Watauga, Tennessee facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Watauga
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Location of Watauga in Carter County, Tennessee.
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| Country | United States |
| State | Tennessee |
| Counties | Carter, Washington |
| Incorporated | 1960 |
| Named for | Cherokee word for "beautiful river" |
| Area | |
| • Total | 0.90 sq mi (2.33 km2) |
| • Land | 0.87 sq mi (2.26 km2) |
| • Water | 0.03 sq mi (0.07 km2) |
| Elevation | 1,453 ft (443 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 353 |
| • Density | 404.35/sq mi (156.13/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP code |
37694
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| Area code(s) | 423 |
| FIPS code | 47-78240 |
| GNIS feature ID | 1327319 |
Watauga is a small city located in the state of Tennessee, USA. It is found in both Carter and Washington counties. The name "Watauga" comes from a Cherokee word meaning "beautiful river."
In 2020, about 353 people lived in Watauga. It is part of the larger Johnson City Metropolitan Statistical Area. This area is also known as the "Tri-Cities" region.
Contents
Exploring Watauga's Past
Watauga has a rich history, especially from the 1700s. It was one of the first places where European pioneers settled in Tennessee.
Early Settlers and Government
In 1769, William Bean, who is thought to be Tennessee's first white settler, built his home near what is now Watauga. A group called the Watauga Association was an early government for the frontier. It was located nearby in Elizabethton during the 1770s.
The Railroad and Civil War
When the East Tennessee and Virginia Railroad was built in the 1850s, a train stop was created in Watauga. It was called Carter's Depot or Carter's Station. A large trestle (a bridge with a framework) was built here to carry the train tracks over the Watauga River.
Carter's Depot was important for the railroad. It had a water tank for trains, storage buildings, a telegraph office, and a post office.
Watauga's Role in the Civil War
During the Civil War, the trestle at Carter's Depot was very important. The railroad was a key way to move supplies between Virginia and the rest of the Southern states.
In November 1861, some people tried to burn the railroad bridges in East Tennessee. They wanted to destroy the trestle at Carter's Depot, but it was too well-guarded by Confederate soldiers.
Later, in December 1862, Union General Samuel P. Carter led a raid. His forces defeated the Confederates at Carter's Depot and destroyed the trestle. On October 1, 1864, another fight happened there. Union forces, led by General Alvan C. Gillem, pushed Confederate soldiers across the river.
Understanding Watauga's Location
Watauga is located right along the Watauga River. It sits at the beginning of Boone Lake. This is about 18 miles (29 km) upriver from where the Watauga River joins the South Fork Holston River.
City Boundaries and Nearby Towns
The main part of Watauga is in Carter County. However, some of its city limits reach into Washington County. Johnson City is about 5 miles (8 km) to the southwest. Elizabethton is also about 5 miles (8 km) to the southeast.
Area and Water Features
The city covers a total area of about 0.90 square miles (2.33 square kilometers). Most of this area is land, about 0.87 square miles (2.26 square kilometers). A small part, about 0.03 square miles (0.07 square kilometers), is water.
Who Lives in Watauga?
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1970 | 314 | — | |
| 1980 | 376 | 19.7% | |
| 1990 | 389 | 3.5% | |
| 2000 | 403 | 3.6% | |
| 2010 | 458 | 13.6% | |
| 2020 | 353 | −22.9% | |
| Sources: | |||
The census helps us understand the people who live in Watauga.
Population and Homes
In 2000, there were 403 people living in Watauga. These people lived in 162 households, and 111 of these were families. The average number of people in each household was about 2.49. For families, the average was about 2.97 people.
Most people in Watauga were White (98.01%). A small number were African American (1.74%) or from two or more races (0.25%). About 1.24% of the population was Hispanic or Latino.
Age Groups in Watauga
The population of Watauga includes people of all ages.
- About 23.1% of the people were under 18 years old.
- About 9.4% were between 18 and 24 years old.
- About 31.0% were between 25 and 44 years old.
- About 23.6% were between 45 and 64 years old.
- About 12.9% were 65 years old or older.
The median age in the city was 37 years. This means half the people were younger than 37 and half were older.
Income and Economy
In 2000, the median income for a household in Watauga was $28,438 per year. For families, the median income was $36,429 per year. The average income per person in the city was $13,551.
About 11.0% of families and 18.1% of all people lived below the poverty line. This included 36.1% of those under 18 and 10.4% of those 65 or older.
Learning in Watauga
The schools in Watauga are managed by different school districts, depending on which county the students live in.
School Districts Serving Watauga
- If a student lives in the Carter County part of Watauga, they attend schools in the Carter County School District.
- If a student lives in the Washington County part of Watauga, they attend schools in the Washington County School District.
See also
- In Spanish: Watauga (Tennessee) para niños
