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Decatur, Alabama
Nickname: Chicago of the South, The River City, D-Rock,
The Heart of the Valley
Location in Morgan County and the state of Alabama
Location in Morgan County and the state of Alabama
Coordinates: 34°34′51″N 86°59′0″W / 34.58083, -86.98333
Country United States
State Alabama
Counties Morgan, Limestone, Lawrence
Government
 - Mayor Don Kyle
Area
 - City 59. A nickname is a Name of an entity or thing that is not its Proper name. Morgan County the most populated county in the Decatur Metropolitan Area, and the second most populated county in the Huntsville-Decatur Combined Statistical Area. Alabama (formally the State of Alabama;) is a State located in the southern region of the United States of America. Wikipedia talkFeatured lists for an explanation of this and other inclusion tags below -->This list of countries, arranged alphabetically The United States of America —commonly referred to as the The political units and divisions of the United States include The 50 states (four of these being officially styled as Commonwealths) which are typically Alabama (formally the State of Alabama;) is a State located in the southern region of the United States of America. ImageAlabama counties mappng|thumb|right|310px|Alabama counties (clickable mappoly 210 83 208 83 199 75 188 75 176 70 171 70 165 Morgan County the most populated county in the Decatur Metropolitan Area, and the second most populated county in the Huntsville-Decatur Combined Statistical Area. Limestone County is a County of the US state of Alabama, and is included in the Huntsville-Decatur Metro Area. Lawrence County is a County of the US state of Alabama, and is included in the Decatur Metropolitan Area, as well as the Huntsville-Decatur Area is a Quantity expressing the two- Dimensional size of a defined part of a Surface, typically a region bounded by a closed Curve. A city is an Urban area with a large Population and a particular Administrative, Legal, or Historical status 9 sq mi (155. The square mile is an imperial and US unit of Area equal the area of a square of one statute mile. 1 km²)
 - Land 53. Square Kilometre ( US spelling square kilometer) symbol km2, is a decimal multiple of the SI unit of 4 sq mi (138. 3 km²)
 - Water 6. 5 sq mi (16. 8 km²)
Elevation 561 ft (171 m)
Population (2006)[1]
 - City 55,778
 - Density 900. The elevation of a Geographic location is its height above a fixed reference point often the mean sea level. A foot (plural feet or foot; symbol or abbreviation ft or sometimes &prime – the prime symbol) is a non-SI unit The metre or meter is a unit of Length. It is the basic unit of Length in the Metric system and in the International A city is an Urban area with a large Population and a particular Administrative, Legal, or Historical status Population density (in agriculture standing stock and Standing crop) is a measurement of Population per unit area or unit volume 3/sq mi (359. 62/km²)
 - Metro 149,269
Time zone Central (CST) (UTC-6)
 - Summer (DST) CDT (UTC-5)
ZIP code 35600-35699
Area code(s) 256
FIPS code 01-20104
GNIS feature ID 0117185
Decatur, Alabama (top center), along the Tennessee River, is southwest of Huntsville and north of Birmingham, along Interstate 65. Nearby towns include: Madison, Hartselle and Athens, Alabama.
Decatur, Alabama (top center), along the Tennessee River, is southwest of Huntsville and north of Birmingham, along Interstate 65. A metropolitan area is a large population center consisting of a large Metropolis and its adjacent zone of influence or of more than one closely adjoining neighboring central The Central Time Zone observes Standard time by subtracting six hours from UTC during standard time ( UTC−6) and five hours during Daylight saving Areas using UTC−6 Single zone countries Belize Costa Rica El Salvador Guatemala Daylight saving time ( DST UTC−5 is the Time offset used in the North American Eastern Time Zone during Standard time and in the North American Central Time Zone during The ZIP code is the system of Postal codes used by the United States Postal Service (USPS A telephone numbering plan is a plan for allocating Telephone number ranges to countries regions areas and exchanges and to non-fixed telephone networks Area code 256 was created on March 23 1998 as a split from Area code 205. Federal Information Processing Standards ( FIPS) are publicly announced standards developed by the United States Federal government for use by all non-military The Geographic Names Information System ( GNIS) is a database that contains name and locative information about more than two million physical and cultural features located throughout The Tennessee River is the largest tributary of the Ohio River. Huntsville is a city in Madison and Limestone Counties in the U Birmingham (ˈbɝmɪŋhæm is the largest City in the US state of Alabama and is the County seat of Jefferson County. Interstate 65 (I-65 is a major Interstate Highway in the United States. Nearby towns include: Madison, Hartselle and Athens, Alabama. Madison is a city in Limestone and Madison Counties in the US Hartselle is the second largest city in Morgan County, Alabama, about 10 miles (16 km south of Decatur, and Athens is a city in Limestone County, Alabama, United States.

