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Atmore, Alabama

Coordinates: 31°01′23″N 87°29′31″W / 31.023183°N 87.492067°W / 31.023183; -87.492067
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"Atmore" redirects here. For the Canadian hamlet, see Atmore, Alberta.
Atmore
City
CountryUnited States
StateAlabama
CountyEscambia
Area
 • Total8.3 sq mi (21.7 km2)
 • Land8.3 sq mi (21.6 km2)
 • Water0 sq mi (0.1 km2)
Elevation
282 ft (86 m)
Population
 (2007)[1]
 • Total7,427
 • Density924.8/sq mi (353.7/km2)
Time zoneUTC-6 (Central (CST))
 • Summer (DST)UTC-5 (CDT)
ZIP code
36502-36504
Area code251
FIPS code01-03004
GNIS feature ID0113272

Atmore is a city in Escambia County, Alabama, United States. At the 2000 census the population was 7,676. According to the 2005 U.S. Census estimates, the city had a population of 7,530. [1] The city was named for Mr. C.P. Atmore.

The federally recognized Poarch Band of Creek Indians is headquartered here.

Geography

Atmore is located at 31°1′23″N 87°29′31″W / 31.02306°N 87.49194°W / 31.02306; -87.49194 (31.023183, -87.492067)Template:GR.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 8.4 square miles (21.6 km²), of which, 8.3 square miles (21.5 km²) of it is land and 0.04 square miles (0.1 km²) of it (0.36%) is water.

Demographics

As of the censusTemplate:GR of 2000, there were 7,676 people, 3,148 households, and 2,071 families residing in the city. 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/sq mi (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.

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.

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.

The median income for a household in the city was $22,867, and the median income for a family was $29,813. Males had a median income of $28,114 versus $19,594 for females. The per capita income for the city was $13,734. About 20.0% of families and 23.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 33.0% of those under age 18 and 17.5% of those age 65 or over.

Community Information

Atmore was first recorded as a stop on the Louisville-Nashville Railroad. The town was named after Mr. Charles Pawson Atmore, a General Ticket Agent on the Louisville-Nashville Railroad, who often stopped at the Williams Station depot. Since the early 1990s, the city has held an Arts and Crafts festival called Williams Station Day in honor of this event.

For most of the 20th century, the Atmore area was primarily a farming, timber, and light industry community. A major commercial industry has been Swift Supply Lumber Company. For many years, the "Vanity Fair" lingerie company operated a manufacturing sewing plant in Atmore, offering employment to the citizens of Atmore and surrounding communities. Its closing created a short-term employment crisis.

In the last 20 years, telecommunications have had a greater role in the economy, first with Southland Systems, a long distance and fiber optics corporation, which sold out to Worldcom (later MCI-Worldcom). Later, its offices were incorporated into Touch #1, another long distance corporation, which was then bought out by Z-Tel.

With federal recognition and the founding of gaming casinos, the Poarch Band of Creek Indians reservation near I-65 has increased its economic contributions to the region. The tribe now operates the Wind Creek Casino and Hotel in Atmore, which provide for tourism and conferences.[2]

Atmore's subdivision, Rivercane, is located near I-65, across from Wind Creek Casino & Hotel. Rivercane is home to Hardees Restaurant and Holiday Inn Express.

Government

The city government consists of Mayor who is elected at large and five member city council who are each elected from a district.

Area Schools

Rachel Patterson Elementary School, K4-2nd grade, part of Escambia County School System, is loacted on 1102 W. Craig Street. A. C. Moore School, 3rd grade - 4th grade, part of Escambia County School System, is located on 501 Beck Street. Escambia County Middle School, 5th grade - 8th grade, part of Escambia County School System, is located on 1565 Highway 21. Escambia County High School, 9th grade - 12th grade, part of Escambia County School System, is located on 1215 S. Presley Street. Escambia Academy, K4 - 12th grade, is located on 268 Cowpen Creek Road. Atmore Christian School - K - 12th grade is located on 245 Tennant Drive. Temple Christian Academy - K - 12th grade is located on 1707 S. Main Street.

Higher Education

Atmore is home to Jefferson Davis Community College, Atmore Campus. It is a small postsecondary school that primarily awards associate's degrees. Atmore is home to Reid State Community College Nursing program, Atmore Campus.

Culture and special events

Mayfest Join us on the first Saturday in May at Tom Byrne Park. Sports events, arts and crafts, a variety of food and entertainment on the Gazebo Stage make this an event for every family member.

Williams Station Day Held the 4th Saturday of October, Williams Station Day celebrates Atmore's beginning in 1866 as a supply stop along the railroad named Williams Station. An Arts and Crafts Show, Storytelling tent, Old Time Fiddler's Tent, professional entertainment, a model train show, sugar cane mill and delicious food make this a great celebration of Atmore's past.

Poarch Creek Indian Pow-Wow For a really authentic Thanksgiving, celebrate this holiday with the Poarch Creek Indians. Enjoy turkey, dressing, and roasted corn as dancers from many tribes gather to compete. For more information, call (251) 368-9136 ext. 2216.

Old-Time Fiddlers' Convention Held the third Saturday in July, this event gathers musicians from across the state to compete for prizes in many divisions including the fiddle, guitar, banjo, mandolin, bands and vocals. This event funds the Rotary Club's Academic All-Star Scholarship Program for academic excellence.

Leadership Atmore This program, sponsored by the Atmore Area Chamber of Commerce, brings together individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences to explore the community through eight day-long seminars. Through face to face discussions with present leaders and experts these specially selected individuals will develop an in-depth understanding of the current scene.

Youth Leadership Atmore A project of Leadership Atmore, YLA strives to give high school juniors a hands on look at the community through a retreat and five full-day sessions covering history and culture, law enforcement, business and industry, educational opportunities and government.

A Taste of the South A beautiful evening of entertainment and great food at Heritage Park. This event, coordinated by the Leadership Atmore Class of 2004, showcases Atmore's best cooks.

Famous residents

  • Evander Holyfield, four-time World Heavyweight boxing champion, was born in Atmore.
  • Paul Birch, American actor and the original "Marlboro Man"[2], was born in Atmore.
  • Don McNeal, star defensive back for Alabama and the Miami Dolphins, was born and raised in Atmore.

References

  1. ^ "Annual Estimates of the Population for Incorporated Places in Alabama". United States Census Bureau. 2008-07-10. Retrieved 2008-07-14.
  2. ^ Alabama Casinos. 500 Nations. (retrieved 23 Feb 2009)

31°01′23″N 87°29′31″W / 31.023183°N 87.492067°W / 31.023183; -87.492067

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