Dothan, Alabama

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Dothan, Alabama
Houston County Courthouse in Dothan
Houston County Courthouse in Dothan
Nickname(s): The Peanut Capital of the World or The Circle City or The Hub of the Wiregrass
Location in Houston County and the state of Alabama
Location in Houston County and the state of Alabama
Coordinates: 31°13′38″N 85°24′26″W / 31.22722°N 85.40722°W / 31.22722; -85.40722
Country United States
State Alabama
Counties Houston, Dale, Henry
Area
 - Total 86.8 sq mi (224.8 km2)
 - Land 86.6 sq mi (224.3 km2)
 - Water 0.2 sq mi (0.5 km2)
Elevation 322 ft (98 m)
Population (2007)
 - Total 65,447
 - Density 665.2/sq mi (284.93/km2)
Time zone Central (CST) (UTC-6)
 - Summer (DST) CDT (UTC-5)
ZIP code 36301-36305
Area code(s) 334
FIPS code 01-21184
GNIS feature ID 0117397
Website http://www.dothan.org/

Dothan is a city located in the southeastern corner of the U.S. state of Alabama, situated approximately twenty miles west of the Georgia state line and eighteen miles north of Florida. It is the seat of Houston County, with portions of the city extending into nearby Dale County and Henry County. The city's name derives from Genesis 37:17: "let us go to Dothan". According to 2007 Census Bureau estimates, the city's population was 65,447,[1] making it the largest town in this part of the state. Dothan is the principal city of the Dothan Metropolitan Statistical Area which encompasses all of Geneva, Henry and Houston counties; the small portion that lies in Dale County is part of the Enterprise–Ozark Micropolitan Statistical Area. The city serves as the main transportation and commercial hub for a significant part of southeastern Alabama, southwest Georgia and nearby portions of the Florida Panhandle; since one-fourth of the U.S. Peanut crop is grown nearby, with much of it being processed in the city, Dothan styles itself "The Peanut Capital of the World". The combined population for the entire Dothan metropolitan area is estimated at 138,234.[2]

Contents

[edit] History

[edit] Earliest years

The area that is now Dothan was originally inhabited by members of the Alabama and Creek Native American tribes. Within the vast forests of pine that covered this region, a glade surrounded by poplar trees sheltered a large spring at the crossroads of two trails, where local Indians used to meet and camp. White settlers moving through the area duirng the late 1700s and early 1800s named the spring "Poplar Head", but most felt that the sandy soil common to this region would be unsuitable for farming, so they moved on. A rude stockade was constructed on the Barber Plantation, where settlers could take refuge whenever they felt threatened. This fort disappeared by the 1840s, with the end of the Indian Wars in Alabama and the removal of the Native Americans further west.[3]

The first permanent white settlers consisted of nine families who moved into the area during the early 1830s to harvest the abundant timber. Their settlement, named "Poplar Head" after the spring, failed to thrive and was all but abandoned by the time of the Civil War. After the war, the establishment of a local Pony Express route coupled with other developments during the Reconstuction era to finally allow the town to bloom. On November 11, 1885, the locals voted to incorporate, naming their new city "Dothan" after discovering that "Poplar Head" was already registered with the U.S. post office for a town in northern Alabama.[4]

[edit] The Dothan riot

In 1889, Dothan was the scene of a deadly altercation precipiated as the result of an unpopular tax levied on all wagons operating within city limits. Local farmers opposed this levy and organized themselves as the "Farmers' Alliance"; when a member of this group refused to pay and was arrested by city marshal J.L. Domingus, he resisted and had to be forcibly carried to jail. His trial four days later erupted into a violent free-for-all, when a member of the defendant's family overheard the lawman verbally deriding his brother while walking along a city street. The marshal began to beat the family member, George Stringer, then shot at him with a pistol. Stringer returned fire, as others converged on the scene from all directions and quickly began fighting. Pistols, knives and clubs were used in the fray, which lasted only a few minutes but left two men dead and five seriously wounded. Domingus was convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to ten years, but his conviction was later overturned by the Alabama Supreme Court. The tax that first started the dispute remains in effect today.[5]

[edit] Expansion and growth

In 1893, Dothan secured a stop on the first railroad to be built in this region. This development brought new prosperity and further growth, as local farmers now had a means of marketing their produce. The pine forests were harvested for turpentine and wood, which was transformed into ship masts, lumber and other wood products until by 1900, Dothan had become the greatest inland naval stores market in the world.[6]

As the pines were cut and land subsequently cleared, cotton became a staple of the local economy, until being devastated by the Boll weevil in the early 1900s. Farmers turned to peanut production, experiencing remarkable success and bringing financial gain to the city, which became a hub for the production and transport of peanuts and peanut-related products. Today, one-quarter of the U.S. peanut crop is harvested within 75 miles of Dothan,[7] and the city referrs to itself as "the Peanut Capital of the World". A two-week fall festival known as the National Peanut Festival celebrates this heritage. The city also sought out industry, with textile and agricultural concerns being joined by manufacturing plants for the Sony, Michelin and General Electric corporations later in the century. In 1939, Dothan took part in the New York World's Fair, the largest world's fair of all time.