Decatur is a city in Limestone and Morgan Counties in the U.S. state of Alabama. Limestone County is a County of the US state of Alabama, and is included in the Huntsville-Decatur Metro Area. Morgan County the most populated county in the Decatur Metropolitan Area, and the second most populated county in the Huntsville-Decatur Combined Statistical Area. A US state is any one of the fifty subnational entities of the United States of America that share Sovereignty with the federal government Alabama (formally the State of Alabama;) is a State located in the southern region of the United States of America. The city, known as "The River City", is located in Northern Alabama on the banks of Wheeler Lake, along the Tennessee River. North Alabama is a region of the US state of Alabama, generally considered to include 12 counties: Cherokee, Colbert, Wheeler Lake is located in the northern part of the United States state of Alabama, between Rogersville and Huntsville. The Tennessee River is the largest tributary of the Ohio River. It is the largest city and county seat of Morgan County. [2] The estimated population in 2006 was 55,778. [1]

Decatur is also the core city of the two-county large Decatur Metropolitan Area which had 149,269 in 2006. The Decatur Metropolitan Area is a moderately urban region of North-Central Alabama. Combined with the Huntsville Metropolitan Area, the two create the Huntsville-Decatur Combined Statistical Area, of which, Decatur is the second largest city. Counties Lawrence Limestone Madison Morgan Metropolitan areas

Like many southern cities in the early 1800s, Decatur's early success was based upon its location along a river. Railroad routes and boating traffic pushed the city to the front of North Alabama's economic atmosphere. North Alabama is a region of the US state of Alabama, generally considered to include 12 counties: Cherokee, Colbert, The city rapidly grew into a large economic center within the Tennessee Valley and was a hub for travelers and cargo between Nashville/Chattanooga and Mobile/New Orleans. The Tennessee Valley is the Drainage basin of the Tennessee River and is largely within the U New Orleans (nʲuːˈɔrliənz nʲuːˈɔrlənz French: La Nouvelle-Orléans) is a major United States port city and the largest city in Louisiana Throughout the 20th century, the city experienced steady growth, but was eclipsed as the regional economic center by a fast growing Huntsville during the space race. The city now finds its economy heavily based on manufacturing industries, cargo transit, and hi-tech industries such as General Electric, and the United Launch Alliance.

Contents

History

Initially the area was known as "Rhodes Ferry Landing", named for Dr. Henry W. Rhodes, an early landowner who operated a ferry that crossed the Tennessee River in the 1810s at the present-day location of Rhodes Ferry Park. The Tennessee River is the largest tributary of the Ohio River. The city was incorporated as Albany in the year 1821. It was named in honor of Stephen Decatur; after he was killed in a duel in 1820, President Monroe directed that the Alabama town be named for him. Commodore Stephen Decatur Jr ( 5 January 1779 – 22 March 1820) was an American naval officer notable for his heroism

Decatur was a very important point in North Alabama during its earliest days. North Alabama is a region of the US state of Alabama, generally considered to include 12 counties: Cherokee, Colbert, Decatur was the eastern terminus of the Decatur-Courtland-Tuscumbia Railroad (in the late 1820s and early 1830s), the first railway built west of the Appalachian Mountains.

Because of its location on the strategic Memphis & Charleston Railroad, Decatur was the site of several encounters during the American Civil War. 1885MemphisandCharlestonYard-Memphisjpg|thumb|left|Memphis Yard in 1885]]The Memphis and Charleston Railroad, completed in 1857 was the first Railroad in the United States Causes of the war See also Origins of the American Civil War, Timeline of events leading to the American Civil War The coexistence of a slave-owning South All but three buildings were burned down during the 1864 Battle of Decatur, when Decatur was referred to as A Tough Nut To Crack. The Battle of Decatur was fought from October 26 to October 29 1864, as part of the Franklin-Nashville Campaign of the American Civil The three that remained are the Old State Bank, Dancy-Polk House, and the Burleson-Hinds-McEntire House. The Old State Bank is a historic old bank building in Decatur Alabama, United States, which first opened its doors on July 29, 1833.

While the city was under Confederate control, plans for the Battle of Shiloh were mapped out within the Burleson-Hinds-McEntire House. Background and opposing forces After the losses of Fort Henry and Fort Donelson in February 1862 Confederate General Albert Sidney Johnston withdrew These activities made the house one of the most historic buildings in Decatur.

New Decatur was a city that rose out of the ashes of former Decatur west of the railroad tracks. New Decatur was founded in 1887 and incorporated in 1889. But residents of the older Decatur resented the new town, founded and occupied by people who moved from the northern states. Animosity built until New Decatur renamed their town Albany, after Albany, N. Y. , in September 1916. The impetus to meld the two towns came from the need for a bridge, instead of a ferry, across the Tennessee River. The Decatur Kiwanis Club was formed with an equal number of members from each town to organize efforts to get the state to build the bridge. In 1925, the two cities merged to form one City of Decatur. There is a noticeable difference between the two sides of town. The cities developed differently at different times, and still to this day have somewhat different cultures. Eastern portions of Decatur tend to act more suburban and traditional, while western portions tend to look more metropolitan and contemporary.

