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Athens, Alabama

Article Discussion

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Athens is a city in and the county seat of Limestone County, in the U.S. state of Alabama; it is included in the Huntsville-Decatur-Albertville, AL Combined Statistical Area. As of the 2020 census, the population of the city is 25,406.

HistoryEdit

Founded in 1818 by John Coffee, Robert Beaty, John D. Carroll, and John Read, Athens is one of the oldest incorporated cities in the state, having been incorporated one year prior to the state's admittance to the Union in 1819. Limestone County was also created by an act of the Alabama Territorial Legislature in 1818.<ref name="alabama-law-1823">A Digest of the Laws of the State of Alabama: Containing The Statutes and Resolutions in Force at the end of the General Assembly in January 1823. Published by Ginn & Curtis, J. & J. Harper, Printers, New-York, 1828. Title 62. Chapter XXV. Page 803. "An Act to Incorporate the Town of Athens, in Limestone County.—Passed November 19, 1818." (Google Books)</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The town was first called Athenson, but was incorporated as Athens after the ancient city in Greece. The town's first mayor was Samuel Tanner, and the Tanner area, south of Athens, was named on his behalf.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

The Athens area was the home of William Wyatt Bibb, the first governor of Alabama, and its second governor, his brother Thomas Bibb, who succeeded him in office when he died in a fall from his horse.<ref>Limestone County Historical Society: Belle Mina</ref>

File:Founders Hall Athens State Univ.jpg
Founders Hall, Athens State University.
(WPA photo 1930s).

In 1822, local residents purchased Template:Convert of land and constructed a building to house the Athens Female Academy. The school became affiliated with the Methodist church in 1842, and was eventually renamed Athens Female College. After becoming coeducational in 1932, the school changed its name again to Athens College. After being taken over by the State of Alabama in 1974, the college was converted to a "reverse junior college", offering the last two years of instruction for graduates of area community colleges. It is today known as Athens State University.<ref>Athens State University: History Template:Webarchive</ref>

Many homes in the central part of modern Athens date to the antebellum period, and are part of historic preservation districts.<ref>City of Athens: Map of Historic Districts. Template:Webarchive</ref>

On May 2, 1862, during the Civil War, Athens was seized by Union forces under the command of Col. John Basil Turchin.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> After occupying the town on May 2, 1862, Turchin assembled his men and reportedly told them: "I shut my eyes for two hours. I see nothing".Template:Citation needed He did, in fact, leave the town to reconnoiter defensive positions, during which time his men ransacked the town. Turchin was later court-martialed over his treatment of Athens.<ref>Walter L. Fleming, Civil War and Reconstruction in Alabama, p.63 (New York: Columbia Univ. Press, 1905) (retrieved Oct. 6, 2024).</ref> The incident was controversial, and Lost Cause supporters vilified Turchin.

File:George S. Houston - Brady-Handy.jpg
Governor George S. Houston

Athens was the home of Governor George S. Houston, Alabama's first post-Reconstruction Democratic governor, who served from 1874 through 1878. Houston was noted for reducing the debts incurred to benefit private railroad speculators and others by his Reconstruction Republican predecessors.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> During Reconstruction, Athens was the home of the Trinity School, a school founded for the children of former slaves by Mary Fletcher Wells and funded by the American Missionary Association.<ref>"Trinity Cistern." Limestone County Historical Society. Retrieved Nov 22, 2009. Text of page: "Cistern: Last Remnant of Trinity School. Located in th[e] parking lot of the New [Clinton Street] Court House Annex. Picture of a historical marker inscribed as follows: 'This cistern is the last remnant of Trinity School located here 1865-1907. The cistern was used to store rainwater collected from the roof. No physical evidence remains of the Ross Hotel, the Chapman Quarters, and other buildings on this block, which played an important role in Athens history. Trinity, a school for the children of former slaves, was established here, on the old Richardson property, in 1865, primarily through the efforts of Miss Mary Frances Wells, the school's principal and chief proponent. Trinity Hall was built here 1881-82, as a joint effort by the American Missionary Association and local African Americans who hand made and laid the bricks for the building. It burned in 1907 and was rebuilt the following year on the old Civil War fort site west of town. ERECTED BY THE LIMESTONE COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY 2005'"</ref>

Athens was traditionally a cotton and railroad town, but since the local aerospace boom of the 1950s and 1960s, it has increasingly entered the orbit of nearby industry center Huntsville as the area's cotton production has steadily declined.

