies.
Famous People from Middleton
Middleton has been home to several famous people:
- Bailey Howell was born and grew up in Middleton. He became a very famous basketball player and is in the Basketball Hall of Fame. He played for the Boston Celtics.
- Steve Hamer went to high school in Middleton before playing basketball for the University of Tennessee.
- Wayne Haddix was born nearby but went to Middleton High School. He played football for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
- Jim Stewart and Estelle Axton, who started the famous Stax Records music company, were also born in Middleton.
See also
In Spanish: Middleton (Tennessee) para niños