The first full-line department store in southeast Alabama was established in Dothan by Hyman Blumberg. Blumberg settled in Dothan in 1892 with his wife Esther, and started a retail apparel business which remained in his family until closing in 1975. Blumberg's grew into the largest department store in this part of the state, and became the first store in Dothan to install a moving escalator; people would come from many miles away just to ride this new innovation. Even after the store itself closed, the Blumbergs remain a prominent family in the city.

[edit] Recent events

Originally part of Henry County, Dothan became the county seat of the newly-formed Houston County on May 9, 1903. The city continued to flourish and grow throughout the twentieth century, with an airport being constructed in 1965 and the Wallace Community College in 1969. Troy University in Dothan[8] was established in 1961 and currently occupies a landscaped campus northwest of the city. The Southern Company construced the Joseph M. Farley Nuclear Generating Station near the city between 1970-81; this 1,776 megawatt facility currently generates approximately 13,000 GW-h per year.[9] More recent decades have seen factories constructed in the city by Sony and Michelin Corporations, together with the emergence of a local arts and music scene complete with an art museum, several theaters, symphony orchestra, dance troupe and other cultural amenities.

In 2008, Alabama developer Ronnie Gilley and his business partner Kix Brooks of Country superstar duo Brooks & Dunn announced plans to construct a $300 million entertainment venue just south of Dothan.[10] This development, to be named "Country Crossing", is ultimately intended to feature restaurants, a dinner theater, camping facilities, concert facilities, fairgrounds and a charity bingo hall.[11] Several leading Country Music celebrities have signed onto the project, including George Jones, Tracy Lawrence, John Anderson, Lorrie Morgan and Darryl Worley.[12] While approved by the County Commission and enthusiastically embraced by much of the community, Gilley's development has encountered stiff opposition from local religious and anti-gambling groups who are concerned that the planned bingo hall is illegal under state law, and would bring increased crime and gambling addiction to the area.[13] Gilley had previously threatened to pull his project if bingo was ruled illegal,[14] but ground-breaking began on March 2, 2009.[15] Country Crossing is expected to generate over 1,200 jobs during its first year alone.[16]

[edit] Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 86.8 square miles (224.9 km²), of which, 86.6 square miles (224.3 km²) of it is land and 0.2 square miles (0.5 km²) of it (0.23%) is water.

Ross Clark Circle on Dothan's east side

In addition to styling itself "The Peanut Capital of the World", Dothan is also the self-proclaimed "Hub of the Wiregrass". It is also commonly referred to as "The Circle City", due to being encircled by Alabama State Route 210, a four-lane highway also known as the Ross Clark Circle. Recent decades have seen the city expand in several directions beyond the confines of this highway.

Fort Rucker, the "Home of Army Aviation", is located about 20 miles (32 km) west of the city, just north of the town of Daleville.

The name "Dothan" is pronounced with the vowel "o" in its "long" form. The city's name is often mispronounced by those not familiar with the area.

[edit] Climate

Dothan has a humid subtropical climate. It experiences hot, humid summers and generally mild winters, with average high temperatures ranging from 93.0 °F (33.9 °C) in the summer to 59.0 °F (15 °C) high during winter. Snowfall is extremely rare, with a yearly average of 0.2 inches.[17] Tornadoes are a constant danger during the spring, summer and fall; the city's tornado activity is slightly below the Alabama state average, but 79% above the U.S. average.[18]

Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Average high
°F (°C)		 59
(15)		 64
(18)		 71
(22)		 79
(26)		 86
(28)		 92
(33)		 93
(34)		 92
(34)		 87
(30)		 79
(25)		 70
(21)		 62
(17)		 77.9
(25.3)
Average low
°F (°C)		 36
(3)		 39
(4)		 46
(8)		 52
(10)		 60
(15)		 67
(20)		 69
(21)		 68
(21)		 64
(18)		 52
(11)		 45
(8)		 38
(4)		 53 (11.8)
Average rainfall: inches/mm 6.3
160		 5.2
132		 6.3
160		 3.7
94		 4.2
107		 4.7
119		 6.1
155		 4.1
105		 4.1
105		 3.0
76		 4.3
110		 4.1
105		 56.1 /
1425