File:Browns ferry NPP.jpg
Browns Ferry Nuclear Power Station
Nuclear Regulatory Commission photo

Athens is the home of Browns Ferry Nuclear Power Plant, a Tennessee Valley Authority installation first operated in 1974, that was once the world's largest nuclear plant. It provides many jobs to the area and most of the electricity for the Huntsville-Decatur Metro Area. On March 22, 1975, the Browns Ferry plant became the scene of what was, with the exception of the Three Mile Island accident, the most serious nuclear accident in United States history. A worker using a candle to check for air leaks started a fire among control wires, causing a temporary threat to operational control of the reactor (see Browns Ferry Nuclear Power Plant article on Unit One Fire).<ref>Nuclear Regulatory Commission: Bulletin No. 75-04A: Cable Fire at Browns Ferry Nuclear Power Station</ref>

On December 28, 2024, a high-end EF1 tornado struck downtown Athens causing significant damage to the Limestone Courthouse square and caused roof damage to many businesses in downtown Athens and several trees were uprooted including one outside the courthouse.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

File:Tree damage outside limestone county courthouse.jpg
Fallen tree caused by the EF1 tornado

GeographyEdit

Athens is midway between Nashville and Birmingham on Interstate 65. Athens shares a boundary with Huntsville.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the city has a total area of Template:Convert, of which Template:Convert is land and Template:Convert (0.23%) is water.

ClimateEdit

The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally cool winters. According to the Köppen climate classification system, Athens has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps.<ref>Climate Summary for Athens, Alabama</ref> Template:Weather box

DemographicsEdit

Athens first appeared on the 1850 U.S. Census as an incorporated place.<ref>http://www2.census.gov/prod2/decennial/documents/1850c-11.pdf, 1850 Census (places)</ref> It did not appear on the 1860 census, but returned again in 1870 and every census to date. Athens was one of the fastest growing areas in Alabama in the 2023 census estimates with 30,904 people recorded in the estimates.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Template:US Census population

2000 Census dataEdit

As of the census of 2000, there were 18,967 people, 7,742 households, and 5,140 families residing in the city. The population density was Template:Convert. There were 8,449 housing units at an average density of Template:Convert. The racial makeup of the city was 77.72% White, 18.26% Black or African American, 0.40% Native American, 0.71% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 1.92% from other races, and 0.97% from two or more races. 4.86% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 7,742 households, of which 30.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.0% were married couples living together, 13.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.6% were non-families. 31.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.37 and the average family size was 2.97.

In the city, the age distribution of the population showed 23.9% under the age of 18, 9.3% from 18 to 24, 28.4% from 25 to 44, 22.5% from 45 to 64, and 15.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 89.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 85.5 males.

The median income for a household in the city of Athens was $33,980, and the median income for a family was $44,544. Males had a median income of $37,191 versus $22,748 for females. The per capita income for the city was $19,315. About 13.7% of families and 16.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 21.2% of those under age 45 and 10.8% of those age 65 or over.

2010 censusEdit

As of the census of 2010, there were 21,897 people, 9,038 households, and 5,881 families residing in the city. The population density was Template:Convert. There were 9,862 housing units at an average density of Template:Convert. The racial makeup of the city was 73.0% White, 17.5% Black or African American, 0.6% Native American, 0.9% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 5.9% from other races, and 1.9% from two or more races. 8.8% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 9,038 households, of which 27.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.5% were married couples living together, 13.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.9% were non-families. 31.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.36 and the average family size was 2.96.

In the city, the age distribution of the population showed 22.8% under the age of 18, 8.8% from 18 to 24, 26.0% from 25 to 44, 26.2% from 45 to 64, and 16.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39.2 years. For every 100 females, there were 91.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.7 males.

The median income for a household in the city of Athens was $42,127, and the median income for a family was $54,013. Males had a median income of $43,672 versus $31,601 for females. The per capita income for the city was $26,136. About 15.5% of families and 17.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 26.4% of those under age 45 and 8.5% of those age 65 or over.

2020 censusEdit

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Race Num. Perc.
White (non-Hispanic) 17,160 67.54%
Black or African American (non-Hispanic) 4,275 16.83%
Native American 74 0.29%
Asian 240 0.94%
Pacific Islander 34 0.13%
Other/Mixed 1,208 4.75%
Hispanic or Latino 2,415 9.51%

As of the 2020 United States census, there were 25,406 people, 9,397 households, and 6,080 families residing in the city.

