Prattvilleis a city located within bothAutaugaandElmorecounties in theStateofAlabama,United States, but serves as thecounty seatof Autauga County. As of the2020 census,the population of the city was 37,781. Nicknamed "The Fountain City" due to the many artesian wells in the area, Prattville is part of theMontgomerymetropolitan statistical area.It was founded byDaniel Pratt.
Prattville | |
|---|---|
 | |
 Flag  Seal | |
| Nickname: The Fountain City | |
| Motto: "The Preferred Community" | |
 Location of Prattville in Autauga County and Elmore County, Alabama. | |
| Coordinates:32°27′33″N86°27′5″W/ 32.45917°N 86.45139°W | |
| Country | United States |
| State | Alabama |
| Counties | Autauga,Elmore |
| Founded | 1839 |
| Government | |
| • Type | Mayor-council |
| •Mayor | Bill Gillespie Jr (Non-partisan) |
| Area | |
• Total | 36.29 sq mi (94.00 km2) |
| • Land | 35.41 sq mi (91.71 km2) |
| • Water | 0.88 sq mi (2.29 km2) |
| Elevation | 328 ft (100 m) |
| Population (2020) | |
• Total | 37,781 |
| • Density | 1,066.96/sq mi (411.96/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC−6(CST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−5(CDT) |
| ZIP codes | 36066-36068 |
| Area code | 334 |
| FIPS code | 01-62328 |
| GNISfeature ID | 0125246 |
| Website | www |
History
editPrattville was founded in 1839 by industrialist and architectDaniel Pratt.The area was largely inhabited byNative Americansand a few settlers when Pratt, a native ofTemple, New Hampshire,first observed the Autauga Creek in the 1830s. He purchased approximately 1,000 acres (4.0 km2) from Joseph May at $21.00 an acre, and set out to build his manufacturing facilities and the town along the banks of Autauga Creek. The location was chosen because the creek could supply power to thecotton ginmanufacturing equipment. The town became an industrial center and rapidly grew. In 1868, it was named the county seat for Autauga County.[2]
Prattville contains several sites on theNational Register of Historic Places,including theDaniel Pratt Historic District,Bell HouseandBuena Vista.[3]
Geography
editPrattville is located at32°27′44″N86°27′41″W/ 32.462235°N 86.461264°W(32.462235, -86.461264).[4]According to theU.S. Census Bureau,the city has a total area of 33.8 square miles (88 km2) of which 32.9 square miles (85 km2) is land and 0.9 square miles (2.3 km2) (3.09%) is water.[5]The city is located northwest ofMontgomeryand alongInterstate 65andU.S. Route 82.I-65 runs north to south east of downtown, with access from exits 179 and 181, both in the Elmore County portion of the city. I-65 leads southeast 14 mi (23 km) to downtown Montgomery and north 82 mi (132 km) toBirmingham.US 82 runs south with I-65 to downtown Montgomery, and northwest 89 mi (143 km) toTuscaloosa.
Demographics
edit| Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1850 | 672 | — | |
| 1870 | 1,346 | — | |
| 1880 | 977 | −27.4% | |
| 1890 | 724 | −25.9% | |
| 1900 | 1,929 | 166.4% | |
| 1910 | 2,222 | 15.2% | |
| 1920 | 2,316 | 4.2% | |
| 1930 | 2,331 | 0.6% | |
| 1940 | 2,664 | 14.3% | |
| 1950 | 4,385 | 64.6% | |
| 1960 | 6,616 | 50.9% | |
| 1970 | 13,116 | 98.2% | |
| 1980 | 18,647 | 42.2% | |
| 1990 | 19,587 | 5.0% | |
| 2000 | 24,303 | 24.1% | |
| 2010 | 33,960 | 39.7% | |
| 2020 | 37,781 | 11.3% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census[6] 2018 Estimate[7] | |||
2020 census
edit| Race | Num. | Perc. |
|---|---|---|
| White(non-Hispanic) | 25,592 | 67.74% |
| Black or African American(non-Hispanic) | 7,906 | 20.93% |
| Native American | 114 | 0.3% |
| Asian | 856 | 2.27% |
| Pacific Islander | 19 | 0.05% |
| Other/Mixed | 1,778 | 4.71% |
| HispanicorLatino | 1,516 | 4.01% |
As of the2020 United States census,there were 37,781 people, 14,069 households, and 9,658 families residing in the city.
2010 census
editAs of the census of 2010, there were 33,960 people, 12,711 households, and 9,305 families residing in Prattville. The population density was 1,033.6 inhabitants per square mile (399.1/km2). There were 13,541 housing units at an average density of 412.1 per square mile (159.1/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 78.5%White,16.7%BlackorAfrican American,0.4%Native American,1.4%Asian,0.1%Pacific Islander,1.1% fromother races,and 1.8% from two or more races. 3.1% of the population wereHispanicorLatinoof any race.
There were 12,711 households, out of which 35.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.1% were married couples living together, 4.1% had a male householder with no wife present, 14.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.8% were non-families. 22.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.64 and the average family size was 3.12.