Source: city-data.com

[edit] Demographics

Historical populations
Census Pop.  %±
1890 247
—
1900 3,275 1,225.9%
1910 7,016 114.2%
1920 10,034 43.0%
1930 16,046 59.9%
1940 17,194 7.2%
1950 21,584 25.5%
1960 31,237 44.7%
1970 36,733 17.6%
1980 48,750 32.7%
1990 53,589 9.9%
2000 62,145 16.0%
Est. 2007 65,447 5.3%

According to the 2007 census[19] estimate, there were 65,447 people, 23,685 households and 17,108 families residing in the city. The population density was 667.7 per square mile (257.4/km²). There were 27,908 housing units at an average density of 299.3/sq mi (115.5/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 67.33% white, 30.11% black or African American, 0.28% Native American, 0.85% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander American, 0.46% from other races, and 0.96% from two or more races. 1.32% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 27,908 households, of which 31.5% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.9% were married couples living together, 15.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.3% were non-families. 28.4% of all households are made up of individuals, and 10.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.39, and the average family size was 2.94. 70% of women with school-age children work.

Age distribution was 25.4% under the age of 18, 8.4% from 18 to 24, 28.3% from 25 to 44, 23.3% from 45 to 64, and 14.6% who are 65 or older. The median age is 37 years. For every 100 females, there are 88.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 83.3 males. 22% of adults have never married. 55% are currently married. 3% are separated. 12% are divorced. 9% are widowed.

The median household income was $35,000, and the median family income was $45,025. Males had a median income of $34,475 versus $22,572 for females. The per capita income for the city was $20,539. About 12.7% of families and 15.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 23.2% of those under age 18 and 15.0% of those age 65 or over.

Approximately 79% of residents completed high school, while 23% went on to complete college. 8% of the population has a graduate or professional degree; 6% are unemployed. Average commute-to-work time is 18 minutes.

[edit] Government

Dothan is governed by a Mayor and City Council (called the "Board of Commissioners"), with a City Manager employed to manage city affairs.[20] The city is divided into six council districts, with one commissioner elected from each district to a four-year term. Members of the commission serve part-time, and are responsible for drafting all city ordinances and policies, and appropriation of city funds. Dothan's mayor is elected at-large for four years, and serves as a member of the Board of Commissioners. The Board employs a City Manager to implement its policies and manage the city's day-to-day operations, including hiring, managing and firing the heads of city government departments. A total of 999 full-time and 215 part-time employees work for the various city agencies in Dothan, including police, fire, clerical, judicial, finance, public works and utilities.[21]

As of 2009, the office of Mayor is held by Pat Thomas, while the City Manager is Mike West. Larry H. Williams serves as city Fire Chief, while John Powell is Chief of Police.[22]

Dothan is located in Alabama's Second Congressional District; its current Representative (as of 2009) is Bobby Bright (D). The city is located in three different state senate districts (28, 29 and 31)[23] and in four state representative districts (85, 86, 87 and 93).[24]

[edit] Education

The majority of K-12 students in Dothan and Houston County attend Dothan City Schools,[25] or Houston County Schools.[26] Others attend local private schools such as Houston Academy,[27] Providence Christian School,[28] Northside Methodist Academy,[29] Emmanuel Christian School,[30] or Westgate Christian School.[31] Institutes of higher education include Troy University, Dothan Campus,[8] Wallace Community College and Bethany Divinity College & Seminary.[32]

[edit] Infrastructure

[edit] Airport

Dothan's airport, the Dothan Regional Airport, is currently (2009) served by Atlantic Southeast Airlines, a subsidiary of Delta Air Lines, with 3-5 daily flights to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. This airport was established at the former Army airbase at Napier Field in 1965, after a push to move the airport was started in the early 1950s by then-Mayor Richmond C. McClintock. Jet services began in 1968 with Southern Airways' acquisition of DC-9 aircraft, and continue today using the CRJ-200 regional passenger jet.[33]

Unlike many municipal airports in the U.S., the Dothan airport is entirely self-supporting, operating without any tax-generated funding. All airport revenue is generated through rental and other user fees charged to patrons and tennants of the facility.[34]

[edit] Ground transportation

Dothan is served by several different rail lines. The most notable of these is CSX's Dothan Subdivision. The Bay Line, H&S Railroad, and the Chattahoochee & Gulf also have tracks in the Dothan area. There is no passenger rail service to the city, but Greyhound Bus Lines maintains a station in town. Although Dothan does not have regularly-scheduled public transportation, it offers dial-a-ride service through its non-profit Wiregrass Transit Authority.[35]

The Dothan area has been contending for a potential I-10 connector out of Florida.[36] Prelimiary funds for this project were approved as part of a 2009 Federal spending bill signed into law by President Barack Obama.[37] Presently, the city is served by three U.S. highways (all four-laned within the city limits, and for some distance beyond): U.S. 84 (east-west), U.S. 231 (north-south) and U.S. 431 (north-south; southern terminus in Dothan).

