Tuscumbiais a city in, and thecounty seatof,Colbert County,Alabama,United States. As of the2020 census,the population was 9,054.[4]The city is part ofThe Shoalsmetropolitan area.
Tuscumbia | |
|---|---|
 Colbert County Courthouse in Tuscumbia | |
 Seal | |
| Nickname: "The Charm of the Shoals" | |
 Location of Tuscumbia in Colbert County, Alabama. | |
| Coordinates:34°43′51″N87°42′10″W/ 34.73083°N 87.70278°W | |
| Country | United States |
| State | Alabama |
| County | Colbert |
| Settled | 1815 |
| Incorporated (town) | December 20, 1820[1] |
| Named for | Chief Tuscumbia |
| Government | |
| • Type | Mayor-City Council |
| • Mayor | Kerry L. Underwood |
| Area | |
• Total | 9.26 sq mi (23.98 km2) |
| • Land | 9.22 sq mi (23.87 km2) |
| • Water | 0.04 sq mi (0.11 km2) |
| Elevation | 427 ft (130 m) |
| Population (2020) | |
• Total | 9,054 |
| • Density | 982.42/sq mi (379.30/km2) |
| Demonym | Tuscumbian |
| Time zone | UTC-6(Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5(CDT) |
| ZIP code | 35674 |
| Area codes | 256,938 |
| FIPS code | 01-77280 |
| GNISfeature ID | 2405616[3] |
| Website | www |
Tuscumbia was the hometown ofHelen Keller,who lived atIvy Green.Several sites in the city are listed on theNational Register of Historic Places,especially in theTuscumbia Historic District.The city is also the site of theAlabama Music Hall of Fame.
History
editWhen the Michael Dixon family arrived about 1816, they were the first European Americans to settle here. It was traditional territory of theChickasaw people.The settlers traded with Chief Tucumseh for the Tuscumbia Valley and built their home at the head of the big spring. Other settlers joined them and there developed a village known as the Big Spring Community. The men of the community requested that the state legislature incorporate them as a city.[5]The town was incorporated in 1820 asOcocoposa,a Chickasaw word meaning 'dry watermelon'.[1]It is one of Alabama's oldest towns. In 1821, its name was changed toBig Spring[6]and on December 22, 1822, to Tuscumbia, after the Chief Rainmaker of theChickasaw.[5][7][8]
Althoughshoalson the nearbyTennessee Rivermade the river nearly impassable, a federal road completed in 1820 provided the area with good access to markets. Tuscumbia soon became the center for agriculture in northern Alabama.[8]A line to the town on theTuscumbia, Courtland and Decatur Railroadwas completed in 1832, and by 1850 Tuscumbia was a major railroad hub for train traffic throughout the South.[8]
From 1826 to the 1860s, theTuscumbia Female Academyoperated in Tuscumbia.[9]It was one of a number of private schools[citation needed]founded by planters and others wealthy enough to pay for the education of their sons and daughters. A public city school system was not established until 1855.[10]
During theCivil War,the railroad hub made Tuscumbia a target of theUnion Army,which destroyed the railroad shops and other parts of the town. The Civil War resulted in the permanent closure of the Tuscumbia Female Academy.[9]
Tuscumbia was designated as the county seat for Colbert County in 1867.[11]
Atornado,estimated at F4 intensity on theFujita scale,struck Tuscumbia on November 22, 1874, damaging or destroying about a third of the town and killing 14 people.[12]
In April 1894, three African Americans accused of planning to commit arson were taken from the Tuscumbia jail by a mob of 200 men andlynched,hanged from the bridge over the Tennessee River.[13]The turn of the century period was the nadir of race relations in the South, with frequent violence by whites against African Americans to maintain white supremacy.
21st century
editThe2019–20 coronavirus pandemicresulted in the temporary closure of two tourist destinations: The Alabama Music Hall of Fame and Ivy Green at the beginning of the month of April 2020 to reduce social contact and help curb the spread ofCOVID-19.[14][15]
Geography
editTuscumbia is located northeast of the center of Colbert County at34°43′51″N87°42′10″W/ 34.73083°N 87.70278°W(34.730839, -87.702854).[16]It is bordered to the north by the city ofSheffieldand to the northeast by the city ofMuscle Shoals.TheTennessee Riveris 1 mile (1.6 km) to the northwest.
