Atmore, Alabama
| Atmore | |
|---|---|
| City | |
|
Former Atmore Amtrak station | |
 Location in Escambia County and the state of Alabama | |
| Coordinates: 31°1′23″N 87°29′31″W / 31.02306°N 87.49194°W | |
| Country | United States |
| State | Alabama |
| County | Escambia |
| Area | |
| • Total | 8.3 sq mi (21.7 km2) |
| • Land | 8.3 sq mi (21.6 km2) |
| • Water | 0 sq mi (0.1 km2) |
| Elevation | 282 ft (86 m) |
| Population (2012)[1] | |
| • Total | 10,121 |
| • Density | 924.8/sq mi (353.7/km2) |
| Time zone | Central (CST) (UTC-6) |
| • Summer (DST) | CDT (UTC-5) |
| ZIP code | 36502-36504 |
| Area code(s) | 251 |
| FIPS code | 01-03004 |
| GNIS feature ID | 0113272 |
| Website | http://www.cityofatmore.com/ |
Atmore is a city in Escambia County, Alabama, United States. The city has a culture similar to its neighboring metropolitan of Mobile, Alabama. Atmore is in the planning stages to increase its economic base with additions in its new Rivercane development along the I-65 corridor.
Atmore has completed requirements to be recognized as an Alabama Community of Excellence at the upcoming Alabama League of Municipalities Convention. City officials are also working with Alabama Historical Commission to have the downtown district listed on the National Register of Historic Places.[2]
On May 23, 2007, Atmore celebrated its centenary.
The federally recognized Poarch Band of Creek Indians is also headquartered in Atmore.
Geography
Atmore is located at 31°1′23″N 87°29′31″W / 31.02306°N 87.49194°W (31.023183, -87.492067).[3]
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 8.4 square miles (22 km2), of which, 8.3 square miles (21 km2) of it is land and 0.04 square miles (0.10 km2) of it (0.36%) is water.
Demographics
| Historical population | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1910 | 1,060 | — | |
| 1920 | 1,775 | 67.5% | |
| 1930 | 3,035 | 71.0% | |
| 1940 | 3,200 | 5.4% | |
| 1950 | 5,720 | 78.8% | |
| 1960 | 8,173 | 42.9% | |
| 1970 | 8,293 | 1.5% | |
| 1980 | 8,789 | 6.0% | |
| 1990 | 8,046 | −8.5% | |
| 2000 | 7,676 | −4.6% | |
| 2010 | 10,194 | 32.8% | |
| Est. 2013 | 10,113 | −0.8% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census[4] 2013 Estimate[5] | |||
2000 Census data
As of the census of 2000, the population density was 922.5 people per square mile (356.2/km2). There were 3,535 housing units at an average density of 424.9 per square mile (164.0/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 49.48% White, 46.31% Black or African American, 2.41% Native American, 0.47% Asian, 0.05% Pacific Islander, 0.36% from other races, and 0.91% from two or more races. 0.73% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.[6]
There were 3,148 households out of which 29.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 42.1% were married couples living together, 20.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.2% were non-families. 30.8% of all households were made up of individuals and 13.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.40 and the average family size was 3.01.[6]
In the city the population was spread out with 26.4% under the age of 18, 9.0% from 18 to 24, 24.9% from 25 to 44, 22.6% from 45 to 64, and 17.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females there were 79.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 74.7 males.[6]
Education
Atmore is home to various local schools within the Escambia County Public School System, including: Rachel Patterson Elementary School, A. C. Moore Elementary School, Escambia County Middle School (the largest school in the system), and Escambia County High School (the first public high school in the state of Alabama). It is also home to Escambia Academy and Atmore Christian School, as well as several other private schools.
Atmore is home to an adjunct campus of Jefferson Davis Community College based in Brewton, which offers associate degrees and technical school training.
Government and infrastructure
Atmore is governed by a mayor and members of a city council elected from five districts within the city.[2]
The Holman Correctional Facility, a prison of the Alabama Department of Corrections (ADOC), is in unincorporated southwestern Escambia County, 9 miles (14 km) north of Atmore.[7][8] Holman has a male death row and the State of Alabama execution chamber.[8] In addition Fountain Correctional Facility is about 7 miles (11 km) north of Atmore, in an unincorporated area.[9]
The City of Atmore is close by Interstate 65. US highway 31 and state highway 21 transverse the city. The city has one of only two AMTRAK stops in southern Alabama. It is also home for major coast to coast freight haulers, including Alabama & Gulf Coast and CSX. In addition, Atmore has a municipal airport.[2]
History
Atmore was first recorded as a stop on the Mobile and Great Northern Railroad. The town was named after Mr. C.P. Atmore, General Passenger Agent of the Louisville and Nashville Railroad, who was a friend of Mr. Carney. Mr. Carney owned a sawmill in town and was a very prominent citizen. The town was originally going to be named Carney, but Mr. Carney had a brother who had already established a town and named it Carney nearby. The town then decided to let Mr. Carney name the town. He named it after his close friend Mr. Atmore, who never visited Atmore.[10]
Local economy
For most of the 20th century, the Atmore area was primarily a farming, timber, and light industry community. Major commercial industries have been Masland Carpets, Alto, and a local lumber company. For many years, the Vanity Fair lingerie company operated a manufacturing sewing plant in Atmore, offering employment to local citizens and surrounding communities.