Athens Precinct/Division (1870–)Edit

Template:US Census population Athens, the 1st Beat/Precinct of Limestone County first reported on the 1870 U.S. Census.<ref>http://www2.census.gov/prod2/decennial/documents/1870a-05.pdf, 1870 AL Census</ref> This included both the town/city of Athens and the surrounding area. It did not report a figure for 1880, but returned in 1890 and every census to date. In 1870, when racial demographics were reported, it had a Black majority in that beat. In 1960, Athens precinct was changed to a census division as part of a general reorganization of counties.<ref>http://www2.census.gov/prod2/decennial/documents/37721510v1p2ch2.pdf, 1960 AL Census</ref>

TransportationEdit

Intercity bus service is provided by Greyhound Lines.<ref>Athens, AL Greyhound Station Intercity Bus Service</ref>

EducationEdit

Template:Div col* Athens City Schools

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MediaEdit

Notable peopleEdit

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|CitationClass=web }}</ref>

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In popular cultureEdit

Athens was the primary filming location of Brittany Howard's "Stay High" music video. The video stars Terry Crews as a blue-collar man driving home from a job at a nearby Decatur plant. The video also stars several Athens citizens and members of Howards' family. Howard, an Athens native and member of Alabama Shakes, wrote in a press release that "Terry Crews plays a man who isn't out to change the world, he plays a man who just wants to come home to those who understand and love him best". The video features Crews singing along to the Grammy-winning "Stay High" while visiting local landmarks and establishments, such as Decatur's US-72 ALT Bridge, and Athens's Hometown Grocery, Dub's Burgers, and historic Kreme Delite. The video was dedicated to Howard's father, K.J. Howard. [1][2][3]

GalleryEdit

  • Limestone County Courthouse, Athens, Alabama 02.jpg

    Limestone County Courthouse, Athens

  • Downtown Athens, Alabama LCCN2010640842.tif

    Downtown Athens

  • Downtown Athens, Alabama LCCN2010640839.tif

    Downtown Athens

  • Athens, Alabama LCCN2010640828.tif

    Downtown Athens

  • Governor George S. Houston House, 101 Houston Street, Athens (Limestone County, Alabama).jpg

    Governor George S. Houston House, Athens

  • Athens Masonic Hall.jpg

    Athens Masonic Hall

  • Athens former post office, 35611.jpg

    Athens Former Post Office

  • Confederate soldiers monument, Athens, Alabama LCCN2010640840.tif

    Confederate soldiers monument, Athens

  • Athens First Methodist Church.jpg

    Athens First Methodist Church

  • "Sacked and Plundered" historic sign, Athens, Alabama LCCN2010640827.tif

    "Sacked and Plundered" historic sign, Athens

  • Presbyterian Church built in 1895, Athens, Alabama LCCN2010640834.tif

    Presbyterian Church, Athens

  • Limestone Drug building, Athens, Alabama LCCN2010640841.tif

    Limestone Drug building, Athens

  • FRONT VIEW. - Frances Snow Pryor House, Jefferson Street, Athens, Limestone County, AL HABS ALA,42-ATH,2-1.tif

    Frances Snow Pryor House, Athens

  • FRONT VIEW. - Vining-Wood-Vasser House, 301 East Washington Street, Athens, Limestone County, AL HABS ALA,42-ATH,10-1.tif

    Vining-Wood-Vasser House, Athens

  • WEST FRONT AND NORTH SIDE - Judge William Harrison Walker House, 309 East Clinton Street, Athens, Limestone County, AL HABS ALA,42-ATH,9-1.tif

    Judge William Harrison Walker House, Athens

  • WEST FRONT AND SOUTH SIDE - Dr. R. H. Richardson House, 401 South Clinton Street, Athens, Limestone County, AL HABS ALA,42-ATH,8-1.tif

    Dr. R. H. Richardson House, Athens

  • Pryor Field Regional Airport.jpg

    Pryor Field Regional Airport, Athens

  • WEST FRONT, SOUTH SIDE - Father Robert Donnell House, 601 South Clinton Street, Athens, Limestone County, AL HABS ALA,42-ATH,7-1.tif

    Father Robert Donnell House, Athens

ReferencesEdit

Template:Reflist

External linksEdit

Template:Limestone County, Alabama Template:Alabama county seats

Template:Authority control

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