Gadsden, Alabama | |
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.jpg) Aerial photo of downtown Gadsden | |
 Flag  Seal  Logo | |
| Motto: "City of Champions" | |
 Location of Gadsden in Etowah County, Alabama | |
  Gadsden Location in the United States | |
| Coordinates:34°0′36″N86°0′37″W / 34.01000°N 86.01028°W /34.01000; -86.01028 | |
| Country | United States |
| State | Alabama |
| County | Etowah |
| Founded | February 18, 1867[1] |
| Incorporated | March 9, 1871[2] |
| Government | |
| • Type | Mayor Council (with seven councilmen) |
| • Mayor | Craig Ford (D) |
| Area | |
• City | 38.657 sq mi (100.121 km2) |
| • Land | 37.443 sq mi (96.978 km2) |
| • Water | 1.214 sq mi (3.143 km2) |
| Elevation | 581 ft (177 m) |
| Population | |
• City | 33,945 |
• Estimate (2023)[6] | 33,229 |
| • Rank | US: 1200th AL:16th |
| • Density | 890/sq mi (343.8/km2) |
| • Urban | 57,975 (US:460th) |
| • Urban density | 947/sq mi (365.7/km2) |
| • Metro | 103,088 (US:357th) |
| • Metro density | 192.6/sq mi (74.38/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC−6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−5 (CDT) |
| ZIP Codes | 35901, 35902, 35903, 35904, 35905, 35906, 35907 |
| Area codes | 256 and 938 |
| FIPS code | 01-28696 |
| GNIS feature ID | 2403673[4] |
| Website | cityofgadsden.com |
Gadsden is a city in and thecounty seat ofEtowah County in theU.S. state ofAlabama. It is located on theCoosa River about 56 miles (90 km) northeast ofBirmingham 90 miles (140 km) southwest ofChattanooga, Tennessee. 72 Miles (117Km) Southeast ofHuntsville It is the primary city of theGadsden Metropolitan Statistical Area, which has a population of 103,931. The population was 33,945 at the2020 census.[5]
In the 19th century, Gadsden was Alabama's second-most important center of commerce and industry, trailing only the seaport ofMobile. The two cities were important shipping centers: Gadsden for riverboats and Mobile for international trade.
From the late 19th century through the 1980s, Gadsden was a center ofheavy industry, including theGoodyear Tire and Rubber Company andRepublic Steel. In 1991, following more than a decade of sharp decline in industry, Gadsden was awarded the honor ofAll-America City by theNational Civic League.
The first substantial European-American settlement in the area that developed as Gadsden was a village called "Double Springs". It was founded in about 1825 by John Riley, amixed-raceAmerican Indian andEuropean-American settler who built his house near two springs. Riley used his house for a stagecoach stop on theHuntsville-to-Rome route. The original building still stands as the oldest in Gadsden.
The house was purchased by brothers Gabriel and Asenath Hughes in 1840. The Hughes brothers purchased much of the land betweenLookout Mountain, theCoosa River, and the mouth of Wills Creek. The brothers proposed constructing a railroad from the port ofSavannah toNashville, Tennessee through their land.[7] The original 120 acres (49 ha) survey of Gadsden included the Hughes brothers' land, plus that of John S. Moragne and Lewis L. Rhea.
On July 4, 1845, Captain James Lafferty piloted the steamboatCoosa to the settlement. He landed near the site where the Memorial Bridge was built. The Hughes brothers suggested renaming the town as "Lafferty's Landing", but residents adopted "Gadsden" in honor of ColonelJames Gadsden ofSouth Carolina. He later was noted for negotiating the United States'Gadsden Purchase from Mexico.[8][9]
In 1867, after the American Civil War, the legislature organizedBaine County; Gadsden was incorporated and made the county seat. After a constitutional convention, the new legislature dissolved Baine County in 1868 and renamed it as Etowah County. Gadsden retained its standing as county seat.[10]
By the late 19th century, Gadsden had developed as a major river port on theCoosa River, and was second to Mobile, a seaport on the Gulf Coast, in importance. It also developed as a center of heavy industry.
With unionization, industrial workers could earn middle-class salaries and improve their lives, even as African Americans struggled underJim Crow laws and political disenfranchisement. The city reached its peak of population in 1960.
Affected by the national restructuring of railroads and heavy industry, most of Gadsden's major industries closed in the 1970s and 1980s. The city lost many jobs and much population, and began to decline. The city government has struggled to manage the transition to a different economy, just as numerous other industrial cities had to do.