[edit] Healthcare and utilities

Dothan is the home of two hospitals: Southeast Alabama Medical Center[38] and Flowers Hospital.[39] These two hospitals are the largest employers in Houston County. According to a 2003 study, fewer than 10% of Dothan area residents, or 14,156 people, have no health insurance.[40]

Electricity, water and sewer services, together with residential trash service, is provided through the city government.[41] Natural gas service is provided through the Southeast Alabama Gas District,[42] while propane is marketed through Amerigas and Ferrellgas.

[edit] Religion

The largest Christian denomination in Dothan is the Southern Baptist church.[43] There are also Churches of Christ, Methodist, Presbyterian, AME, Freewill Baptist, Episcopal, United Pentecostal, Assemblies of God, and various other Evangelical churches serving Dothan's Protestant community. St. Columba Catholic Church caters to Dothan's Roman Catholics.[44] Dothan hosts a Reform Jewish synagogue, Temple Emanu-El,[45] which became nationally famous when they offered Jewish families as much as $50,000 to relocate to Dothan in 2008.[46] The city is also home to a Muslim mosque,[47] and an Antiochian Eastern Orthodox church.[48]

[edit] Media

Dothan is served by one daily newspaper, the Dothan Eagle,[49] and one weekly newspaper, the Dothan Progress.[50] It is host to three television stations, WDFX 34 (FOX network)[51] WDHN 18 (ABC network) and the oldest television station in southeastern Alabama, WTVY 4.WTVY 4] (CBS network) The city is also served by several radio stations; formats include classical, Christian, rock, country, urban contemporary, talk radio and sports.[52]

[edit] Sports

Dothan hosted Minor league baseball teams from 1915 to 1917 (Al-FL-GA League and Dixie League) and again from 1936 through 1962 (AL-FL League, GA-FL League and AL State League). Teams were known at varying times as the Boll Weevils, Browns, Rebels, Cardinals and Phillies. Major League affiliations were maintained in later years with the St. Louis Cardinals and the Philadelphia Phillies organizations. All teams played at the "D" league level, a defunct minor-league classification that represented the entry or "rookie" level in the minors. Ballparks included Baker Field, City Park, Stadium Park and the Wiregrass Memorial Stadium.[53]

Recently, efforts have been advanced to return minor-league Baseball to Dothan. Proposals have been made for the city to construct a new stadium in hopes of attracting a new Class A franchise; projected costs for the ballpark are between $8 and 15 million dollars, which would be paid for using tax dollars, while private investors would put up the estimated $7 million required to start the team itself.[54] No further action appears to have been taken in regard to this proposal.

Dothan was selected as one of eleven Alabama sites for a course on the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail.[55] This set of courses has been referred to as possibly "the biggest bargain in the country" by the Wall Street Journal, and "some of the best public golf on earth" by the New York Times.[56] The Dothan course, Highland Oaks, was rated by Golf Digest as the 7'th best public course in America in 1994, and 31'st on their list of the fifty most affordable golf courses.[57]

[edit] Economy

According to the Dothan Chamber of Commerce, Dothan contains a civilian labor force of approximately 168,000 persons, with an additional 4,900 serving on active military duty in nearby Ft. Rucker.[58] The local economy is well-diversified, with services claiming 22% of the workforce, manufacturing 19%, retail trade 18%, government 17%, transportation and construction 6% each, and agriculture, wholesale trade, and real estate/finance/insurance claiming 4% each.[59] Dothan's economy includes agriculture, aerospace, distribution, retail and advanced technology, with Sony, General Electric, Michelin, Dunbarton, Barrington Seafood, Qualico Steel, Pemco World Air Services and several other companies represented. Movie Gallery, the second largest video rental chain in the United States, opened its first store in Dothan in 1985 and maintains its headquarters there. According to Dothan's 2007 Annual Financial Report, the 2007 fiscal year saw 605 new jobs and $29,685,000 in capital investment brought to the city.[60] Although peanut production remains a mainstay of the agricultural sector, cotton is gaining in importance. Tomato production is locally significant as well, especially in the nearby town of Slocomb, which styles itself "the Tomato Capital of the World".[61]

The people of Dothan enjoy one of the lowest costs of living in the country. Dothan was rated #1 by US News and World Report in 2006 as the cheapest city to live in, due to low local taxes. Sales tax is a large source of revenue for the city, thanks to retail and restaurant businesses patronized by the large number of travelers on Highway 231, and also because Dothan is the largest city within a radius of 80 miles (129 km).