According to theU.S. Census Bureau,the city has a total area of 8.8 square miles (22.8 km2), of which 8.8 square miles (22.7 km2) is land and 0.039 square miles (0.1 km2), or 0.50%, is water.[17]
Climate
editAccording to theKöppen climate classification,Tuscumbia has ahumid subtropical climate(abbreviatedCfa).
| Climate data for Tuscumbia, 1991–2020 simulated normals (479 ft elevation) | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Mean daily maximum °F (°C) | 50.7 (10.4) |
55.0 (12.8) |
63.7 (17.6) |
72.9 (22.7) |
80.2 (26.8) |
87.3 (30.7) |
90.0 (32.2) |
89.8 (32.1) |
84.7 (29.3) |
74.7 (23.7) |
62.8 (17.1) |
53.6 (12.0) |
72.1 (22.3) |
| Daily mean °F (°C) | 40.8 (4.9) |
44.6 (7.0) |
52.2 (11.2) |
61.0 (16.1) |
69.4 (20.8) |
76.6 (24.8) |
79.9 (26.6) |
79.0 (26.1) |
73.2 (22.9) |
62.1 (16.7) |
50.7 (10.4) |
43.5 (6.4) |
61.1 (16.2) |
| Mean daily minimum °F (°C) | 31.1 (−0.5) |
34.0 (1.1) |
40.8 (4.9) |
49.1 (9.5) |
58.6 (14.8) |
66.0 (18.9) |
69.8 (21.0) |
68.4 (20.2) |
61.9 (16.6) |
49.6 (9.8) |
38.8 (3.8) |
33.4 (0.8) |
50.1 (10.1) |
| Averageprecipitationinches (mm) | 5.27 (133.78) |
5.28 (134.13) |
5.43 (137.96) |
5.24 (132.97) |
4.97 (126.14) |
4.82 (122.53) |
4.98 (126.47) |
4.24 (107.75) |
4.07 (103.26) |
3.66 (93.08) |
4.14 (105.14) |
6.08 (154.32) |
58.18 (1,477.53) |
| Averagedew point°F (°C) | 32.4 (0.2) |
35.1 (1.7) |
40.6 (4.8) |
49.3 (9.6) |
58.8 (14.9) |
66.6 (19.2) |
70.3 (21.3) |
69.1 (20.6) |
63.1 (17.3) |
52.0 (11.1) |
41.4 (5.2) |
35.8 (2.1) |
51.2 (10.7) |
| Source: PRISM Climate Group[18] | |||||||||||||
Demographics
edit| Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1870 | 1,214 | — | |
| 1880 | 1,369 | 12.8% | |
| 1890 | 2,491 | 82.0% | |
| 1900 | 2,348 | −5.7% | |
| 1910 | 3,324 | 41.6% | |
| 1920 | 3,855 | 16.0% | |
| 1930 | 4,533 | 17.6% | |
| 1940 | 5,515 | 21.7% | |
| 1950 | 6,734 | 22.1% | |
| 1960 | 8,994 | 33.6% | |
| 1970 | 8,828 | −1.8% | |
| 1980 | 9,137 | 3.5% | |
| 1990 | 8,413 | −7.9% | |
| 2000 | 7,856 | −6.6% | |
| 2010 | 8,423 | 7.2% | |
| 2020 | 9,054 | 7.5% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census[19] | |||
2020 census
edit| Race | Num. | Perc. |
|---|---|---|
| White(non-Hispanic) | 6,375 | 70.41% |
| Black or African American(non-Hispanic) | 1,991 | 21.99% |
| Native American | 28 | 0.31% |
| Asian | 16 | 0.18% |
| Other/Mixed | 416 | 4.59% |
| HispanicorLatino | 228 | 2.52% |
As of the2020 United States census,there were 9,054 people, 3,304 households, and 2,207 families residing in the city.