The Old State Bank, on the edge of downtown, is the oldest bank building in the State of Alabama, at 173 years old. The Old State Bank is a historic old bank building in Decatur Alabama, United States, which first opened its doors on July 29, 1833. Alabama (formally the State of Alabama;) is a State located in the southern region of the United States of America. The first wave pool in the United States was built here and is still in operation at the Point Mallard Aquatic Center. The United States of America —commonly referred to as the Point Mallard Park 's J Gilmer Blackburn Aquatic Center in the city of Decatur AL, was developed in the early 1970's after Mayor Gilmer Blackburn Decatur has the largest Victorian era home district in the state of Alabama. Culture The Victorian fascination with novelty resulted in a deep interest in the relationship between modernity and cultural continuities Decatur is also home to Alabama's oldest opera house, the (Cotaco Opera House), which still stands on Johnston Street. Located at 115 Johnton St in historic downtown Decatur Alabama, the Cotaco Opera House was the first Opera house constructed in the state of Alabama.

In the past its industries included repair shops of the Louisville and Nashville Railroad, car works, engine works, tannery, bottling plants, and manufacturers of lumber, sashes and blinds, fertilizers, cigars, flour, cottonseed oil, and various other products. The Louisville and Nashville Railroad was a Class I railroad that operated freight and passenger services in the southeast United States.

Early Historical Timeline

Geography

The Tennessee River has traditionally been the northern border of the city and Morgan County, while Flint Creek and the Wheeler Wildlife Refuge on the east side of the city. The Tennessee River is the largest tributary of the Ohio River. The city does extend to the other side of Flint Creek and the Refuge in the Indian Hills and Burningtree subdivision areas. There is also an inlet that extends one mile (1. 6 km) into the city limits from Wheeler Lake called Dry Branch. Wheeler Lake is located in the northern part of the United States state of Alabama, between Rogersville and Huntsville. There is also a small portion of Decatur that extends into Limestone County north along the Highway 31 corridor to the Calhoun College area and along Hwy 20 Corridor until it reaches I-65.

The northern portion of Decatur sits on top of a short hill that overlooks the Tennessee River, this creates a very steep dropoff to the river shore a Rhodes Ferry Park. This hill allows the "Steamboat Bill" Memorial Bridge to leave the mainland at grade without any major sloping required more height to cross the river while not interfering with Decatur's heavy barge traffic. The "Steamboat Bill" Memorial Bridges are two bridges that span one of the widest points along the Tennessee River within the City of Decatur Alabama This hill extends from the banks of the river about 1. 5 miles (2. 4 km) south to the 14th St. /Magnolia St. intersection with 6th Avenue (US 31). US Route 31 is a long north-south highway connecting northern Michigan to southern Alabama, with termini at Interstate 75 near Mackinaw City

South past the 14th St. and 6th Ave. intersection, land continues to remain flat. South, and also west, past Alabama 67 there are a few minor mountains that sit within the city limits. State Route 67 is a State highway in Alabama that connects the city of Decatur to U

Decatur is located at 34°34′52″N, 86°59′0″W (34. 580992, -86. 983392)[3].

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 59. The United States Census Bureau (officially Bureau of the Census as defined in Title) is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census 9 square miles (155. 1 km²), of which, 53. 4 square miles (138. 3 km²) of it is land and 6. 5 square miles (16. 8 km²) of it (10. 83%) is water.

Climate

Decatur experiences a humid subtropical climate, with hot, humid summers and a generally mild winter. Humid subtropical climate ( Köppen Cfa or Cwa) is a climate zone characterized by hot humid summers and chilly to mild winters Temperatures range from 89 °F (31. 6 C) in the summer to 49. 0 °F (9. 4 C) during winter. The city rarely experiences tornadoes during the spring and fall. A tornado is a violent rotating column of air which is in contact with both the surface of the earth and a Cumulonimbus cloud or in rare cases the base of a Cumulus But, significant severe weather does occur from time to time in the active seasons. The most significant tornado event included the Super Outbreak in 1974, while the city was largely unaffected by the more recent Huntsville, Alabama Tornado in 1989 that killed 21 and injured almost 500. The Super Outbreak is the largest Tornado outbreak on record for a single 24-hour period Decatur is usually immune to tornadoes because it is said that the Tennessee River protects it. Hurricanes are rare since Decatur sits nearly 300 miles (480 km) inland from the Gulf of Mexico. A tropical cyclone is a storm system characterized by a low pressure center and numerous Thunderstorms that produce strong winds and Flooding The Gulf of Mexico ( Spanish: Golfo de México) is the ninth largest Body of water in the world Though a few tropical systems do track through the central Tennessee Valley, they rarely inflict much damage on the city. The Tennessee Valley is the Drainage basin of the Tennessee River and is largely within the U Winters usually do not produce much snow; a large amount of snow is rare within the city limits. A small, measurable amount of snow can be experienced a few times each year.