[edit] Crime

According to 2003 statistics released by the F.B.I., Dothan has a violent crime rate largely below the national average, with only four homicides reported in the city that year. Property crime rates were slightly above the national average. Only 239 violent offenses (murder, rape, robbery and aggrivated assault) were reported in 2003, compared with 2,917 property crimes.[62]

[edit] Culture

[edit] Festivals

  • National Peanut Festival - Occurs annually in November. The festival hosts competitions in different areas for all ages. A large midway, entertainment by nationally-known recording artists, and the largest parade in the area are featured attractions.

[edit] Museums and monuments

  • The US Army Aviation Museum, located on nearby Fort Rucker, houses one of the largest helicopter collections in the world. The museum focuses on the role of fixed and rotary-wing flight in the U.S. Army. The exhibits depict over 50 years of Army Aviation, and include a number of life size dioramas, films, and interpretive material. Several period aircraft are available for viewing.
  • George Washington Carver Monument, located at the National Peanut Festival Fairgrounds, pays tribute to one of the nation's greatest educators and agricultural researchers, whose work resulted in the creation of 325 products from peanuts, more than 100 products from sweet potatoes and hundreds more from a dozen other plants native to the South. These products contributed to rural economic improvement, by offering alternative crops to cotton that were beneficial for the farmers and for the land.
  • Wiregrass Museum of Art includes five galleries feature changing exhibitions of visual and decorative arts in the historic building. Also features ARTventures, a hands-on exhibit for children.[63]
  • The George Washington Carver Museum relates the story of the African-American genius who invented over 500 different products from peanuts and other plants native to the South. Besides offering exhibits about Carver himself, this museum also offers information on African cultures and their influences on the world, prominent African-American scientists, explorers and inventors, and the positive contributions made by African-Americans in military affairs and the area of social development.[64]
  • Peanut Monument at the Visitor Information Center proclaims Dothan as the "Peanut Capital of the World".[65]

[edit] Art scene

  • The Featured Players Theatre is Dothan's new home for live entertainment. Originally located at 158 S. Foster St. in downtown Dothan, Featured Players moved in 2009 to 137 N. Saint Andrews Street. This company offers live plays for adults five times a year; its Children's Theatre produces plays four times a year. When not presenting plays, Featured Players offers a "coffee-house" set-up with "open mic" nights and acoustic folk rock artists. Open Friday and Saturday nights.[66]
  • Southeast Alabama Community Theater offers quality live entertainment and theatrical productions for the Dothan community.[67]
  • "Joseph" Statue at Millennium Park is a ten-foot, cast bronze sculpture, located in the historic downtown area. It depicts the Bible verse, "For I heard them say, Let us go to Dothan" (Genesis 37:17), which inspired the city founders in 1885 to change the name of the town from Poplar Head to Dothan.[68]
  • Peanuts Around Town is a public art project organized by The Downtown Group, consisting of five-foot tall peanut sculptures decorated in various fashions and displayed around Dothan.[69]
  • Wiregrass Festival of Murals is an ongoing project offering historic murals painted by nationally and internationally-acclaimed muralists on walls of buildings in the downtown historic district. Guided tours are available upon request.[70]

[edit] Local music

  • Dothan Opera House, built in 1915, represents the elegance of turn-of-the-century southern life. Theatre performances, spectacular concerts, symphonies, ballet performances, and many other cultural events are regularly held in this landmark. Tours are available upon request.[71]
  • Music South, formerly the Southern Alabama Symphony Association, offers a wide variety of musical performances, from classical symphony performances to jazz, African and other musical styles. "Music by Moonlight" offers four free concerts per year at Dothan's Landmark Park, featuring classical, jazz, Celtic and Bluegrass musicians, among others.[72]
  • Country Crossing is a multimillion-dollar country music venue being constructed south of Dothan along US Highway 231. When completed, this facility will offer restaurants, lodging, retail, camping and charity bingo venues, together with a large amphitheater featuring performances by top-name country and western stars.[73]
  • Patti Rutland Jazz is a professional contemporary jazz and hip-hop dance company located in Dothan. This company produces two full-length jazz and hip-hop theatrical dance productions yearly (one in late February and one in early June) at their home in the Cultural Arts Center,[74] as well as at Dothan's historical landmark Opera House. Patti Rutland Jazz operates as a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization whose core mission is to offer its dancers to the Wiregrass Region to assist under-served youths with free dance classes. This mutually-beneficial program hopes to make Dothan a destination for, and a source of, future professional dance talent in the United States.[75]

