Atmore, Alabama
Encyclopedia
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. The city was named for Mr. C.P. Atmore.
The federally recognized Poarch Band of Creek Indians
is headquartered here.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 8.4 square miles (21.8 km²), of which, 8.3 square miles (21.5 km²) of it is land and 0.04 square mile (0.1035995244 km²) of it (0.36%) is water.
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 per square mile (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.
of the Alabama Department of Corrections
(ADOC) is in unincorporated
southwestern Escambia County
, 9 miles (14.5 km) north of Atmore. Holman has a male death row and the State of Alabama execution chamber. In addition Fountain Correctional Facility
is about 7 miles (11.3 km) north of Atmore, in an unincorporated area.
, who was a friend of Mr. Carney. Mr. Carney owned a sawmill in town and was a very prominant citizen. The town was orignally going to be named Carney, but Mr. Carney had a brother who had already established a town and named it Carney nearby. The town then decided to let Mr. Carney name the town. He named it after his close friend Mr.Atmore, who never visited Atmore. Since the early 1990s, the city has held an Arts and Crafts festival 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 Creek Casino, as well the Wind Creek Casino and Hotel in Atmore, which provide for tourism and conferences.
On the first Saturday in May at Tom Byrne Park, Atmore celebrates Mayfest with sports events, arts and crafts and a variety of food. There are many different forms of entertainment on the Gazebo Stage throughout the day. It’s an event for the entire family.
Williams Station Day
Held the 4th Saturday
of October
, Williams Station Day celebrates Atmore’s history beginning in 1866 as Williams Station, a supply stop along the railroad and later grew into a thriving municipality of two hotels and a few stores. The all day event includes an arts and crafts show, storytelling tent, old time fiddler's tent, professional entertainment, a model train show, sugar cane mill and delicious food.
Poarch Creek Indian Pow-Wow
For an authentic Thanksgiving, celebrate this holiday with the Poarch Creek Indians. Enjoy turkey, dressing, and roasted corn as dancers from many tribes gather to compete. Over 100 booths will display arts and crafts, quilts and other keepsakes of the Creek Indian culture. For more information, call (251) 368-9136 ext. 2216.
Old-Time Fiddlers' Convention
Musicians from across the state come to Atmore the third Saturday in July to compete for prizes in the fiddle, guitar, banjo, mandolin, and bands and vocals division. This event funds the Rotary Club's Academic All-Star Scholarship Program for academic excellence.
A Taste of the South
Held at Heritage Park in August, A Taste of the South is an evening of entertainment and food from Atmore’s best cooks. This annual event is coordinated by the Leadership Atmore Class of 2004.
Escambia County, Alabama
-2010:Whereas according to the 2010 U.S. Census Bureau:*62.1% White*31.9% Black*4.4% Native American*0.2% Asian*0.0% Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander*1.5% Two or more races*1.9% Hispanic or Latino -2000:...
, Alabama
Alabama
Alabama is a state located in the southeastern region of the United States. It is bordered by Tennessee to the north, Georgia to the east, Florida and the Gulf of Mexico to the south, and Mississippi to the west. Alabama ranks 30th in total land area and ranks second in the size of its inland...
, United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. 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. The city was named for Mr. C.P. Atmore.
The federally recognized Poarch Band of Creek Indians
Poarch Band of Creek Indians
The Poarch Band of Creek Indians is the only federally recognized tribe of Native Americans residing in the southern part of the state of Alabama. Historically speaking the Muskogean language, they were formerly known as the Creek Nation East of the Mississippi. They are located mostly in Escambia...
is headquartered here.
Geography
Atmore is located at 31°1′23"N 87°29′31"W (31.023183, -87.492067).According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 8.4 square miles (21.8 km²), of which, 8.3 square miles (21.5 km²) of it is land and 0.04 square mile (0.1035995244 km²) of it (0.36%) is water.
2000 Census data
As of the censusCensus
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
of 2000, there were 7,676 people, 3,148 households, and 2,071 families residing in the city. The population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 922.5 people per square mile (356.2/km2). There were 3,535 housing units at an average density of 424.9 per square mile (164.0/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 49.48% White
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 46.31% Black
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
or African American
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 2.41% Native American
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.47% Asian
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.05% Pacific Islander
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.36% from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 0.91% from two or more races. 0.73% of the population were Hispanic
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
or Latino
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
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
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
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
Per capita income
Per capita income or income per person is a measure of mean income within an economic aggregate, such as a country or city. It is calculated by taking a measure of all sources of income in the aggregate and dividing it by the total population...
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.
Government and infrastructure
The Holman Correctional FacilityHolman Correctional Facility
Holman Correctional Facility is an Alabama Department of Corrections prison located in unincorporated southwestern Escambia County, Alabama. The facility is along Alabama State Highway 21, north of Atmore....
of the Alabama Department of Corrections
Alabama Department of Corrections
The Alabama Department of Corrections, commonly referred to as , is the agency responsible for incarceration of convicted felons in the state of Alabama in the United States. It is headquartered in the Alabama Criminal Justice Center in Montgomery....
(ADOC) is in unincorporated
Unincorporated area
In law, an unincorporated area is a region of land that is not a part of any municipality.To "incorporate" in this context means to form a municipal corporation, a city, town, or village with its own government. An unincorporated community is usually not subject to or taxed by a municipal government...
southwestern Escambia County
Escambia County, Alabama
-2010:Whereas according to the 2010 U.S. Census Bureau:*62.1% White*31.9% Black*4.4% Native American*0.2% Asian*0.0% Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander*1.5% Two or more races*1.9% Hispanic or Latino -2000:...