Bodies of water

Nearby suburbs

Neighboring cities/towns

Neighborhoods

Decatur is, unofficially, divided into four different regions of town (Northeast, Southeast, Northwest, Southwest). Wheeler Lake is located in the northern part of the United States state of Alabama, between Rogersville and Huntsville. The Tennessee River is the largest tributary of the Ohio River. The Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge is a 35000 acre (142 km² National Wildlife Refuge located along the Tennessee River near Decatur Alabama. Moulton Heights is an unincorporated suburb of Decatur in Morgan County, Alabama, United States, and is included in the Priceville is the third largest municipality in Morgan County, Alabama, and is included in the Decatur Metropolitan Area, as well as the Huntsville-Decatur Trinity is a town in Morgan County, Alabama, and is included in the Decatur Metropolitan Area, as well as the Huntsville-Decatur Combined Statistical Somerville is a town in Morgan County, Alabama, and is included in the Decatur Metropolitan Area, as well as the Huntsville-Decatur Combined Statistical Danville is an unincorporated community in Morgan County, Alabama, United States, and is included in the Decatur Metropolitan Area Tanner is a small town in central southern Limestone County, Alabama, United States, and is included in the Huntsville-Decatur Combined Statistical Burningtree Mountain AL is a large unincorporated subdivision inside the City of Decatur city limits in Morgan County, and is included in the Decatur Caddo is a community located on Alabama State Highway 24 between Decatur and Moulton in Lawrence County Alabama. Hartselle is the second largest city in Morgan County, Alabama, about 10 miles (16 km south of Decatur, and Hartselle is the second largest city in Morgan County, Alabama, about 10 miles (16 km south of Decatur, and Huntsville is a city in Madison and Limestone Counties in the U Priceville is the third largest municipality in Morgan County, Alabama, and is included in the Decatur Metropolitan Area, as well as the Huntsville-Decatur Mooresville is a town in Limestone County Alabama, United States, located southeast of the intersection of I-565 and I-65, and north of Athens is a city in Limestone County, Alabama, United States. Trinity is a town in Morgan County, Alabama, and is included in the Decatur Metropolitan Area, as well as the Huntsville-Decatur Combined Statistical The reason for the existence of these four regions is because of The Beltline. The Beltline is a western bypass located completely within the city limits of Decatur Alabama. Southeast and Northeast Decatur already existed as parts of town, but were simply thought of as one, as there was a much lower population at that time in the West. Southwest consists mostly of the area bordered by 6th Avenue (US 31), 8th Street W, and Danville Road. US Route 31 is a long north-south highway connecting northern Michigan to southern Alabama, with termini at Interstate 75 near Mackinaw City Northwest is bordered by Danville Road, Central Parkway, and 14th Street W.

Two halves of town were successfully created in the years following the completion of The Beltline as a bypass. While there are few major cultural differences between the East and the West, minute differences such as street grid patterns, zoning patterns, and architectural styles are noticeable.

Northeast

Limestone County

Southeast

Northwest

Southwest

Demographics

As of the census[4] of 2000, there were 53,929 people, 21,824 households, and 14,753 families residing in the city. Burningtree Mountain AL is a large unincorporated subdivision inside the City of Decatur city limits in Morgan County, and is included in the Decatur Moulton Heights is an unincorporated suburb of Decatur in Morgan County, Alabama, United States, and is included in the A census is the procedure of acquiring information about every member of a given population The population density was 1,009. Population density (in agriculture standing stock and Standing crop) is a measurement of Population per unit area or unit volume 7 people per square mile (389. 9/km²). There were 23,950 housing units at an average density of 448. 4/sq mi (173. 1/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 75. 50% White, 19. 56% Black or African American, 0. 58% Native American, 0. 70% Asian, 0. 13% Pacific Islander, 2. 22% from other races, and 1. 33% from two or more races. 5. 64% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 21,824 households out of which 31. 8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50. 7% were married couples living together, 13. NOTICE TO WOULD-BE ROMEOS ************** 4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32. 4% were non-families. 28. 9% of all households were made up of individuals and 10. 7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2. 43 and the average family size was 2. 99.

In the city the population was spread out with 25. 4% under the age of 18, 8. 8% from 18 to 24, 29. 6% from 25 to 44, 23. 1% from 45 to 64, and 13. 1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females there were 92. 4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89. 5 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $37,192, and the median income for a family was $47,574. Males had a median income of $37,108 versus $22,471 for females. The per capita income for the city was $20,431. Per capita income means how much each individual receives in monetary terms of the yearly income generated in the country About 11. 9% of families and 14. 9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 21. The poverty threshold, or poverty line, is the minimum level of Income deemed necessary to achieve an adequate Standard of living in a given country 2% of those under age 18 and 11. 1% of those age 65 or over.