With federal recognition and the founding of gaming casinos, the Poarch Band of Creek Indians near I-65 has increased its relative economic contributions to the region. The tribe operates The Wind Creek Casino and Hotel, which provides for tourism and conferences.[11] Wind Creek is one of few four diamond hotels in the state.[12]
Health care and recreation
Atmore Community Hospital, an affiliate of Baptist Health Care of Pensacola, Florida, offers full acute care in a two-story facility.[2]
Atmore has several recreational and sportsfacilities, including Atmore Heritage Park and Claude D. Kelley State Park.[13]
Local events
MAY
Mayfest On the first Saturday in May at Tom Byrne Park, Atmore celebrates Mayfest with sports events, arts and crafts and a variety of food. There are many different forms of entertainment, including a Beautiful Baby Contest and a Pooch Parade.[14]
JULY
Old-Time Fiddlers' Convention Musicians from across the state come to Atmore the third Saturday in July to compete for prizes in the fiddle, guitar, banjo, mandolin, and bands and vocals division.[15]
SEPTEMBER
A Taste of the South Held annually at Heritage Park in September, A Taste of the South is an evening of entertainment and local food from the area’s best cooks.[16]
OCTOBER
William Station Day Held the 4th Saturday of October, Williams Station Day celebrates Atmore’s history beginning in 1866 as Williams Station. The event includes an arts and crafts show, an old time fiddler's tent, professional entertainment, a model train show, and sugar cane mill.[17]
NOVEMBER
Poarch Creek Indian Pow-wow The local Poarch Creek Indians host an authentic Thanksgiving annually. Visitors enjoy turkey, dressing, and roasted corn as dancers from many tribes gather to compete. Over 100 booths display arts and crafts, quilts and other keepsakes of the Creek Indian culture.[18]
Notable people
- Paul Birch, American actor and the original "Marlboro Man", was born in Atmore.
- Bobby Brantley, 13th Lieutenant Governor of Florida.
- Evander Holyfield, four-time World Heavyweight boxing champion, was born in Atmore.
- Glenn L. Emmons, Commissioner of the Bureau of Indian Affairs from 1953 to 1961, was a native of Atmore.[19]
- Dewitt Lowrey, soldier with Easy Company, 2nd Battalion, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, in the 101st Airborne Division of the United States Army during World War II, featured in the 2009 book We Who Are Alive and Remain: Untold Stories from Band of Brothers
- William C. Maxwell, namesake of Maxwell Air Force Base.
- Don McNeal, star defensive back for Alabama and the Miami Dolphins, was born and raised in Atmore.
- Ron Middleton, former Auburn University and NFL tight end.
- Michael Williams, NFL player
- Gary Fayard, former CFO of The Coca-Cola Company was born and raised in Atmore
Climate
Climate is characterized by mild to high temperatures and evenly distributed precipitation throughout the year. The Köppen Climate Classification sub-type for this climate is "Cfa" (Humid Subtropical Climate).[20]
| Climate data for Atmore, Alabama | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Average high °C (°F) | 16 (61) |
18 (65) |
22 (71) |
26 (78) |
30 (86) |
32 (90) |
33 (91) |
33 (91) |
31 (87) |
27 (80) |
21 (70) |
17 (62) |
25.5 (77.7) |
| Average low °C (°F) | 4 (39) |
6 (42) |
8 (47) |
12 (54) |
17 (62) |
21 (69) |
22 (71) |
21 (70) |
19 (66) |
13 (55) |
8 (46) |
4 (40) |
12.9 (55.1) |
| Average precipitation mm (inches) | 140 (5.5) |
130 (5) |
170 (6.7) |
132 (5.2) |
122 (4.8) |
147 (5.8) |
185 (7.3) |
145 (5.7) |
130 (5) |
74 (2.9) |
119 (4.7) |
122 (4.8) |
1,616 (63.4) |
| Source: Weatherbase [21] | |||||||||||||
Transportation
Intercity bus service is provided by Greyhound Lines.[22]
References
- ↑ "Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for Incorporated Places: April 1, 2010 to July 1, 2012". United States Census Bureau. 2013-08-12. Retrieved 2013-08-12.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 "City of Atmore.com".
- ↑ "US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990". United States Census Bureau. 2011-02-12. Retrieved 2011-04-23.
- ↑ "U.S. Decennial Census". Census.gov. Retrieved June 6, 2013.
- ↑ "Annual Estimates of the Resident Population: April 1, 2010 to July 1, 2013". Retrieved June 3, 2014.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 "Data.com".
- ↑ "Holman Correctional Facility." Alabama Department of Corrections. Retrieved on August 15, 2010.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 "Annual Report Fiscal Year 2003." Alabama Department of Corrections. 33/84. Retrieved on August 15, 2010.
- ↑ "Fountain / JO Davis Correctional Facility." Alabama Department of Corrections. Retrieved on July 4, 2011.
- ↑ C.P. ATMORE DROPS DEAD C.P. ATMORE (retrieved 16 August 2010)
- ↑ Alabama Casinos. 500 Nations. (retrieved 23 February 2009)
- ↑ "Wind Creek Casino".
- ↑ "City of Atmore.com".
- ↑ "Cities and Towns". Sweet Home Alabama. Retrieved 11 April 2012.
- ↑ "Sweet Home Alabama". Retrieved 11 April 2012.
- ↑ "Festival and Event Calendar". Retrieved 27 May 2013.
- ↑ "Williams Station Day, 21st Annual". Alabama Department Tourism. Retrieved 11 April 2012.
- ↑ "al.com". Retrieved 11 April 2012.
- ↑ New York Times. "Indian Director Sworn In: Glenn L. Emmons Takes Office Succeeding Dillon S. Myer." August 11, 1953.
- ↑ Climate Summary for Atmore, Alabama
- ↑ "Weatherbase.com". Weatherbase. 2013. Retrieved on August 4, 2013.
- ↑ Atmore, AL Greyhound Station Intercity Bus Service
External links
Coordinates: 31°01′23″N 87°29′31″W / 31.023183°N 87.492067°W
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