This page is a detailed exploration based on the Wikipedia article for Spring City, Tennessee. Read the full source article here. (opens in new tab)

Spring City: Tennessee's Lakeside Haven

An exploration of the history, geography, climate, demographics, and education of this charming town nestled by Watts Bar Lake.

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A Glimpse into History

Early Foundations

Spring City's origins trace back to the 1870s as a stop along the Cincinnati Southern Railroad. Initially named Sulphur Springs due to its water, it later became known as Rheaville. After merging with nearby Rhea Springs and a significant town flood/fire event, it relocated to its current site and was renamed Spring City, honoring its original settlement. The former location now lies submerged beneath Watts Bar Lake.

Industrial and Utility Growth

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Spring City flourished as a vital railroad shipping hub. The town saw the construction of multiple railway depots, with the current Southern Railway depot completed in 1909. A significant economic catalyst arrived in 1942 with the Tennessee Valley Authority's (TVA) completion of the Watts Bar Dam and reservoir. This was followed by the Watts Bar Fossil Plant and later, the Watts Bar Nuclear Plant, which commenced operations in the late 1990s and 2010s, respectively.

Tragic Incidents

The town's history also includes somber events. On August 22, 1955, a devastating accident occurred when a school bus was struck by a freight train at a local crossing, resulting in the tragic loss of 11 schoolchildren and numerous injuries. More recently, on July 28, 2016, a coal train derailed near the depot due to a mechanical failure, necessitating extensive cleanup and temporary closure of local crossings.

Geographic Profile

Location and Dimensions

Spring City is situated in Rhea County, Tennessee. Its geographical coordinates are approximately 35.68944° N latitude and 84.86389° W longitude. The town encompasses a total area of 2.80 square miles (7.25 km2), comprising 2.76 square miles (7.16 km2) of land and 0.035 square miles (0.09 km2) of water. It is strategically located along the shores of Watts Bar Lake, a significant feature of the Tennessee River system.

Elevation

The town's elevation stands at approximately 768 feet (234 meters) above sea level. This elevation provides a vantage point over the surrounding landscape and the nearby lake, contributing to the town's scenic character.

Climate Data

Seasonal Overview

Spring City experiences a temperate climate with distinct seasons. The following table provides detailed climate data, including temperature extremes, averages, precipitation, and snowfall, based on data from NOAA and the National Weather Service.

Climate data for Spring City, Tennessee, 1991–2020 normals, extremes 2003–present
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °F (°C) 75
(24) 		81
(27) 		85
(29) 		88
(31) 		92
(33) 		103
(39) 		104
(40) 		103
(39) 		96
(36) 		96
(36) 		85
(29) 		76
(24) 		104
(40)
Mean maximum °F (°C) 65.7
(18.7) 		71.1
(21.7) 		79.5
(26.4) 		84.5
(29.2) 		87.3
(30.7) 		92.5
(33.6) 		94.1
(34.5) 		94.0
(34.4) 		90.5
(32.5) 		84.3
(29.1) 		73.4
(23.0) 		67.9
(19.9) 		95.8
(35.4)
Mean daily maximum °F (°C) 47.5
(8.6) 		51.7
(10.9) 		60.4
(15.8) 		70.6
(21.4) 		77.2
(25.1) 		83.9
(28.8) 		86.9
(30.5) 		86.7
(30.4) 		81.0
(27.2) 		70.8
(21.6) 		58.8
(14.9) 		50.3
(10.2) 		68.8
(20.5)
Daily mean °F (°C) 36.9
(2.7) 		40.5
(4.7) 		47.8
(8.8) 		57.0
(13.9) 		65.3
(18.5) 		73.0
(22.8) 		76.7
(24.8) 		75.9
(24.4) 		69.7
(20.9) 		58.2
(14.6) 		46.8
(8.2) 		39.9
(4.4) 		57.3
(14.1)
Mean daily minimum °F (°C) 26.2
(−3.2) 		29.2
(−1.6) 		35.2
(1.8) 		43.5
(6.4) 		53.5
(11.9) 		62.2
(16.8) 		66.5
(19.2) 		65.2
(18.4) 		58.4
(14.7) 		45.5
(7.5) 		34.8
(1.6) 		29.5
(−1.4) 		45.8
(7.7)
Record low °F (°C) −5
(−21) 		0
(−18) 		15
(−9) 		20
(−7) 		24
(−4) 		47
(8) 		51
(11) 		47
(8) 		40
(4) 		25
(−4) 		12
(−11) 		3
(−16) 		−5
(−21)
Average precipitation inches (mm) 5.71
(145) 		5.24
(133) 		5.46
(139) 		5.60
(142) 		4.13
(105) 		5.06
(129) 		5.61
(142) 		3.07
(78) 		4.77
(121) 		3.63
(92) 		5.11
(130) 		6.01
(153) 		59.40
(1,509)
Average snowfall inches (cm) 0.4
(1.0) 		0.7
(1.8) 		0.1
(0.25) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.1
(0.25) 		1.3
(3.3)
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.01 in) 11.5 12.6 10.6 10.1 11.4 11.3 13.1 9.6 7.9 8.2 8.9 11.9 127.1
Average snowy days (≥ 0.1 in) 0.5 0.5 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.2 1.3
Source: NOAA
Source: National Weather Service (mean maxima/minima 2006–2020)