In 1890, 2,765 people lived in Decatur, Alabama; in 1900, 3,114; in 1910, 4,228; and in 1940, 16,604. As of the 2000 census, the population of the city was 53,929. As of the 2006 census estimation, the population was 55,778. The city is the county seat of Morgan County[2]. A county seat is a term for an Administrative center for a County, primarily used in the United States. Morgan County the most populated county in the Decatur Metropolitan Area, and the second most populated county in the Huntsville-Decatur Combined Statistical Area. In 1900, 4,457 people lived in New Decatur, Alabama; in 1910, 6,118. The two cities have melded.

Historical Population
Date Population Growth %
1940 16,600
1950 20,000 17%
1960 29,200 31. 5%
1970 38,000 23. 2%
1980 42,000 9. 5%
1990 53,900 10. 9%

Economy

Decatur has grown to be the busiest river port on the Tennessee River. The Port of Decatur sees large amounts of barge traffic from up and down the Tennessee River, which has led to twenty Fortune 500 companies opening plants in the city. The Port of Decatur is a Transshipment Port on the Tennessee River, in the city of Decatur Alabama, United States of America Please do not add the complete list of fortune 500 companies The list is copyrighted by Fortune which makes money by selling the content

Decatur is also known as the "Home of Meow Mix", after the company bought a 200,000-square-foot (19,000 m²) facility in town, and now utilizes its riverfront property to ship the finished product up and down the Tennessee River. Meow Mix is a popular variety of Cat food, and is well known for its popular advertising Jingle.

Being part of the Huntsville-Decatur CSA, the city lies within the region having the most engineers per person in the nation. Counties Lawrence Limestone Madison Morgan Metropolitan areas

A recent BRAC Base realignment will bring a population, conservatively estimated at 5,000–10,000 people (not including their families), to the area surrounding Redstone Arsenal. Redstone Arsenal is a US Army post and a Census-designated place (CDP located next to the city of Huntsville in Madison County, Alabama

Delta IV Medium launch carrying DSCS III-B6
Delta IV Medium launch carrying DSCS III-B6

Approval of the United Launch Alliance combined Lockheed-Martin and Boeing's rocket manufacturing contracts to a central location at the plant in Decatur. Lockheed Martin ( is a large multinational Aerospace manufacturer and advanced technology Company formed in 1995 by the merger of The Boeing Company is a major Aerospace and defense corporation originally founded by William E All satellite launching rockets used by the U. S. government will be built in Decatur. This approval brought over 230 new jobs to the Decatur area. The ULA plant utilizes the Tennessee River to ship the rockets to Cape Canaveral. Cape Canaveral from the Spanish Cabo Cañaveral, is a headland in Brevard County Florida, United States, near the center of that [5]

In March of 2008, a $1. 3 Billion development, including a Bass Pro Shops was announced for the Interstate 65/Interstate 565 interchange inside the city limits. Bass Pro Shops (Outdoor World is a privately held sports equipment and Outdoor recreation goods store headquartered in Springfield Missouri. Interstate 65 (I-65 is a major Interstate Highway in the United States. Interstate 565 (I-565 is a 22-mile (35 km long Interstate spur that connects Interstate 65 (I-65 in Decatur Alabama with U The development, named Sweetwater, will include more than 1,000,000 square feet (93,000 m²) of retail space, 825,000 square feet (76,600 m²) of medical and office space, 2,700 residences, and an entertainment venue with seating for up to 8,000 people. A school, fire department, parks and lakes are expected to support the future development. [6]

At question, is the mayor's and Decatur City Council's actions of using taxpayer money as a select incentive (or payoff) to finance the property and building for Bass Pro Shops which, in effect, prejudices the marketplace to the disadvantage of existing Decatur businesses.

Major Employers

View of Balloons Inflating At The Alabama Jubilee
View of Balloons Inflating At The Alabama Jubilee
View of Old State Bank
View of Old State Bank

Tourism

Tourism is a major part of Decatur's economy. 3M Company ( formerly Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company until 2002 is an American multinational conglomerate corporation with a worldwide BP plc, previously known as British Petroleum, is the third largest global Energy company, a multinational oil company (" Oil major p -Xylene is an Aromatic hydrocarbon, based on Benzene with two Methyl Substituents The “p” stands for para, identifying Terephthalic acid is one Isomer of the three Phthalic acids. It finds important use as a Commodity chemical, principally as a starting compound Bunge Limited (formerly Bunge International and prior to that Bunge Y Born) is a Bermudan food conglomerate with its headquarters in White Plains ( is a Japan -based multinational present in Japan, China, Australia, India, Southeast Asia, Europe, and The Decatur City Schools is a school system located in the city of Decatur Alabama, and is home to seven of Alabama 's International Baccalaureate schools Hyosung Group is a Korean industrial conglomerate ( Chaebol) founded in 1957. Meow Mix is a popular variety of Cat food, and is well known for its popular advertising Jingle. Nucor Corporation ( is one of the largest steel producers in the United States and the largest of the "mini-mill" operators (those using Electric arc furnaces Solutia Inc ( is a Chemical production company It was formed in 1997 as a Spin-off of Monsanto Company. The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA is a federally owned Corporation in the United States created by congressional charter in May 1933 to provide The Alabama Jubilee Hot-Air Balloon Classic is held annually on Memorial Day weekend in Decatur Alabama. Hundreds of thousands of people from in and out of town, and from many other countries and territories, attend some of the premier festivals in the South. [7]