[edit] Area attractions

[edit] City parks

  • Westgate Park and Water World is a five-field complex hosting local, regional, state and national softball tournaments. It is adjacent to Water World, Westgate Recreational Complex and the BMX Track. The Water World includes ocean-sized waves in the giant wave pool and twisting 400-foot (120 m) water slides.[76]
  • Dothan's Westgate Tennis Center offers the highest standards of play and the greatest comfort for spectators. Amenities include 16 lighted full-size clay tennis courts, a control center, observation deck, shade shelters and large courtyard.[77]
  • Kiwanis Park, located on Westgate Park land fronting Whatley at the intersection with Deerpath, has playgrounds and a picnic pavilion with a water fountain and restrooms. There are also walking trails.
  • Solomon Park, located in the Garden District at the corner of Choctaw and Redwood streets, offers "the shadiest playground in Dothan" according to one local.[78]
  • Eastgate Park is a 198-acre (0.8 km2) country estate, complete with lodge and meeting facilities. It includes fishing lakes, a two-mile (3 km) walking trail, sand volleyball, swimming pool (for private parties only), picnic area and lighted tennis courts. Additional amenities are under development.[79]
  • Wiregrass BMX is a BMX racing track that is located near the Westgate Park. It hosts local, state and national races between February and November.

[edit] Themed attractions

  • Adventureland Theme Park is a family-oriented mini-theme park. It includes two 18-hole miniature golf courses with waterfalls, lagoons and elaborate landscaping, a figure-eight go-cart track with a double-underpass bridge and Indy-style karts, bumper boats, batting cages, a Max Flight roller coaster simulator, a large arcade and snack bar.[80]
  • Dothan Area Botanical Gardens offers a paved nature trail meandering through a beautiful rose garden, herbs, daylilies, camellias, azaleas, past a peaceful pond, Victorian gazebo and a demonstration garden.
  • Landmark Park Agricultural Museum and Starlab Planetarium is the official agriculture museum of the State of Alabama. Visit a 1900s farmstead, complete with farmhouse, outhouses and farm animals. Stroll the boardwalk and nature trail, see a planetarium show, have a picnic, tour Phase I of the Alabama Agricultural Museum, or catch one of the park's many special events. In the Planetarium, night skies are shown as they appear in season, while Constellations are displayed as they relate to mythology. The park also has a new playground. A pavilion near the playground is available for park visitors and children's parties. A recently-completed barn is available for rental for large events.[81]
  • Maria's Vineyard - Nestled in a grove of oak and pecan trees, the Vineyard offers a casual place to host an event, either outside or inside in the Vineyard House.[82]

[edit] Golf

  • The Press Thornton Future Masters Golf Tournament has been held annually since 1950 in early July. More than 600 junior golfers participate in this part of the Junior Grand Slam of Golf hosted by the Dothan Country Club.[83]
  • Highland Oaks Golf Course is part of Alabama's Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, and was proclaimed by Golf Digest as the seventh-best public course in the US. This world-class 36-hole facility offers three championship 9-hole courses, plus a 9-hole Par 3 course. The Clubhouse includes a pro shop, dining room, lounge and meeting room.[84]

[edit] Other venues

Dothan Civic Center
  • The Dothan Civic Center was constructed in 1975, and features 10,800 square feet of exhibit space, seating for 3,100, basketball floor, concession stands, conference rooms and other amenities.[85]
  • Porter Hardware is the oldest operating business in Dothan, and is billed as the oldest hardware store anywhere in Alabama.[86] Opened in 1889 by E.R. Porter and J.D. Murphree and located at 136 East Main Street, Porter Hardware is still operated today by Mr. Porter's descendants. The interior and exterior of Porter Hardware remains virtually unaltered from its early days, and it maintains a large inventory of hardware and hard-to-find items.
  • The Lampman Antiques and Lighting is a lighting store offering a large variety of chandeliers, clocks, sconces, and many other antiques. It also offers lamp and clock repair.[87]
  • Wiregrass Commons Mall Southeast Alabama's only mall. It has over 630,000 square feet (59,000 m2) of shopping with over fifty retail stores and a food court. Anchors for the mall include JC Penney, Parisian (now Belk's) and Dillards.[88]
  • World's Smallest City Block is located at the intersection of North Appletree, Museum, and Troy streets in Dothan. This land triangle features a stop sign, a yield sign, a street sign, and a granite marker placed by the Camellia Garden Club on May 1, 1964 stating that it is the World's Smallest City Block.[89]

