Fayetteville is the county seat of and the largest city in Lincoln County, Tennessee, United States. The city's population was 7,095 at the 2020 census.

History

Fayetteville is the largest city in Lincoln County. The city was established in 1809 by an Act of the Tennessee General Assembly. The act became effective on January 1, 1810.

thumb|left|Child labor at the Elk Cotton Mills in Fayetteville, 1910. Photo by [[Lewis Hine.]]

The lands that include Lincoln County and Fayetteville were originally part of Cherokee and Chickasaw land. They were ceded to the United States in 1806.

The city was named for Fayetteville, North Carolina, where some of its earliest residents had lived before moving to Tennessee. The earlier town was named for Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette, a French general who fought for the United States during the American Revolution. Lincoln County was named for Major General Benjamin Lincoln, second in command of the U.S. Army at the end of the Revolutionary War.

The earliest white settler was Ezekiel Norris, who gave the one hundred acres upon which the city was built. In addition to Ezekiel Norris, other founding fathers of Fayetteville include: Alexander and Andrew Greer, William Edmonson, and Matthew Buchanan.

In 1995, the International Gospel Hour radio broadcast, founded in Texarkana, Texas, by the clergyman V. E. Howard was transferred to the West Fayetteville Church of Christ in Fayetteville under the minister Winford Claiborne.

Tornadoes

Several devastating tornadoes of struck the city during its history. On February 29, 1952, the town was hit by a catastrophic and violent F4 tornado that damaged or obliterated numerous homes, businesses, trees, power lines, vehicles, and other buildings. Two people were killed and 150 others were injured. The city was also devastated by tornadoes on March 14, 1851; March 27, 1890; and April 29, 1909. An EF2 tornado on March 24, 2023 also followed a path similar to the 1952 tornado.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of , all land.

Climate

The climate of Fayetteville is characterized by relatively warm temperatures and heavy rainfall throughout the year. The Köppen Climate Classification subtype for this climate is "Cfa" (Humid Subtropical Climate). Fayetteville's Trewartha climate classification is also subtropical (Cf).

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, Fayetteville had a population of 7,068.

Racial and ethnic composition

{| class="wikitable"

|+ Racial composition as of the 2020 census

! Race !! Number !! Percent

|-

| White || 4,862 || 68.8%

|-

| Black or African American || 1,476 || 20.9%

|-

| American Indian and Alaska Native || 43 || 0.6%

|-

| Asian || 44 || 0.6%

|-

| Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander || 2 || 0.0%

|-

| Some other race || 112 || 1.6%

|-

| Two or more races || 529 || 7.5%

|-

| Hispanic or Latino (of any race) || 271 || 3.8%

|}

2020 census

The median age was 43.9 years. 21.9% of residents were under the age of 18 and 23.4% of residents were 65 years of age or older. For every 100 females there were 81.8 males, and for every 100 females age 18 and over there were 78.0 males age 18 and over.

There were 3,163 households in Fayetteville, of which 26.0% had children under the age of 18 living in them. Of all households, 31.2% were married-couple households, 19.3% were households with a male householder and no spouse or partner present, and 43.4% were households with a female householder and no spouse or partner present. About 41.7% of all households were made up of individuals and 21.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. There were 1,548 families residing in the city. This second courthouse was demolished and replaced by the current Colonial Revival-style building in 1970.

Camp Blount Monument

The Camp Blount marker, erected in 1998, stands along Huntsville Highway (US-431) near the WalMart shopping center. The camp was located along the Elk River and was a meeting point for the Tennessee soldiers who were serving under General Andrew Jackson in the Creek War of 1813–1814. Camp Blount also was a meeting point for soldiers during the Seminole Wars in 1818 and 1836, and for both Confederate and Federal troops during the Civil War.

Attractions

Lincoln County Fair

The Lincoln County Fair grounds are located in Fayetteville Tennessee. The Lincoln County Fair Association was issued its charter in 1906 and is a nonprofit organization with all profits going back into maintaining the fair grounds. In 1980, the fair became a district fair, serving five counties and paying over $10,000 in agriculture premiums.

As far back as 1889, there are records for the harness racing that takes place still today at the fairgrounds. The racetrack was made of red clay until 1978 when it was converted to an all weather track by grading it and covering it in limestone dust. Other elements of the fair include a demolition derby, rides, food vendors, a cattle showing, pageants, art competition, and concerts.

Economy

Bavarian-based Grammer AG operates a site in Fayetteville. It manufactures components for the automotive industry.

Notable people

  • Eddie Blake, former NFL and CFL player
  • John Neely Bryan, founder of the city of Dallas, Texas
  • Jim Bob Cooter, NFL offensive coordinator
  • Rick Dempsey, former Major League Baseball player
  • Bob Higgins, former Major League Baseball player
  • Kelly Holcomb, former NFL quarterback
  • Frank Kelso, U.S. Navy admiral
  • Ira L. Kimes, brigadier general and Marine aviator
  • Anthony Shelton, former NFL and CFL player
  • Hatton W. Sumners, former congressman
  • Ed Townsend, singer-songwriter, co-wrote "Let's Get It On" with Marvin Gaye

References

  • Official website
  • City charter