Potosi is a city located in Washington County, Missouri. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 2,662. It is the county seat of Washington County. The city was founded in 1799 by Moses Austin and was named after Potos, Bolivia.
Potosi is located at 37°56'16" North, 90°46'55" West (37.937881, -90.781932).
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 5.6 km2 (2.2 mi2). 5.6 km2 (2.2 mi2) of it is land and none of it is covered by water.
As of the census of 2000, there are 2,662 people, 1,103 households, and 677 families residing in the city. The population density is 471.5/km2 (1,218.9/mi2). There are 1,211 housing units at an average density of 214.5/km2 (554.5/mi2). The racial makeup of the city is 95.60% White, 2.14% African American, 0.45% Native American, 0.15% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 0.23% from other races, and 1.43% from two or more races. 0.83% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There are 1,103 households out of which 33.3% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 40.1% are married couples living together, 17.7% have a female householder with no husband present, and 38.6% are non-families. 35.7% of all households are made up of individuals and 17.8% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.30 and the average family size is 2.97.
In the city the population is spread out with 26.7% under the age of 18, 9.2% from 18 to 24, 25.9% from 25 to 44, 20.2% from 45 to 64, and 18.0% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 36 years. For every 100 females there are 81.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 75.9 males.
The median income for a household in the city is $17,702, and the median income for a family is $23,958. Males have a median income of $31,548 versus $16,976 for females. The per capita income for the city is $12,417. 31.4% of the population and 28.1% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 42.7% of those under the age of 18 and 13.9% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.
A lead mining settlement at this spot, Mine au Breton, was founded between 1760 and 1780 by Francis Azor, of Brittany, France. Moses Austin came here in 1798 with his family, including his son Stephen F. Austin, realizing this was the richest known lead deposit in the world. He obtained a grant of 7,153 arpents of land from the Spanish Empire and started large-scale mining operations, building his town to support it. He named the town after Potos in Bolivia, which was famous for its vast silver mines.
Austin's tomb and the foundation of his home Durham Hall can still be seen.
Source:
PotosiMissouri.com
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