The Alabama Jubilee, begun in 1977, is the oldest hot air balloon race south of the Kentucky Derby's Great Balloon Race (from 1973). The Alabama Jubilee Hot-Air Balloon Classic is held annually on Memorial Day weekend in Decatur Alabama. The Kentucky Derby is a Grade I stakes race for three year-old thoroughbred horses held annually in Louisville Kentucky, on the first Saturday in May The Kentucky Derby Festival is an annual festival held in Louisville Kentucky during the two weeks preceding the first Saturday in May the day With visiting populations rising into 75,000, people crowd around numerous seven-story tall inflating balloons. Because of the Alabama Jubilee, Decatur has been named "The Ballooning Capital of Alabama" by the Alabama State Legislature. Alabama (formally the State of Alabama;) is a State located in the southern region of the United States of America.

The Spirit of America Festival is one of the largest free 4th of July festivals in the south. The Spirit of America Festival is one of the largest free Fourth of July celebrations in the South. In the United States, Independence Day, commonly known as the Fourth of July (or the Fourth) is a Federal holiday commemorating the adoption More than 65,000 people arrive in Decatur to watch annual celebrations and the Miss Point Mallard Beauty Pageant.

Riverfest is a celebration sponsored by the Decatur Jaycees. Junior Chamber International ( JCI) is a worldwide federation of young leaders and Entrepreneurs. Set at Rhodes Ferry Park, along the beautiful Tennessee River, barbecuers come from all over the country to try their luck at beating Big Bob Gibson's Barbecue, the seven-time world champion winner. The Tennessee River is the largest tributary of the Ohio River.

Another big celebration in Decatur and North Alabama, the Racking Horse World Celebration, attracts numerous horses from around the world to compete in the largest racking horse competition. North Alabama is a region of the US state of Alabama, generally considered to include 12 counties: Cherokee, Colbert, Set in the Racking Horse World Celebration Arena, the celebration draws up to 75,000 fans and competitors each year.

Parks and celebrations

Replica of historic structure in the re-constructed Rose Garden in Delano Park
Replica of historic structure in the re-constructed Rose Garden in Delano Park

Media

Newspapers

The Decatur Daily has been the only major newspaper based in the Decatur Metropolitan Area since 1912, and the one of the only family owned newspapers in Alabama. The Delano Park is the oldest park in the city of Decatur Alabama. The Delano Park is the oldest park in the city of Decatur Alabama. Mallard Park in Decatur AL, sits on the edge of 500 acres (2 km² of the Flint Creek shoreline Point Mallard Park 's J Gilmer Blackburn Aquatic Center in the city of Decatur AL, was developed in the early 1970's after Mayor Gilmer Blackburn The Alabama Jubilee Hot-Air Balloon Classic is held annually on Memorial Day weekend in Decatur Alabama. The Spirit of America Festival is one of the largest free Fourth of July celebrations in the South. Celebration Arena is a 10000-seat indoor arena located in Decatur Alabama. The Decatur Daily is a daily Newspaper serving Decatur and the Tennessee Valley in North Alabama, United States. The Decatur Metropolitan Area is a moderately urban region of North-Central Alabama. Alabama (formally the State of Alabama;) is a State located in the southern region of the United States of America. It has an average daily circulation of 20,824 and a Sunday circulation of 23,840. The paper circulates in the morning to an area that includes Morgan County, Lawrence County, Cullman County, and southern portions of Limestone. Morgan County the most populated county in the Decatur Metropolitan Area, and the second most populated county in the Huntsville-Decatur Combined Statistical Area. Lawrence County is a County of the US state of Alabama, and is included in the Decatur Metropolitan Area, as well as the Huntsville-Decatur Cullman County is a County of the US state of Alabama. Its name is in honor of Colonel John G Limestone County is a County of the US state of Alabama, and is included in the Huntsville-Decatur Metro Area.

The Huntsville Times is the only other newspaper with a larger circulation in the Huntsville-Decatur Combined Statistical Area, and has been in circulation since 1996 to most area counties, when the Huntsville News closed. Counties Lawrence Limestone Madison Morgan Metropolitan areas Before then, the News was the morning paper, and the Times was the afternoon paper. After the News closed, the Times remained an afternoon paper until 2004.