Redevelopment efforts, such as the Cultural Arts Center and downtown revitalization, earned Gadsden first place in the 2000 City Livability Awards Program of the US Conference of Mayors.[11] Underemployment continues to be a severe problem, as indicated by the economic data presented below.
Gadsden is located in central Etowah County at34°0′37″N86°0′37″W / 34.01028°N 86.01028°W /34.01028; -86.01028 (34.010147, −86.010356),[12] and developed on both sides of theCoosa River.
According to theUnited States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 38.657 square miles (100.12 km2), of which 37.443 square miles (96.98 km2) is land and 1.214 square miles (3.14 km2), is water.[3] The southern end ofLookout Mountain rises to the north of the city center.
Typical of theDeep South, Gadsden experiences ahumid subtropical climate (KöppenCfa) with four distinct seasons.
Winter lasts from early December to late-February; the daily average temperature in January is 41.3 °F (5.2 °C). On average, the low temperature falls to the freezing mark or below on 60 days a year, and to or below 20 °F (−7 °C) on 6.9 days.[13] While rain is abundant (January and February are on average the wettest months), measurable snowfall is rare, with most years receiving none. Summers are hot and humid, lasting from mid-May to mid-September, and the July daily average temperature is 80.6 °F (27.0 °C). There are 60–61 days of 90 °F (32 °C)+ highs annually and 2.1 days of 100 °F (38 °C)+ highs.[14] The latter part of summer tends to be drier. Autumn, which spans from mid-September to early December, tends to be similar to spring in terms of temperature and precipitation, although it begins relatively dry.
With a period of record dating only back to 1953, the highest recorded temperature was 106 °F (41 °C) on June 30, 2012, while the lowest recorded temperature was −6 °F (−21 °C) onJanuary 20–21, 1985.[14]
| Climate data for Gadsden, Alabama (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1953–present) | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Record high °F (°C) | 78 (26) | 82 (28) | 88 (31) | 91 (33) | 99 (37) | 106 (41) | 105 (41) | 105 (41) | 102 (39) | 99 (37) | 87 (31) | 78 (26) | 106 (41) |
| Mean maximum °F (°C) | 70.1 (21.2) | 73.9 (23.3) | 80.9 (27.2) | 86.5 (30.3) | 90.9 (32.7) | 95.2 (35.1) | 97.0 (36.1) | 97.4 (36.3) | 94.4 (34.7) | 87.4 (30.8) | 78.6 (25.9) | 71.0 (21.7) | 98.5 (36.9) |
| Mean daily maximum °F (°C) | 52.8 (11.6) | 57.3 (14.1) | 66.0 (18.9) | 74.9 (23.8) | 82.0 (27.8) | 87.8 (31.0) | 90.9 (32.7) | 90.3 (32.4) | 85.3 (29.6) | 75.4 (24.1) | 64.0 (17.8) | 55.6 (13.1) | 73.5 (23.1) |
| Daily mean °F (°C) | 42.8 (6.0) | 46.7 (8.2) | 54.7 (12.6) | 62.7 (17.1) | 70.7 (21.5) | 77.9 (25.5) | 81.0 (27.2) | 80.4 (26.9) | 74.8 (23.8) | 64.0 (17.8) | 52.7 (11.5) | 45.6 (7.6) | 62.8 (17.1) |
| Mean daily minimum °F (°C) | 32.8 (0.4) | 36.2 (2.3) | 43.3 (6.3) | 50.4 (10.2) | 59.4 (15.2) | 67.9 (19.9) | 71.2 (21.8) | 70.4 (21.3) | 64.3 (17.9) | 52.5 (11.4) | 41.3 (5.2) | 35.7 (2.1) | 52.1 (11.2) |
| Mean minimum °F (°C) | 16.4 (−8.7) | 21.6 (−5.8) | 26.9 (−2.8) | 36.1 (2.3) | 45.9 (7.7) | 58.4 (14.7) | 64.9 (18.3) | 63.5 (17.5) | 52.3 (11.3) | 37.4 (3.0) | 27.0 (−2.8) | 22.0 (−5.6) | 15.1 (−9.4) |
| Record low °F (°C) | −6 (−21) | 1 (−17) | 11 (−12) | 22 (−6) | 33 (1) | 42 (6) | 52 (11) | 52 (11) | 33 (1) | 23 (−5) | 14 (−10) | 1 (−17) | −6 (−21) |
| Averageprecipitation inches (mm) | 5.70 (145) | 5.18 (132) | 5.40 (137) | 5.07 (129) | 4.79 (122) | 4.56 (116) | 4.71 (120) | 4.49 (114) | 4.50 (114) | 3.51 (89) | 4.25 (108) | 5.48 (139) | 57.64 (1,464) |
| Average snowfall inches (cm) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.1 (0.25) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.1 (0.25) | 0.2 (0.51) |
| Average precipitation days(≥ 0.01 in) | 9.7 | 10.3 | 10.2 | 9.1 | 8.2 | 9.6 | 9.6 | 8.4 | 6.3 | 6.5 | 7.9 | 10.3 | 106.1 |
| Average snowy days(≥ 0.1 in) | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.2 |
| Source: NOAA[14][15] | |||||||||||||
| Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1880 | 1,697 | — | |
| 1890 | 2,901 | 70.9% | |
| 1900 | 4,282 | 47.6% | |
| 1910 | 10,557 | 146.5% | |
| 1920 | 14,737 | 39.6% | |
| 1930 | 24,042 | 63.1% | |
| 1940 | 36,975 | 53.8% | |
| 1950 | 55,725 | 50.7% | |
| 1960 | 58,088 | 4.2% | |
| 1970 | 53,928 | −7.2% | |
| 1980 | 47,565 | −11.8% | |
| 1990 | 42,523 | −10.6% | |
| 2000 | 38,978 | −8.3% | |
| 2010 | 36,856 | −5.4% | |
| 2020 | 33,945 | −7.9% | |
| 2023 (est.) | 33,229 | [6] | −2.1% |
| U.S. Decennial Census[16] 2020 Census[5] | |||
| Race | Number | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| White (non-Hispanic) | 17,198 | 50.66% |
| Black or African American (non-Hispanic) | 12,002 | 35.36% |
| Native American | 92 | 0.27% |
| Asian | 273 | 0.8% |
| Pacific Islander | 9 | 0.03% |
| Other/mixed | 1,633 | 4.81% |
| Hispanic orLatino | 2,738 | 8.07% |
As of the2020 census, there were 33,945 people, 14,141 households, and 8,411 families residing in the city.[18] There were 16,730 housing units.
As of the2010 census, there were 36,856 people, 15,171 households, and 9,183 families living in the city. The population density was 990.8 inhabitants per square mile (382.6/km2). There were 17,672 housing units at an average density of 475.1 per square mile (183.4/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 57.3%White, 36.3%Black orAfrican American, 0.4%Native American, 0.6%Asian, 0.4%Pacific Islander, 3.2% fromother races, and 1.9% from two or more races. 5.4% of the population wereHispanic orLatino of any race.
There were 15,171 households, out of which 24.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 35.9% weremarried couples living together, 19.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 39.5% were non-families. 34.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.31 and the average family size was 2.99.
In the city, the population was spread out, with 22.5% under the age of 18, 9.7% from 18 to 24, 25.0% from 25 to 44, 26.1% from 45 to 64, and 16.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39.3 years. For every 100 females, there were 90.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.5 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $28,386, and the median income for a family was $34,643. Males had a median income of $33,827 versus $27,342 for females. Theper capita income for the city was $18,610. About 20.2% of families and 24.9% of the population were below thepoverty line, including 38.9% of those under age 18 and 14.3% of those age 65 or over.
As of the2000 census, there were 38,978 people, 16,456 households, and 10,252 families living in the city. The population density was 1,083.6 inhabitants per square mile (418.4/km2). There were 18,797 housing units at an average density of 522.6 per square mile (201.8/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 62.7%White, 34.0%Black orAfrican American, 0.3%Native American, 0.5%Asian, 0.1%Pacific Islander, 1.2% fromother races, and 1.2% from two or more races. 2.6% of the population wereHispanic orLatino of any race.
There were 16,456 households, out of which 24.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 40.5% weremarried couples living together, 18.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37.7% were non-families. 33.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 16.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.28 and the average family size was 2.91.
In the city, the population was spread out, with 23.0% under the age of 18, 9.5% from 18 to 24, 25.3% from 25 to 44, 22.0% from 45 to 64, and 20.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 85.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 80.1 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $24,823, and the median income for a family was $31,740. Males had a median income of $29,400 versus $19,840 for females. Theper capita income for the city was $15,610. About 18.1% of families and 22.9% of the population were below thepoverty line, including 33.9% of those under age 18 and 14.6% of those age 65 or over.
