Pulaski, Tennessee
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| Pulaski, Tennessee | |
|---|---|
| Name | Pulaski, Tennessee |
| Settlement type | City |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | United States |
| Subdivision type1 | State |
| Subdivision name1 | Tennessee |
| Subdivision type2 | County |
| Subdivision name2 | Giles County |
| Established title | Founded |
| Established date | 1809 |
| Government type | Mayor-Council |
| Leader title | Mayor |
| Leader name | Pat Ford |
| Area total sq mi | 7.15 |
| Population as of | 2020 |
| Population total | 8,397 |
| Population density sq mi | auto |
| Timezone | Central |
| Utc offset | -6 |
| Timezone DST | CDT |
| Utc offset DST | -5 |
| Postal code type | ZIP Code |
| Postal code | 38478 |
| Area code | 931 |
| Blank name | FIPS code |
| Blank info | 47-61040 |
| Blank1 name | GNIS feature ID |
| Blank1 info | 1298475 |
| Website | www.pulaski-tn.com |
Pulaski, Tennessee, is the county seat of Giles County and a historic city in the southern portion of the state. Founded in 1809 and named for the Polish-born American Revolutionary War hero Casimir Pulaski, it is situated within the fertile Highland Rim region. The city is perhaps most infamously known as the birthplace of the Ku Klux Klan in 1865, a fact that has profoundly shaped its historical narrative. Today, Pulaski serves as a commercial and governmental hub for the surrounding agricultural area and is home to institutions like the Tennessee College of Applied Technology - Pulaski.
History
The area that became Pulaski was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Cherokee and Chickasaw. Settlement by European Americans increased following the Jackson Purchase and the establishment of Giles County by the Tennessee General Assembly in 1809. The city was planned around a central public square, a design common in many early Tennessee communities. During the American Civil War, Pulaski was occupied by Union Army forces following the Battle of Nashville and was the site where six Confederate veterans formed the original Ku Klux Klan in the law office of Judge Thomas M. Jones. The 20th century saw the growth of manufacturing, and the city was also the home of noted Country music singer and Grand Ole Opry member Patty Loveless.
Geography
Pulaski is located in central Giles County at the coordinates 35°11′49″N 87°1′47″W. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 7.15 square miles, all of it land. The terrain is characteristic of the Highland Rim, with rolling hills and fertile soil. Richland Creek, a tributary of the Elk River, flows near the city. The region is part of the larger Nashville Basin geological province. Major transportation routes include U.S. Route 31 (US 31), which runs north to Nashville, and US 64, which provides east-west connectivity.
Demographics
As of the 2020 United States Census, the population of Pulaski was 8,397. The racial makeup of the city was approximately 70.5% White, 20.8% African American, 0.4% Native American, 0.7% Asian, and 4.6% identifying as two or more races. Hispanic or Latino residents of any race comprised 6.5% of the population. The population density was about 1,174 people per square mile. The median household income was below the state average, and a significant portion of the population held a high school diploma or higher as their highest level of educational attainment.
Economy
The economy of Pulaski has historically been rooted in agriculture, with tobacco, cotton, and soybeans as major crops. Manufacturing became a significant employer in the latter half of the 20th century, with companies like Kraft Foods and Nissan operating major facilities in the county. The Tennessee College of Applied Technology - Pulaski provides vocational training aligned with local industry needs. Retail and healthcare, centered around institutions like the Giles County government offices and Southern Tennessee Regional Health System, are also key economic drivers. The city's location along major highways supports logistics and distribution activities.
Culture and recreation
Pulaski hosts several annual events that reflect its heritage, including the Pulaski Chili Cookoff and the Giles County Fair. The city's history is preserved at sites like the Giles County Historical Society museum and the Sam Davis Memorial Association, which honors the Confederate scout known as the "Boy Hero of the Confederacy." The Martin Methodist College campus, now part of the University of Tennessee System, contributed to the cultural landscape before its transition. Outdoor recreation is available at the Pulaski City Park and nearby David Crockett State Park. The WKSR radio station serves as a local media outlet.
Government
Pulaski operates under a Mayor-Council form of government. The city's legislative body is the Pulaski Board of Mayor and Aldermen, consisting of the mayor and four aldermen elected from single-member districts. The current mayor is Pat Ford. The city provides services including police protection through the Pulaski Police Department, fire protection, water and sewer utilities, and maintains public infrastructure. As the county seat, it houses the Giles County Courthouse and other county administrative offices. The city is part of Tennessee's 4th congressional district represented in the United States House of Representatives.
Category:Cities in Tennessee Category:Giles County, Tennessee Category:County seats in Tennessee