2010 census
editAs of thecensus[20]of 2010, there were 8,423 people, 3,704 households, and 2,279 families residing in the city.[21]Thepopulation densitywas 1,076.3 inhabitants per square mile (415.6/km2). There were 4,120 housing units at an average density of 520.7 per square mile (201.0/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 75.91%White,21.16%BlackorAfrican American,0.39%Native American,0.33%Asian,0.48% fromother races,and 1.70% from two or more races. 1.37% of the population wereHispanicorLatinoof any race.[21]
There were 3,704 households, out of which 25.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.2% weremarried couplesliving together, 14.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.6% were non-families. 34.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 17.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.19 and the average family size was 2.81.[21]
In the city, the population was spread out, with 21.64% under the age of 18, 6.20% from 18 to 24, 30.15% from 25 to 44, 19.50% from 45 to 64, and 21.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females, there were 83.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 78.6 males.[21]
The median income for a household in the city was $28,793, and the median income for a family was $39,831. Males had a median income of $32,159 versus $18,860 for females. Theper capita incomefor the city was $18,302. About 11.1% of families and 15.1% of the population were below thepoverty line,including 21.7% of those under age 18 and 19.92% of those age 65 or over.[21]
Education
editTuscumbia City Schoolsand the Colbert County Board of Education provide public education for Tuscumbia. The following public schools are located in Tuscumbia:
- Deshler Area Vocational Center (grades 9 through 12)
- Deshler High School (grades 9 through 12)
- Colbert Heights High School (grades 7 through 12)
- Deshler Middle School (grades 6 through 8)
- Colbert Heights Elementary School (grades K through 6)
- New Bethel Elementary (grades K through 6)
- R. E. Thompson Intermediate School (grades 3 through 5)
- G. W. Trenholm Primary School (grades K through 2)
Private schools in Tuscumbia include Covenant Christian School (grades K through 12).
Media
editRadio stations:
- WVNA1590 AM (News/Talk)
- WZZA1410 AM (Urban contemporary)
Transportation
editMajor highways
edit
Transit
editThere is no fixed-route transit service in Tuscumbia. However, the Northwest Alabama Council of Local Governments operates adial-a-ridetransit service known as NACOLG Transit.[22]
Notable people
edit- Cynthia Bailey,model, actress, entrepreneur, and cast member ofThe Real Housewives of Atlanta
- Beverly Barton,novelist
- Deion Belue,American footballcornerback
- Archibald Hill Carmichael,politician and U.S. Representative from 1933 to 1937
- Mike Cooley,guitarist for the alt-country/rock bandDrive-By Truckers
- James Deshler,Confederatebrigadier generalduring the American Civil War
- Al Gamble,session musician
- Howell Thomas Heflin,U.S. senator from Alabama (1979–97),Alabama Supreme CourtChief Justice (1971–77)
- Richard H. Jackson,former four-star admiral in the United States Navy
- Helen Keller,deafblindauthor, activist, lecturer, andsocialist
- Robert B. Lindsay,22ndGovernor of Alabama
- Frank Manush,former Major League Baseballthird basemanfor thePhiladelphia Athletics
- Heinie Manush,professional baseball player, elected to theBaseball Hall of Fame[23]
- Jimmy Orr,former National Football Leaguewide receiver
- Margaret Pellegrini,played one of the Munchkins in the movieThe Wizard of Oz
- Billy Pettinger,songwriter, painter and author
- Will Reynolds,mass murderer
- William Henry Sawtelle,United States federal judgefrom 1931 to 1934
- William H. Steele,member of theU.S. District Court for the Southern District of Alabama
- Larry Stutts,State Senator whose patient's death inspired "Rose's Law"
- Bubba Underwood,mayor of Tuscumbia and member of theAlabama House of Representatives[24]
- Wilson D. Watson,United States Marine Corps private who received the Medal of Honor for his actions onIwo Jimaduring World War II
References
edit- ^abActs Passed at the Second Session of the General Assembly of the State of Alabama. Ococoposa, Chickasaw which means dry watermelon Begun and held in the Town of Cahawba, on the first Monday in November, one thousand eight hundred and twenty (1820). Cahawba, Alabama: Printed by Allen & Brickell, State Printers in 1820. Page 94."An Act to incorporate the town of Ococoposo in the County of Franklin...Approved, December 20, 1820."