[edit] Famous residents of Dothan

  • Another Dothan native is "The Wrestling Pro" Leon Baxter, who was a professional wrestler. He got his start in the 1960s, wrestling all over the South as "Tarzan Baxter." He feuded with wrestling legend Danny Hodge and teamed with Juan Sebastian as The Masked Guachos, then hit it big in the Gulf Coast area as "The Wrestling Pro" in the 1970s. Baxter went on to have a short feud with legendary world heavyweight champion Lou Thesz and a rookie named Terry "The Hulk" Boulder, later known as Hulk Hogan. Although born and raised in Malone, Florida, he has lived and worked in Dothan for decades and raised his family there.
  • Singer Bobby Goldsboro, famous for his 1968 Top 40 #1 hit "Honey" as well as many other Top 40 releases of the 1960s and early 1970s, grew up in Dothan and graduated from Dothan High School, though he was born in Marianna, Florida.
  • Farley Taylor and his co-star Joe Dykes, heard nationwide on their radio show The Old Taylor-Made Opry, broadcast their popular radio show from WTVY-FM in Dothan. Taylor lived most of his life there until his death. Dykes is still a resident. Farley Taylor's grandson Jason continues to be heard on the air across the nation on Clear Channel radio stations.
  • Dothan is also the hometown of professional skateboarder Jamie Thomas, creator of two skateboard companies and a shoe company. He was featured as a playable character in the first five Tony Hawk video games, though at least one instruction booklet erroneously lists his current residence as his hometown. He also won an "Entrepreneur of The Year" award in 2006.

[edit] Sister cities

Dothan has two sister cities, as designated by Sister Cities International:

