Ellington, Missouri


Ellington is a city in Reynolds County, Missouri, United States. The population was 987 at the 2010 census. In 1925, the infamous Tri-State Tornado began just northwest of Ellington.

History

Ellington was laid out in 1856 by Cliny Huff Ellington, and named for her. An early variant name was "Logan's Creek". A post office called Logan's Creek was established in 1845, and the name was changed to Ellington in 1895.
The Civil War Fortification at Barnesville was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1998.

Geography

Ellington is located at .
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of, all land. Being located within thirty miles of Eminence, Van Buren and Lesterville makes Ellington a popular stop among Ozark National Scenic Riverways tourists.

Sweetwater lead mine

The Sweetwater Mine is located approximately 12 miles northwest of Ellington and is owned by the Doe Run Company. The mine produces lead and zinc.

Demographics

2010 census

As of the census of 2010, there were 987 people, 407 households, and 241 families residing in the city. The population density was. There were 488 housing units at an average density of. The racial makeup of the city was 98.38% White, 0.20% Black or African American, 0.41% Native American, 0.20% Asian, and 0.81% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.11% of the population.
There were 407 households, of which 37.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 39.8% were married couples living together, 15.2% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.2% had a male householder with no wife present, and 40.8% were non-families. 34.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 19.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.42 and the average family size was 3.08.
The median age in the city was 37.1 years. 27.8% of residents were under the age of 18; 8.4% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 23.1% were from 25 to 44; 24.2% were from 45 to 64; and 16.7% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 45.8% male and 54.2% female.

2000 census

As of the census of 2000, there were 1,045 people, 456 households, and 285 families residing in the city. The population density was 740.8 people per square mile. There were 535 housing units at an average density of 379.3 per square mile. The racial makeup of the city was 96.08% White, 0.77% Native American, 0.77% Asian, 0.48% from other races, and 1.91% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.96% of the population.
There were 456 households, out of which 32.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.1% were married couples living together, 12.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37.5% were non-families. 35.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 18.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.29 and the average family size was 2.93.
In the city the population was spread out, with 26.7% under the age of 18, 8.7% from 18 to 24, 26.8% from 25 to 44, 20.1% from 45 to 64, and 17.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females there were 85.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 83.7 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $21,836, and the median income for a family was $27,443. Males had a median income of $26,172 versus $16,250 for females. The per capita income for the city was $12,026. About 16.4% of families and 21.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 30.3% of those under age 18 and 15.4% of those age 65 or over.

Education

Southern Reynolds County R-II School District operates two schools at Ellington: Ellington Elementary School and Ellington High School.
Ellington has a public library, a branch of the Reynolds County Library District.
Ellington Whippet Basketball is the town's soul and pride. They have won 5 District Titles, but have yet to win a State Championship in Boys and Girls. The Boys District Titles came in 1986, 1987, 1988, 1991, and 2016. The Girls came in 1992, 1993, 1994, 2001, and 2007. They each play in the Ellington New Gymnasium. There are only 2 retired jerseys in history. One boy and girl. Danny Foster is the boys holder who went on to play at Three Rivers Community College and the girls is Paula Corder who also played at Three Rivers and Southeast Missouri State. The leading points holder in Boys is Marshon Morrissey with 2,074, while Paula Corder holds the girls with 2,055.
The proclaimed "Dream Team" to come out of Ellington was the Boys team that play from 1985-1988. Gary Copeland, Kendall Tilley, and Marty Baysinger led the Whippets to so many improbable wins in the four years they played. They are just few of the notable players that came from their program. Such includes, the late Jason Barton, Darin Tucker, Leroy Lee, Marshon Morrissey, Danny Foster, Drew Morrison, Wesley Sharp, Alan Price, Kim Corder, James Martin, & Mike Harlow. Notable Boys Coaches have also came through here, Jeremy Peterson, John Eaton, John Harlow, Armand Spurgin, and Marvin Walker.
The Girls side has had just as many great teams and players. Notable players include Paula Corder, Amy Burton, Melissa Scott, Hillary Roberts, Angie Jenkins, Rachel Roberts, and Morgan Morrison. Notable coaches include Paula King, Rance Beller, Earlene Fox, and Jamie Bell. Earlene Fox has the most District Titles than any other coach in Boys and Girls.
The Boys and Girls teams play in two of the most iconic beginning of the season tournaments in the country. The Boys play in the Annual Arcadia Valley Thanksgiving Tournament that has been going on 93 years. The Girls play in the Lady Dawg Classic in Van Buren, they have the most Lady Dawg championships than any other team that has played in it. The boys have the second most AV Tournament championships with 10 behind the South Iron Panthers who have a outstanding 20. The Boys team used to host the regionally known Ellington Invitational Christmas Tournament which was one of the best tournaments around. The Whippets have won the most in that as well. They concluded play on December 19, 2009. The Whippets upset the #3 seed Winona Wildcats 77-76, and then turned around and upset the #2 seed Eminence Redwings 49-47, and played another underdog the #5 seed Zalma Bulldogs who upset the #1 seed Lesterville Bearcats. Ellington beat Zalma with a final score of 74-60.

Climate

Ellington has a humid subtropical climate.

Notable person