In the city, the age distribution of the population showed 27.1% under the age of 18, 8.5% from 18 to 24, 27.9% from 25 to 44, 24.6% from 45 to 64, and 11.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36.3 years. For every 100 females, there were 91.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.6 males.
In 2000, the median income for a household in the city was $45,728, and the median income for a family was $51,774. Males had a median income of $36,677 versus $22,978 for females. Theper capita incomefor the city was $19,832. 8.3% of the population and 6.4% of families were below thepoverty line.Out of the total population, 9.3% of those under the age of 18 and 9.2% of those 65 and older were living below the poverty line.
Climate
editAccording to theKöppen climate classification,Prattville has ahumid subtropical climate(abbreviatedCfa).
| Climate data for Prattville, 1991–2020 simulated normals (200 ft elevation) | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Mean daily maximum °F (°C) | 57.6 (14.2) |
62.2 (16.8) |
69.8 (21.0) |
76.6 (24.8) |
84.0 (28.9) |
89.4 (31.9) |
91.6 (33.1) |
91.4 (33.0) |
87.4 (30.8) |
78.1 (25.6) |
67.6 (19.8) |
59.7 (15.4) |
76.3 (24.6) |
| Daily mean °F (°C) | 46.9 (8.3) |
51.1 (10.6) |
58.1 (14.5) |
64.8 (18.2) |
72.9 (22.7) |
79.5 (26.4) |
81.9 (27.7) |
81.5 (27.5) |
76.8 (24.9) |
66.6 (19.2) |
55.8 (13.2) |
49.3 (9.6) |
65.4 (18.6) |
| Mean daily minimum °F (°C) | 36.5 (2.5) |
39.7 (4.3) |
46.2 (7.9) |
52.9 (11.6) |
61.7 (16.5) |
69.4 (20.8) |
72.1 (22.3) |
71.6 (22.0) |
66.4 (19.1) |
55.0 (12.8) |
43.7 (6.5) |
38.8 (3.8) |
54.5 (12.5) |
| Averageprecipitationinches (mm) | 5.27 (133.86) |
5.38 (136.54) |
5.44 (138.12) |
4.46 (113.19) |
4.00 (101.52) |
4.97 (126.30) |
5.09 (129.33) |
4.55 (115.45) |
3.78 (96.01) |
3.11 (79.12) |
4.14 (105.25) |
5.39 (137.01) |
55.58 (1,411.7) |
| Averagedew point°F (°C) | 37.6 (3.1) |
40.6 (4.8) |
45.7 (7.6) |
52.7 (11.5) |
61.2 (16.2) |
68.2 (20.1) |
71.4 (21.9) |
70.7 (21.5) |
65.8 (18.8) |
55.9 (13.3) |
45.9 (7.7) |
40.8 (4.9) |
54.7 (12.6) |
| Source: Prism Climate Group[9] | |||||||||||||
Severe weather
editOn February 17, 2008, Prattville was hit by anEF3tornadowhich destroyed more than 45 homes and businesses and damaged over 700. Twenty-nine people were injured with no fatalities. Preliminary estimates put the damage at $85 million in insured and uninsured damages.[10]
Education
editMost of Prattville (the Autauga County portion) is part of theAutauga County School System,[11]and has eight schools, includingPrattville High Schooland the Autauga County Technology Center.[12]The Elmore County portion is in theElmore County Public School System.[13]
Prattville Christian Academy andAutauga Academyare private schools based in the city.East Memorial Christian Academywas located in anunincorporated areaofAutauga County,near Prattville, until it was closed down.[14]
Emergency services
editFire protection and Emergency Medical Services in Prattville are provided by the Prattville Fire Department.
Law enforcement agency is the Prattville Police Department.
Media
editPrattville is part of theMontgomerytelevision market.WOW!(formerlyKnology) andCharterprovidecable televisionservice.DirecTVandDish Networkprovidedirect broadcast satellitetelevision including both local and national channels to area residents. Prattville is also served by the twice-weeklyPrattville Progressnewspaper.[15]
Recreation
editThe city has become a populargolfdestination, featuring the Capitol Hill golf courses (part of theRobert Trent Jones Golf Trail). Its Senator Course hosted the Navistar (now Yokohama Tire) LPGA Classic on theLPGA Tourfrom2007through2012when Navistar ended its sponsorship. There was no LPGA event at this course in 2013. The2014event, now known as theYokohama Tire LPGA Classicafter its new sponsor, was scheduled for September 18–21.
High Point Town Centeris a large shopping center built in Prattville between 2007 and 2008. 10,000-capacityStanley-Jensen Stadiumis located in Prattville. It is mainly used for football and soccer.
Transportation
editMajor highways that pass through the city include:
Prattville also has a smallairportabout 3.5 miles from downtown.