[edit] References

  1. ^ "Annual Estimates of the Population for Incorporated Places in Alabama, Listed Alphabetically: April 1, 2000 to July 1, 2006" (CSV). 2007 Population Estimates. U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division. June 28, 2007. http://www.census.gov/popest/cities/tables/SUB-EST2006-04-01.csv. Retrieved on June 28 2007. 
  2. ^ http://www.aronov.com/westway/overview.cfm. Retrieved on 2009-04-29.
  3. ^ City History of Dothan, Alabama. Retrieved on 2009-04-27.
  4. ^ Dothan History Retrieved on 2009-04-27.
  5. ^ Dothan Riot 1889. Retrieved on 2009-04-27.
  6. ^ Wiregrass Saga, by Oscar L. Thompson. Unpublished historical paper written in July, 1942.
  7. ^ Dothan History. Retrieved on 2009-04-26.
  8. ^ a b Troy University in Dothan
  9. ^ Plant Farley-Southern Company. Retrieved on 2009-04-26.
  10. ^ Branson in Alabama?. Retrieved on 2009-04-27.
  11. ^ http://www.countrycrossingalabama.com/. Retrived on 2009-04-27.
  12. ^ http://www.countrycrossingalabama.com/. Retrieved on 2009-04-27.
  13. ^ Gilley Says Country Crossing at a Crossroads. Retrieved on 2009-04-27.
  14. ^ Country Crossing Doesn't Cross Over Without Bingo. Retrieved on 2009-04-27.
  15. ^ Country Crossing Breaks Ground Again. Retrieved on 2009-04-27.
  16. ^ Country Crossing Breaks Ground Again. Retrieved on 2009-04-27.
  17. ^ Dothan Metro Area, Alabama Climate Data. Retrieved on 2009-04-29.
  18. ^ http://www.city-data.com/city/Dothan-Alabama.html. Retrieved on 2009-04-29.
  19. ^ "American FactFinder". United States Census Bureau. http://factfinder.census.gov. Retrieved on 2008-01-31. 
  20. ^ City of Dothan. Retrieved on 2009-04-27.
  21. ^ City of Dothan Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, 2007. Retrieved on 2009-04-27.
  22. ^ http://www.dothan.org/. Retrieved on 2009-04-27.
  23. ^ 2001 Alabama Senate District Map. Retrieved on 2009-04-27.
  24. ^ 2001 Alabama House District Map. Retrieved on 2009-04-27.
  25. ^ Dothan City Schools
  26. ^ Houston County Schools
  27. ^ Houston Academy
  28. ^ Providence Christian School
  29. ^ Northside Methodist Academy
  30. ^ Emmanuel Christian School
  31. ^ Westgate Christian School
  32. ^ Bethany Divinity College & Seminary
  33. ^ http://www.flydothan.com/. Retrieved on 2009-04-26.
  34. ^ About DHN. Retrieved on 2009-04-26.
  35. ^ Wiregrass Transit Authority
  36. ^ http://www.therealflorida.com/index%20news-%20dothan%20I-10%20connector.html. Retrieved on 2009-04-29.
  37. ^ http://www.eprisenow.com/ent/news/politics/national_govtpolitics/article/alabama_projects_funded_by_earmarks_in_spending_bill/63171/. Retrieved on 2009-04-26.
  38. ^ Southeast Alabama Medical Center
  39. ^ Flowers Hospital
  40. ^ Estimates of Alabama County‐Level Health Insurance Coverage Rates: Results from Alabama's 2003 Household Survey. Unknown date.
  41. ^ http://www3.dothan.org/dothan_utilities.html. Retrieved on 2009-04-26.
  42. ^ http://www.seagd.net/. Retrieved on 2009-04-26.
  43. ^ http://www.thearda.com/mapsReports/reports/counties/01069_2000.asp. Retrieved on 2009-04-26.
  44. ^ St. Columba Catholic Church
  45. ^ History of the Jewish community in Dothan, Alabama. Retrieved on 2009-04-27.
  46. ^ Zarrella, John. "Jewish families offered $50,000 to move to Alabama." CNN. September 24, 2008.
  47. ^ http://islamicvalley.com/prod/entityView.php/t/09L/i/wGH. Retrieved on 2009-04-26.
  48. ^ http://www.antiochian.org/node/16349. Retrieved on 2009-04-26.
  49. ^ Dothan Eagle
  50. ^ Dothan Progress
  51. ^ WDFX 34
  52. ^ Radio Stations in the Dothan, AL Metro Area. Retrieved on 2009-04-26.
  53. ^ Dothan, Alabama Minor League City Encyclopedia. Retrieved on 2009-04-29.
  54. ^ Dothan Minor League Baseball Hope. Retrieved on 2009-04-29.
  55. ^ http://www.rtjgolf.com/trail/. Retrieved on 2009-04-30.
  56. ^ http://www.rtjgolf.com/trail/. Retrieved on 2009-04-30.
  57. ^ [1]. Retrieved on 2009-04-30.
  58. ^ Dothan Chamber of Commerce
  59. ^ Dothan Chamber of Commerce - Employment. Retrieved on 2009-04-27.
  60. ^ City of Dothan Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, 2007, page x. Retrieved on 2009-04-27.
  61. ^ 20 Years of Tomatos. Retrieved on 2009-04-27.
  62. ^ Dothan Crime Statistics: 2003. Retrieved on 2009-04-27.
  63. ^ Wiregrass Museum of Art
  64. ^ George Washington Carver Museum
  65. ^ Peanut Monument
  66. ^ Featured Players Theatre
  67. ^ Southeast Alabama Community Theater
  68. ^ "Joseph" Statue at Millennium Park
  69. ^ Peanuts Around Town
  70. ^ Wiregrass Festival of Murals
  71. ^ Dothan Opera House
  72. ^ Music South
  73. ^ Country Crossing
  74. ^ Cultural Arts Center
  75. ^ About Patti Rutland Jazz: Atmosphere. Retrieved on 2009-05-03.
  76. ^ Westgate Park and Water World
  77. ^ Westgate Tennis Center
  78. ^ Fix the Park: Dothan Eagle, November 9, 2008. Retrieved on 2009-04-26.
  79. ^ Eastgate Park
  80. ^ Adventureland Theme Park
  81. ^ Landmark Park Agricultural Museum and Starlab Planetarium
  82. ^ Maria's Vineyard
  83. ^ Press Thornton Future Masters Golf Tournament
  84. ^ Highland Oaks Golf Course
  85. ^ The Dothan Civic Center
  86. ^ http://www.discoverourtown.com/AL/local-5740.html. See also http://www.ircusa.com/porter/index.html. Retrieved on 2009-04-26.
  87. ^ The Lampman Antiques and Lighting
  88. ^ Wiregrass Commons Mall
  89. ^ World's Smallest City Block
  90. ^ http://www.dailyhome.com/news/2009/as-local-0410-mnichols-9d09x4117.htm. Retrieved on 2009-04-26.

[edit] External links

v • d • e
Municipalities and communities of
Dale County, Alabama
County seat: Ozark
Cities

Daleville | Dothan‡ | Enterprise‡ | Ozark
Map of Alabama highlighting Dale County
Towns
CDPs
Footnotes

‡This populated place also has portions in an adjacent county or counties
v • d • e
Municipalities and communities of
Henry County, Alabama
County seat: Abbeville
Cities

Abbeville | Dothan‡ | Headland
Map of Alabama highlighting Henry County
Towns
Footnotes

‡This populated place also has portions in an adjacent county or counties
v • d • e
Municipalities and communities of
Houston County, Alabama
County seat: Dothan
City

Dothan‡
Map of Alabama highlighting Houston County
Towns
Footnotes

‡This populated place also has portions in an adjacent county or counties
Flag of Alabama
v • d • e

 
State of Alabama
Montgomery (capital)
Topics
Regions
Major cities
Counties
Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dothan,_Alabama"
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