- ^"2020 U.S. Gazetteer Files".United States Census Bureau.RetrievedOctober 29,2021.
- ^abU.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Tuscumbia, Alabama
- ^ab"Explore Census Data".data.census.gov.RetrievedDecember 13,2021.
- ^abDeshler High School Yearbook, Tiger's Roar 1996,Volume LXVI, 175 Years Ago by John McWilliams. pg. 51
- ^Acts Passed at the Called Session of the General Assembly of the State of Alabama Begun and Held in the Town of Cahawba, on the First Monday in June, One Thousand Eight Hundred and Twenty One (1821). Cahawba, Alabama: Printed by Allen & Brickell, State Printers. Reprint by Statute Law Book Co., Washington, D.C. Nov. 1913. Page 40."To change the name of Ococoposa, and for other purposes...Approved, June 14, 1821"ArchivedDecember 4, 2010, at theWayback Machine
- ^Acts Passed at the Fourth Annual Session of the General Assembly of the State of Alabama, Begun and Held at the Town of Cahawba, On the third Monday of November, one thousand eight hundred and twenty two (1822). Cahawba, Alabama. Printed by William B. Allen and Co., Printers to the State. Jan. 1823. Page 131."Act - Changing the name of Big-Spring in Franklin County...Approved, Dec. 31, 1822."
- ^abcThornton, Linda (December 10, 2009)."Tuscumbia".Encyclopedia of Alabama.RetrievedJanuary 21,2010.
- ^abI. M. E. Blandin,History of Higher Education of Women in the South Prior to 1860,(New York: Washington, Neale Pub. Co., 1909), pp. 64–65.
- ^"About Us".Tuscambia City School District.Finalsite. 2022.RetrievedMarch 4,2024.
- ^"Our History".City of Tuscumbia Web site.Archived fromthe originalon December 23, 2009.RetrievedJanuary 21,2010.
- ^Grazulis, Thomas P. (1993).Significant tornadoes, 1680-1991: A Chronology and Analysis of Events.St. Johnsbury, Vermont: Environmental Films. p. 581.ISBN1-879362-03-1.
- ^"Triple Lynching at Tuscumbia".The Atlanta Constitution.April 23, 1894.
- ^"Alabama Music Hall of Fame closed during pandemic".WAFF.April 11, 2020.
- ^"Popular Tuscumbia tourist attraction closed during COVID-19 pandemic".WAFF.April 5, 2020.
- ^"US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990".United States Census Bureau.February 12, 2011.RetrievedApril 23,2011.
- ^"Geographic Identifiers: 2010 Demographic Profile Data (G001): Tuscumbia city, Alabama".U.S. Census Bureau, American Factfinder. Archived fromthe originalon February 12, 2020.RetrievedJune 9,2014.
- ^"PRISM Climate Group at Oregon State University".Northwest Alliance for Computational Science & Engineering (NACSE), based at Oregon State University.RetrievedMarch 14,2023.
- ^"U.S. Decennial Census".Census.gov.RetrievedJune 6,2013.
- ^"U.S. Census website".United States Census Bureau.RetrievedJanuary 31,2008.
- ^abcde"Fact Sheet- Tuscumbia city, Alabama".American Fast Facts.United States Census Bureau. Archived fromthe originalon February 12, 2020.RetrievedJanuary 21,2010.
- ^"NACOLG Transit".RetrievedNovember 10,2024.
- ^Reichler, Joseph L., ed. (1979) [1969].The Baseball Encyclopedia(4th ed.). New York: Macmillan Publishing.ISBN0-02-578970-8.
- ^"Kerry Underwood".Ballotpedia.RetrievedSeptember 29,2023.
External links
edit
- Official website
- Virtual Tour of Tuscumbia
- American Memory's Built in America Collectionwhich has drawings, photographs, and descriptions of old homes and buildings in Tuscumbia