, 9 miles (14.5 km) north of Atmore. Holman has a male death row and the State of Alabama execution chamber. In addition Fountain Correctional Facility
Fountain Correctional Facility
G.K. Fountain Correctional Facility is an Alabama Department of Corrections prison located in unincorporated Escambia County, Alabama. The facility is located along Alabama Highway 21, about north of Atmore....
is about 7 miles (11.3 km) north of Atmore, in an unincorporated area.
Community Information
Atmore was first recorded as a stop on the Mobile and Great Northern Railroad. The town was named after Mr. C.P. Atmore, General Passenger Agent of the Louisville and Nashville RailroadLouisville and Nashville Railroad
The Louisville and Nashville Railroad was a Class I railroad that operated freight and passenger services in the southeast United States.Chartered by the state of Kentucky in 1850, the L&N, as it was generally known, grew into one of the great success stories of American business...
, who was a friend of Mr. Carney. Mr. Carney owned a sawmill in town and was a very prominant citizen. The town was orignally going to be named Carney, but Mr. Carney had a brother who had already established a town and named it Carney nearby. The town then decided to let Mr. Carney name the town. He named it after his close friend Mr.Atmore, who never visited Atmore. Since the early 1990s, the city has held an Arts and Crafts festival 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
Casino
In modern English, a casino is a facility which houses and accommodates certain types of gambling activities. Casinos are most commonly built near or combined with hotels, restaurants, retail shopping, cruise ships or other tourist attractions...
, the Poarch Band of Creek Indians
Poarch Band of Creek Indians
The Poarch Band of Creek Indians is the only federally recognized tribe of Native Americans residing in the southern part of the state of Alabama. Historically speaking the Muskogean language, they were formerly known as the Creek Nation East of the Mississippi. They are located mostly in Escambia...
reservation
Indian reservation
An American Indian reservation is an area of land managed by a Native American tribe under the United States Department of the Interior's Bureau of Indian Affairs...
near I-65 has increased its economic contributions to the region. The tribe now operates the Creek Casino, as well the Wind Creek Casino and Hotel in Atmore, which provide for tourism and conferences.
Community Events
MayfestOn the first Saturday in May at Tom Byrne Park, Atmore celebrates Mayfest with sports events, arts and crafts and a variety of food. There are many different forms of entertainment on the Gazebo Stage throughout the day. It’s an event for the entire family.
Williams Station Day
Held the 4th Saturday
Saturday
Saturday is the day of the week following Friday and preceding Sunday.Saturday is the last day of the week on many calendars and in conventions that consider the week as beginning on Sunday, or the sixth day of the week according to international standard ISO 8601 which was first published in...
of October
October
October is the tenth month of the year in the Julian and Gregorian Calendars and one of seven months with a length of 31 days. The eighth month in the old Roman calendar, October retained its name after January and February were inserted into the calendar that had originally been created by the...
, Williams Station Day celebrates Atmore’s history beginning in 1866 as Williams Station, a supply stop along the railroad and later grew into a thriving municipality of two hotels and a few stores. The all day event includes an arts and crafts show, storytelling tent, old time fiddler's tent, professional entertainment, a model train show, sugar cane mill and delicious food.
Poarch Creek Indian Pow-Wow
For an authentic Thanksgiving, celebrate this holiday with the Poarch Creek Indians. Enjoy turkey, dressing, and roasted corn as dancers from many tribes gather to compete. Over 100 booths will display arts and crafts, quilts and other keepsakes of the Creek Indian culture. For more information, call (251) 368-9136 ext. 2216.
Old-Time Fiddlers' Convention
Musicians from across the state come to Atmore the third Saturday in July to compete for prizes in the fiddle, guitar, banjo, mandolin, and bands and vocals division. This event funds the Rotary Club's Academic All-Star Scholarship Program for academic excellence.
A Taste of the South
Held at Heritage Park in August, A Taste of the South is an evening of entertainment and food from Atmore’s best cooks. This annual event is coordinated by the Leadership Atmore Class of 2004.
Famous residents
- Evander HolyfieldEvander HolyfieldEvander Holyfield is a professional boxer from the United States. He is a former undisputed world champion in both the cruiserweight and heavyweight divisions, earning him the nickname "The Real Deal"...
, four-time World Heavyweight boxing champion, was born in Atmore. - Paul BirchPaul Birch (actor)Paul Birch was an American actor of stage and film.Birch was born Paul Smith in Atmore, Alabama. He was a veteran of 39 movies, 50 stage dramas and a number of television shows including the Hallmark Hall of Fame...
, American actor and the original "Marlboro Man"http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0083280/bio, was born in Atmore. - Don McNealDon McNealDon McNeal is a former American professional football player who played defensive back for the Miami Dolphins in the 1980s....
, star defensive back for Alabama and the Miami Dolphins, was born and raised in Atmore. - William C. MaxwellWilliam C. MaxwellWilliam Calvin Maxwell was an American pilot in the United States Air Force and namesake of Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, Alabama....
, namesake of Maxwell Air Force BaseMaxwell Air Force BaseMaxwell Air Force Base , officially known as Maxwell-Gunter Air Force Base, is a United States Air Force installation under the Air Education and Training Command . The installation is located in Montgomery, Alabama, US. It was named in honor of Second Lieutenant William C...
.
External links
- Atmore Area Chamber of Commerce
- City of Atmore
- Atmore, Alabama
- Escambia County Industrial Development Authority
- Atmore Public Library
- Coastal Gateway Regional Economic Development Alliance
- Zumba Atmore with Ashley Krasinski is reshaping the women of Atmore
- Pintoli's Italian Restaurant in Historic Downtown Atmore
- Atmore Advance (weekly newspaper)
- Atmore News (weekly newspaper and monthly atmore magazine)
- Poarch Creek Indians