Tracy City, Tennessee facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Tracy City, Tennessee
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Tracy City City Hall, November 2014.
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Location of Tracy City in Grundy County, Tennessee.
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| Country | United States |
| State | Tennessee |
| County | Grundy |
| Established | 1850s |
| Incorporated | 1915 |
| Named for | Samuel Franklin Tracy |
| Area | |
| • Total | 4.77 sq mi (12.36 km2) |
| • Land | 4.66 sq mi (12.06 km2) |
| • Water | 0.12 sq mi (0.30 km2) |
| Elevation | 1,828 ft (557 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 1,406 |
| • Density | 301.98/sq mi (116.60/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| ZIP code |
37387
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| Area code(s) | 931 |
| FIPS code | 47-74880 |
| GNIS feature ID | 1304149 |
Tracy City is a town located in Grundy County, Tennessee, in the United States. It became an official town in 1915. In 2020, about 1,406 people lived there. The town is named after Samuel Franklin Tracy, a person who helped fund projects. Tracy City grew because of its railroads and coal mining. Coal was first found here in 1840. In 2010, the town had a very unusual election for mayor.
Contents
History of Tracy City
In 1840, some local boys were digging for a groundhog when they found coal. This discovery led to the town's growth. In the early 1870s, an experimental blast furnace was built in Tracy City. It was called "Fiery Gizzard." This furnace was built to see if local coal could be used to make iron. It produced 15 tons of iron before it stopped working. A historical marker now shows where the furnace once stood.
From 1875 to 1900, many workers and their families moved to Tracy City. They came to work at the coke ovens, which made fuel for railroads and factories. By 1910, the coal industry started to slow down. The town officially became incorporated in 1915.
Tracy City is also home to the Dutch Maid Bakery. It is the oldest family-owned bakery in Tennessee. In 1987, the old coke ovens were added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means they are important historical sites.
Geography and Location
Tracy City is located at 35°15′39″N 85°44′30″W / 35.26083°N 85.74167°W. The United States Census Bureau says the town covers about 4.8 square miles (12.36 square kilometers). Most of this area is land, with a small part being water.
Population and People
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1890 | 1,936 | — | |
| 1950 | 1,414 | — | |
| 1960 | 1,577 | 11.5% | |
| 1970 | 1,388 | −12.0% | |
| 1980 | 1,444 | 4.0% | |
| 1990 | 1,556 | 7.8% | |
| 2000 | 1,679 | 7.9% | |
| 2010 | 1,481 | −11.8% | |
| 2020 | 1,406 | −5.1% | |
| Sources: | |||
People in 2020
| Race | Number | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| White (non-Hispanic) | 1,278 | 90.9% |
| Black or African American (non-Hispanic) | 1 | 0.07% |
| Native American | 2 | 0.14% |
| Asian | 11 | 0.78% |
| Other/Mixed | 84 | 5.97% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 30 | 2.13% |
In 2020, there were 1,406 people living in Tracy City. There were 614 households and 390 families in the town.
Economy and Businesses
Tracy City is known for a few special businesses. The Dutch Maid Bakery is here. It opened in 1902 and still uses recipes from Switzerland. You can visit the bakery!
The Marugg Company also has its main office in Tracy City. This company was started in 1873 by Christian Marugg, who came from Switzerland. They make European-style scythes, which are tools used for cutting grass. The Marugg Company is also on the National Register of Historic Places. You can even take tours there.
Arts, Culture, and Community
Tracy City is home to the Grundy County Historical Society. This group helps preserve the history of the area. The town also has the Tracy City Library.
There is an art gallery called "The Nature Works" [1]. It shows art that focuses on nature and wildlife. Tracy City has twelve churches, including the Tracy City First Baptist Church, which started in 1892.
Parks and Outdoor Fun
Tracy City is at one end of the Fiery Gizzard Trail. This trail is famous for its beautiful scenery and different types of plants and animals. It's a great place for hiking.
The town also has a picnic area by the road and a small park called Tracy City Mini Park. There is a community center, the Plainview Community Center, where people can gather. Grundy Lakes State Park is also located in Tracy City, offering more outdoor activities.
Notable People from Tracy City
- Charlie Tate was born in Tracy City. He was an American college football player and later coached at the University of Miami.
- Judy Jones, who was crowned Miss Tennessee in 1939, was from Tracy City.
- Baseball player Phil Douglas is buried in the Tracy City Cemetery. He passed away in Sequatchie, Tennessee.
See also
In Spanish: Tracy City para niños
