Rincon, Georgia Facts for Kids

Rincon is a city located in Effingham County, Georgia, in the United States. In 2020, about 10,934 people lived there. This was a big increase from 8,836 people in 2010. Rincon is part of the larger Savannah area.

History of Rincon
Geography
Demographics
Notable People
See also

History of Rincon

Rincon is in the southeast part of Effingham County, Georgia. It officially became a city in 1927. The first settlers came to this area in 1751. However, the town did not grow much until the late 1800s.

The Civil War and Ebenezer Creek

Savannah Campaign (Sherman's March to the Sea).

During the American Civil War, many enslaved people escaped to Union Army lines. Hundreds of African Americans drowned while trying to cross Ebenezer Creek. This happened near where Rincon is today, outside of Savannah. In 2010, the Georgia Historical Society put up a marker. This marker helps remember these events and the sacrifices made for freedom.

Railroad and Early Growth

Rincon started to grow quickly when the railroad arrived in the 1890s. A train line was built from the Carolinas, through the Savannah River area, and south to Savannah. People believe the city's name comes from the Spanish or Mexican word Rincón. This word means "corner" or a small, isolated place.

Once the railroad and a train station were built, a telegraph operator worked there by 1895. This allowed people to communicate over long distances. Besides the railroad, a dirt road was built from Savannah to Rincon. This road is now State Highway 21. Other country roads also developed.

Rincon became a busy trading spot. Farmers and sawmill operators used to take their cotton and lumber to Savannah. Now, they could bring their products to Rincon to ship them by train. They could also receive goods and travel as train passengers.

World War I and New Homes

Around the time of World War I, Rincon saw more activity. Some local men joined the military. Many people from Rincon traveled daily to work in shipbuilding and war-related factories. These factories were in Port Wentworth and Savannah. After the war, new homes were built for both new and old residents.

Schools and Reincorporation

Around 1900, a school for white students was started in an old building. A few years later, a new two-story school was built. It had a bell tower and a bell. This building was used for over 40 years for both elementary and high school. It was first called Effingham Institute. In the 1920s, its name changed to Rincon High School. African Americans were not allowed to attend this school due to segregation.

By 1929, the town's government was not very active because the population was small. However, the population started to grow again later. By 1950, there were 454 people. By 1960, there were 1,057. Rincon was officially reorganized as the Town of Rincon in late 1954. The city's original borders were a circle, but they have changed over time.

Modern Improvements

Around 1934, Georgia State Route 21 was paved. This road goes through Rincon. In 1939, electric lines were installed. This brought electricity to homes from the Savannah Electric and Power Company. These improvements happened during the Great Depression. They helped create jobs for people. The federal government, under President Franklin D. Roosevelt's WPA program, helped pay for these projects.

In late 1955, Rincon got its own city water system. This meant homes had "running water" for the first time. In 1956, a volunteer fire department was started. Also, many main roads and streets were paved that year.

Since 1990, Rincon's population has grown very fast. This is because suburban areas around Savannah have expanded. The population grew from 2,697 in 1990 to an estimated 9,638 in 2014.

Geography

Rincon is located in the southeast part of Effingham County. Its coordinates are 32°17′36″N 81°14′3″W / 32.29333°N 81.23417°W / 32.29333; -81.23417. Georgia State Route 21 goes through the city. This road leads northwest 7 miles to Springfield, which is the county seat. It also leads south 18 miles to Savannah.

The United States Census Bureau says the city covers about 23.0 square kilometers (9.75 square miles). All of this area is land.

Demographics

Historical population
Census	Pop.	%±
1930	317	—
1940	285	−10.1%
1950	424	48.8%
1960	1,057	149.3%
1970	1,854	75.4%
1980	1,988	7.2%
1990	2,697	35.7%
2000	4,376	62.3%
2010	8,836	101.9%
2020	10,934	23.7%
U.S. Decennial Census

Rincon racial composition as of 2020
Race	Num.	Perc.
White (non-Hispanic)	6,663	60.94%
Black or African American (non-Hispanic)	2,512	22.97%
Native American	28	0.26%
Asian	254	2.32%
Pacific Islander	10	0.09%
Other/Mixed	650	5.94%
Hispanic or Latino	817	7.47%

As of the 2020 United States census, there were 10,934 people living in Rincon. There were 3,827 households and 2,537 families.

Notable People

Billy Currington, a country music artist; he grew up in Rincon.
Bill Hitchens - A politician who lives in Rincon.
Sydney Martinez - A professional footballer who was born in Rincon.
Tracy Yardley, a comic book artist who lives in Rincon.

Rincon, Georgia facts for kids

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