Autauga County Rural Transportation providesdial-a-ridetransit service in the city and county.[16]
Historical markers
editHappy Hollow
edit
Known for the signature hill that turns into a steep curve, located on present-day 6th Street, Happy Hollow was the center of African American life in Prattville in the 1950s. This marker was erected to honor the spirit of "equality" that resonated in Happy Hollow.[17]
Notable people
edit- Marlon Anderson,Major League Baseballplayer
- Kaitlan Collins,journalist
- Evan Crawford,Major League Baseballplayer
- John Coleman Darnell,Egyptologist[18]
- Steve Gainer,Cinematographer
- Bobby Greenwood,NFLoffensive tackle
- Roman Harper,NFLplayer.[19]
- C. M. Hazen,head coach for theUniversity of Richmond footballteam from 1882 to 1888
- O. J. Howard,former Tight End for theAlabama Crimson Tide.He was drafted 1st Round 19th Overall to theTampa Bay Buccaneers
- Randy Hunt,formerMajor League Baseballcatcher
- Charlie Lucas,sculptor
- Nick Perry,NFL player and coach
- Wilson Pickett,R&Bandsoulsinger and songwriter "Rock and Roll Hall of Fame"
- Tommy Shaw,member of the bandStyx
- Brandon Taylor,author
- Daniel Holcombe Thomas,chief judge of theU.S. District Court for the Southern District of Alabamafrom 1966 to 1971
- Trust Company,alternative rock/post-grungeband
- Kevin Turner,NFLplayer
- Ernie Wingard,pitcherfor theSt. Louis Brownsfrom 1924 to 1927
- Zac Woodfin,NFLplayer.
Popular culture
editGabriel García Marquezmentions Prattville in his well-known workOne Hundred Years of Solitude;Prattville is referred to as the original city of Jack Brown, the founder of the banana company.[20]
Folklore
editA popular ghost-story known as "The Black Lady," inspired by deaths caused by poor working conditions in the nearby factories of downtown Prattville, is a popular phenomenon described by most as a black, ghastly figure that goes across the nearby dam during the night hours of 1 am to 4 am and has been featured on the ghost hunting show,Deep South Paranormal.
This story, and additional Prattville ghost stories are cited by Digital Alabama.[21]
Gallery
edit-
Autauga County Courthouse -
-
First United Methodist Church
1938 flooding
edit
References
edit- ^"2020 U.S. Gazetteer Files".United States Census Bureau.RetrievedOctober 29,2021.
- ^"Autauga County".Autauga County Heritage Association.RetrievedDecember 21,2009.
- ^"National Register Information System".National Register of Historic Places.National Park Service.March 13, 2009.
- ^"US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990".United States Census Bureau.February 12, 2011.RetrievedApril 23,2011.
- ^"US Gazetteer files 2013".United States Census Bureau.Archived fromthe originalon January 25, 2012.RetrievedFebruary 5,2014.
- ^United States Census Bureau."Census of Population and Housing".RetrievedJune 7,2014.
- ^"Population Estimates".United States Census Bureau.RetrievedJune 8,2018.
- ^"Explore Census Data".data.census.gov.RetrievedDecember 18,2021.
- ^"PRISM Climate Group at Oregon State University".Northwest Alliance for Computational Science & Engineering (NACSE), based at Oregon State University.RetrievedMarch 14,2023.
- ^"Tornadoes touch down across Southeast: 29 people injured in Alabama town; 200 homes, 100 businesses damaged".NBC News.RetrievedJanuary 25,2010.
- ^"2020 CENSUS - SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENCE MAP: Autauga County, AL"(PDF).U.S. Census Bureau.Archived(PDF)from the original on August 1, 2022.RetrievedJuly 31,2022.-Text list
- ^"Autauga County Technology Center".Archived fromthe originalon January 16, 2010.RetrievedDecember 21,2009.
- ^"2020 CENSUS - SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENCE MAP: Elmore County, AL"(PDF).U.S. Census Bureau.Archived(PDF)from the original on August 1, 2022.RetrievedJuly 31,2022.-Text list
- ^"HomeArchived2013-08-21 at theWayback Machine."East Memorial Christian Academy.Retrieved on August 3, 2013. "1320 Old Ridge Road Prattville, Alabama 36066"
- ^"The Prattville Progress".The Prattville Progress. Archived fromthe originalon September 20, 2009.RetrievedSeptember 19,2009.
- ^"Autauga County Rural Transportation".RetrievedNovember 10,2024.
- ^"Alabama Historical Association Marker Program: Autauga County".Archived fromthe originalon February 2, 2014.RetrievedJanuary 29,2014.
- ^Killingsworth, Catherine (December 7, 2007)."Profile – Man, Myth, or Legend?".Yale Daily News.Archivedfrom the original on September 29, 2017.
- ^Benn, Alvin (February 28, 2010)."Prattville turns out to welcome Saints star home".Montgomery Advertiser.Archived fromthe originalon August 13, 2014.RetrievedMarch 30,2010.
- ^One Hundred Years of Solitude,page 124
- ^"Haunted Places in Alabama".digitalalabama.com.Digital Alabama. October 25, 2018.RetrievedJanuary 27,2020.
External links
edit
Media related toPrattville, Alabamaat Wikimedia Commons