Community Demographics

Population Trends

Spring City has maintained a relatively stable population over the decades. The population was recorded at 1,949 in the 2020 census, a slight decrease from 1,981 in 2010. Historical data shows fluctuations, with significant growth in the mid-20th century.

Historical Population
Census Pop. %±
1890598—
19006407.0%
19101,03962.3%
19201,001−3.7%
19301,0908.9%
19401,56943.9%
19501,7259.9%
19601,8004.3%
19701,756−2.4%
19801,95111.1%
19902,19912.7%
20002,025−7.9%
20101,981−2.2%
20201,949−1.6%

Racial Composition (2020)

The 2020 census data indicates a predominantly White population, with smaller representation from Black or African American, Native American, and Asian communities. A portion of the population identifies with multiple races or as Hispanic or Latino.

Spring City Racial Composition (2020)
Race Number Percentage
White (non-Hispanic) 1,745 89.53%
Black or African American (non-Hispanic) 53 2.72%
Native American 5 0.26%
Asian 13 0.67%
Other/Mixed 80 4.1%
Hispanic or Latino 53 2.72%

Socioeconomic Profile (2000)

In 2000, Spring City's households and families exhibited specific characteristics regarding size and composition. The median age was notably higher than in many younger communities, suggesting a significant population of older residents.

Household & Family Structure:
There were 861 households, with 24.7% having children under 18. Married couples comprised 44.9%, female householders without a husband were 12.7%, and non-families made up 38.0%. Individuals living alone accounted for 17.8%, with a notable portion being seniors (65+). The average household size was 2.21, and family size was 2.83.

Age Distribution:
The population was distributed as follows: 20.4% under 18, 7.4% aged 18-24, 23.9% aged 25-44, 23.5% aged 45-64, and 24.9% aged 65 or older. The median age was 44 years.

Income & Poverty:
The median household income was $27,009, and for families, it was $31,894. Males earned a median income of $27,692, compared to $22,050 for females. The per capita income was $14,506. Approximately 15.5% of families and 21.0% of the population lived below the poverty line.

Educational Landscape

Local School System

Spring City is served by the Rhea County Schools district, providing educational services to the community's youth. The district comprises several key institutions:

  • Spring City Elementary School: Catering to foundational learning needs.
  • Spring City Middle School: Bridging elementary and high school education.
  • Rhea County High School: The district's sole high school, serving secondary education requirements.

These institutions form the backbone of public education for the residents of Spring City and the surrounding Rhea County area.

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References

References

  1.  U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Spring City, Tennessee
  2.  Pat Guffey, "Historical Notes About Spring City," Rhea Herald-News, September 5, 2014.
  3.  Carroll Van West, Tennessee's Historic Landscapes (University of Tennessee Press, 1995), p. 233.
A full list of references for this article are available at the Spring City, Tennessee Wikipedia page

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Important Disclaimers

AI-Generated Content Notice

This document has been generated by an Artificial Intelligence system. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy and adherence to the provided source material, it is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is derived from publicly available data and may not reflect the most current information or nuances.

Geographic and Statistical Data Disclaimer: Information regarding geography, climate, population, and demographics is based on data from sources such as the U.S. Census Bureau and NOAA. While these sources are reputable, statistical data can be subject to interpretation, change, and potential inaccuracies. Users should consult official sources for definitive data.

This content is not a substitute for professional consultation. Always verify critical information with official sources or relevant experts.