According to the City's 2022 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report,[19] the largest employers in the city are:
| Number | Company/Organizations | Employees |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gadsden Regional Medical Center | 1,312 |
| 2 | Etowah County Board of Education | 1,275 |
| 3 | Koch Foods | 1,040 |
| 4 | Riverview Regional Medical Center | 789 |
| 5 | Walmart | 750 |
| 6 | Gadsden City Schools | 693 |
| 7 | City of Gadsden | 658 |
| 8 | Gadsden State Community College | 553 |
| 9 | Keystone Foods | 512 |
| 10 | Feher Automotive | 434 |
Citing statistics from the Alabama Department of Industrial Relations and the Center for Business and Economic Research at the University of Alabama, the Gadsden-Etowah County Industrial Development Authority reports that approximately 12,000 residents of Etowah County were underemployed and 2,179 residents were unemployed as of 2008.[20]
Gadsden houses numerous churches: Episcopalian, Methodist, Baptist, Presbyterian, Lutheran, Church of Christ, Pentecostal, Catholic, Church of the Nazarene, and Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
The city was home toCongregation Beth Israel, aReformsynagogue founded in 1908. In a 1960 attack, the synagogue was fire-bombed, its windows smashed, and two members shot and wounded by a Nazi sympathizer.[21] Because of declining numbers as some members moved away and others died, the congregation ceased operations in 2010.
| Gadsden | |
|---|---|
| Crime rates* (2022) | |
| Violent crimes | |
| Homicide | 6 |
| Rape | 15 |
| Robbery | 17 |
| Aggravated assault | 151 |
| Total violent crime | 189 |
| Property crimes | |
| Burglary | 154 |
| Larceny-theft | 1,269 |
| Motor vehicle theft | 136 |
| Arson | 13 |
| Total property crime | 1,572 |
Notes *Number of reported crimes per 100,000 population. 2022 population: 33,335 Source:2022 FBI UCR Data | |
Gadsden is served by a 106-member municipal police department that includes a Patrol Division and Detective Division. The Patrol Division operates patrol, a bomb squad unit, a special projects team, and a jointSWAT team with the Etowah County Sheriff Office. The Detective Division serves a homicide or persons unit, property crime unit, financial crimes unit, and juvenile unit. In May 2010, the Gadsden Police Department acquired twounmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) under the auspices of a $150,000 federal grant. The drones are equipped with video cameras and wireless transmitters, designed to be used for aerial surveillance.[22]
The Gadsden City Board of Education oversees fourteen schools: eight elementary schools, three middle schools, one high school, and two specialty schools (one alternative center and one technical center).
A new high school,Gadsden City High School, replaced the three former city high schools (Emma Sansom High School, Gadsden High School, andLitchfield High School) via merger for the 2006–2007 school year.
Gadsden is home toGadsden State Community College, the second largest of the 27 two-year institutions in theAlabama Community College System. This was founded by former Governor George Wallace. Small satellites ofJacksonville State University and theUniversity of Alabama also offer college courses in Gadsden.
Gadsden is home to the first statewide day-treatment program for juvenile offenders. The Community Intensive Treatment for Youth Program (C.I.T.Y.) was founded in January 1981 byEdward E. Earnest (1943-2005). With the assistance and support of the Honorable Judge Robert E. Lewis (1927-1993), the city of Gadsden, and the Gadsden City Board of Education, the C.I.T.Y. Program began enrolling students on February 1, 1981. C.I.T.Y. is designed to be a multi-dimensional program emphasizing habilitation (i.e., equipping at-risk youth on juvenile probation with skills needed to meet the demands of modern society).
Its objectives are to identify the at-risk youth's individual strengths and weaknesses, provide an individualized environment in which the at-risk youth can develop skills, and alter the natural environment of the at-risk youth so that newly acquired skills are nurtured and encouraged. To achieve these objectives, C.I.T.Y. offers academic remediation in reading, math, language; intensive counseling that involves behavior modification,consumer education, and job readiness training. After all objectives have been met, C.I.T.Y. provides GED preparation, return to public school, and placement into technical school, college, job, or military service. In 1983, the C.I.T.Y. Program of Etowah County (Gadsden) received the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges Unique and Innovative Project Award. On October 1, 2009, C.I.T.Y.’s name was changed to Special Programming for Achievement Network (S.P.A.N.) It operates under the directorship of the Alabama Department of Youth Services. There are eleven SPAN programs in the state of Alabama.[23]
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Gadsden is located in the Birmingham DMA (Designated Market Area) for television stations. Two of the market's stations are licensed to Gadsden.
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Municipalities and communities ofEtowah County, Alabama,United States | ||
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| Footnotes | ‡This populated place also has portions in an adjacent county or counties | |
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