Transportation

Air Transport

Decatur is served by two major airports. The Huntsville International Airport, in suburban Huntsville is the second busiest airport in Alabama, behind Birmingham International Airport. Huntsville International Airport, also known as Carl T Jones Field, is an Airport located 9 miles (14 km southwest of the Central business district Huntsville is a city in Madison and Limestone Counties in the U Birmingham International Airport may refer to Birmingham International Airport (United Kingdom, serving Birmingham England United Kingdom The city is also served by the busiest regional airport in Alabama, the Pryor Field Regional Airport. Pryor Field Regional Airport is a public Airport located three miles (5 km northeast of the Central business district of Decatur and south of [8]

Roadways

Captain William J. Hudson "Steamboat Bill" Memorial Bridges
Captain William J. Hudson "Steamboat Bill" Memorial Bridges

Decatur, being only a mid-sized city, has not yet seen the conveniences of a major controlled access highway passing through the city limits. The "Steamboat Bill" Memorial Bridges are two bridges that span one of the widest points along the Tennessee River within the City of Decatur Alabama

Decatur's main thoroughfares are 6th Avenue (US 31) and The Beltline (State Route 67). US Route 31 is a long north-south highway connecting northern Michigan to southern Alabama, with termini at Interstate 75 near Mackinaw City The Beltline is a western bypass located completely within the city limits of Decatur Alabama. State Route 67 is a State highway in Alabama that connects the city of Decatur to U 6th Avenue begins as both Alabama 20, Alternate U.S. 72, and US 31 split after being carried by the twin-span "Steamboat Bill" Hudson Memorial Bridge that crosses Tennessee River at the north central part of town. Alternate US-72 exists in Alabama on the mostly south side of the Tennessee River between Muscle Shoals and Decatur, while US-72 The "Steamboat Bill" Memorial Bridges are two bridges that span one of the widest points along the Tennessee River within the City of Decatur Alabama The Tennessee River is the largest tributary of the Ohio River. Alabama 20/Alternate U. S. 72 continues west towards The Shoals, after the Beltline begins in the vicinity of the Solutia plant. The Shoals is a metropolitan area in northwestern Alabama officially known as the Florence-Muscle Shoals Metropolitan Area, including the cities of Florence, Solutia Inc ( is a Chemical production company It was formed in 1997 as a Spin-off of Monsanto Company. 6th Avenue continues southward where it eventually intersects with Beltline Road. After that intersection, 6th Avenue continues southward to Birmingham as Decatur Highway.

The Beltline was built as a western bypass to relieve congestion on 6th Avenue. The Beltline is a western bypass located completely within the city limits of Decatur Alabama. In doing so, however, this created another problem as sprawl quickly developed along the new arterial. Construction is currently under way to widen the road from four to six lanes with the project expected to be completed by 2010.

Major Highways

Busiest Intersections

Rank Intersection Traffic Per Day
1 6th Avenue (US 31)
Alabama 20
Alternate US 72		 45,290
2 The Beltline (AL 67)
Spring Avenue SW		 38,000
3 6th Avenue (US 31)
Stratford Road SE		 34,000
4 PT Mallard Parkway (AL 67)
Interstate 65		 32,000
5 The Beltline
Betty Street
Westmead Street		 31,000

Improvements

Plans are also under way to construct a controlled access beltway from Interstate 65 south of the city to Alternate U.S. 72 in Lawrence County, known as Veteran's Parkway. Interstate 65 (I-65 is a major Interstate Highway in the United States. Interstate 565 (I-565 is a 22-mile (35 km long Interstate spur that connects Interstate 65 (I-65 in Decatur Alabama with U US Route 31 is a long north-south highway connecting northern Michigan to southern Alabama, with termini at Interstate 75 near Mackinaw City Alternate US-72 exists in Alabama on the mostly south side of the Tennessee River between Muscle Shoals and Decatur, while US-72 State Route 20 (SR-20 runs from the Tennessee state line ( State Route 69) northwest of Florence, Alabama, east to I-65 State Route 24 is a 70-mile long route in the northwestern and north-central part of the state State Route 67 is a State highway in Alabama that connects the city of Decatur to U US Route 31 is a long north-south highway connecting northern Michigan to southern Alabama, with termini at Interstate 75 near Mackinaw City State Route 20 (SR-20 runs from the Tennessee state line ( State Route 69) northwest of Florence, Alabama, east to I-65 Alternate US-72 exists in Alabama on the mostly south side of the Tennessee River between Muscle Shoals and Decatur, while US-72 The Beltline is a western bypass located completely within the city limits of Decatur Alabama. State Route 67 is a State highway in Alabama that connects the city of Decatur to U State Route 67 is a State highway in Alabama that connects the city of Decatur to U Interstate 65 (I-65 is a major Interstate Highway in the United States. Interstate 65 (I-65 is a major Interstate Highway in the United States. Alternate US-72 exists in Alabama on the mostly south side of the Tennessee River between Muscle Shoals and Decatur, while US-72 Lawrence County is a County of the US state of Alabama, and is included in the Decatur Metropolitan Area, as well as the Huntsville-Decatur

In addition, there are plans to transform Alabama Highway 20/Alternate US 72 into an extension of Interstate 565 into the city. Interstate 565 (I-565 is a 22-mile (35 km long Interstate spur that connects Interstate 65 (I-65 in Decatur Alabama with U Governor Bob Riley has said he will make sure that plans for the road will be put on the fast track, since more than 85 vehicle accidents occur on Highway 20's final approach into Decatur each year. Robert Renfroe "Bob" Riley (born October 3 1944 is an American Politician in the Republican Party. [9]

Education

The Decatur City School System is well regarded throughout the nation. The Decatur City Schools is a school system located in the city of Decatur Alabama, and is home to seven of Alabama 's International Baccalaureate schools Both of the city's high schools (Decatur High School and Austin High School) have been awarded the Safe Schools Award for the past two years that it has been presented in the State of Alabama. The two schools are the only ones in the state to have won this award both years. With the addition of the International Baccalaureate Program to Austin and Decatur High Schools, Decatur has become the first Alabama school system north of Birmingham and one of five in the state to offer the honors program for juniors and seniors (as of July 2006). The International Baccalaureate (IB Diploma Programme (DP is an Educational programme examined in one of three languages ( English, French or Spanish

All high school football and soccer teams compete in the 9,000 seat Ogle Stadium. Ogle Stadium is an 9000 seat stadium inside the city of Decatur, Alabama, located on the southern end of Decatur High School's campus and is owned Indoor track meets are held at the 10,000 seat Racking Horse World Celebration Arena. Celebration Arena is a 10000-seat indoor arena located in Decatur Alabama.

However, both Austin and Decatur failed to make adequate yearly progress in 2006 as mandated in the No Child Left Behind Act. The state said Austin's 86 percent graduation rate was four points too low.

Decatur High missed in two categories: percent of special education students the system tested in reading and percent tested in math. The graduate rate was 76 percent. However, the graduation rate is unreliable since students who move to different schools are considered "dropouts" and this drastically distorts the figures of how many students actually graduate.

The only institution of higher education located within the Decatur city limits is Calhoun Community College. It has three campuses; the main campus is located just north of the city on Highway 31.

Local Elementary and Middle Schools

High Schools

Middle Schools

Elementary Schools

Private Schools

Local Higher Education

Nicknames

Famous Decaturites

See also

References

  1. ^ a b Annual Estimates of the Population for Incorporated Places in Alabama, Listed Alphabetically: April 1, 2000 to July 1, 2006 (CSV). The comma separated list (CSL is a Data Format originally known as comma-separated values (CSV in the oldest days of simple computers 2007 Population Estimates. U. S. Census Bureau, Population Division (June 28, 2007). Events 1098 - Fighters of the First Crusade defeat Kerbogha of Mosul. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Retrieved on June 28, 2007. Events 1098 - Fighters of the First Crusade defeat Kerbogha of Mosul. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century.
  2. ^ a b Find a County. National Association of Counties. Retrieved on 2008-01-31. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 1504 - France cedes Naples to Aragon. 1606 - Gunpowder Plot: Guy Fawkes
  3. ^ US Gazetteer files: 2000 and 1990. United States Census Bureau (2005-05-03). The United States Census Bureau (officially Bureau of the Census as defined in Title) is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Events 1491 - Kongo monarch Nkuwu Nzinga is baptised by Portuguese missionaries adopting the baptismal name of João Retrieved on 2008-01-31. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 1504 - France cedes Naples to Aragon. 1606 - Gunpowder Plot: Guy Fawkes
  4. ^ American FactFinder. United States Census Bureau. The United States Census Bureau (officially Bureau of the Census as defined in Title) is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census Retrieved on 2008-01-31. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 1504 - France cedes Naples to Aragon. 1606 - Gunpowder Plot: Guy Fawkes
  5. ^ FTC Gives Approval. Decatur Daily Newspaper (10-03-2006).
  6. ^ Bass Pro, convention center planned for major Decatur development. Birmingham Business Journal (03-17-2008).
  7. ^ Festivals and celebrations. Decatur-Morgan County Convention and Visitors Bureau (2006).
  8. ^ Rivers, rails, roads, and air. Decatur Daily Newspaper (2006-10-01). Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 331 BC - Alexander the Great defeats Darius III of Persia in the Battle of Gaugamela.
  9. ^ 3-year transit plan. Decatur Daily Newspaper (06-05-2005).
  10. ^ The overcome negatives, focus on positives. Decatur Daily Newspaper (06-28-2006).

External links

((Private schools in Decatur AL))

A geographic coordinate system enables every location on the Earth to be specified in three coordinates using mainly a spherical coordinate system.
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