Ardmore, Alabama

Ardmore is a town in Limestone County, Alabama, United States, and is included in the Huntsville-Decatur Metro Area. The population was 1,321 at the 2020 census, It borders its sister city Ardmore, Tennessee.

History

The settlement was originally named Austin, after Alex Austin, who selected the location as a site for a station along the Louisville and Nashville Railroad. The railroad company later renamed the town Ardmore, for the community of Ardmore, Pennsylvania. Ardmore, Alabama was incorporated in 1922.

By the mid-20th century, Ardmore had developed a diverse local economy supported by agriculture, industry, and retail businesses. The Ardmore Creamery was one of the town’s leading industries, playing a significant role in the regional dairy market. Additionally, the Ardmore Hosiery Mill provided jobs in textile manufacturing, contributing to the area’s economic stability. Farming also remained a crucial part of the local economy, with both Alabama and Tennessee farmers utilizing Ardmore as a commercial hub for distributing goods. The town's strategic location along major transportation routes made it an important center for commerce, attracting businesses that served customers from both states.

Civic organizations played a crucial role in Ardmore’s development, fostering community involvement and local progress. The Ardmore Rotary Club was particularly influential, bringing together business leaders and residents to promote economic growth and civic improvements. The club and other local organizations supported infrastructure projects, educational initiatives, and social programs that benefited both Alabama and Tennessee residents. Despite the administrative challenges posed by the town's split jurisdiction, these groups worked together to ensure that Ardmore remained a thriving and closely connected community.

Religious institutions were a cornerstone of Ardmore’s social fabric in the 1950s. The town had multiple churches that served as key gathering places, providing spiritual guidance and fostering a strong sense of community. These churches also played a role in charitable efforts, offering support to families in need and organizing local events. Their influence extended beyond religious services, as they helped unify the town despite its divided governance. Church-led initiatives contributed to the town’s cultural identity and reinforced the values that kept the community strong.

Education was a priority in Ardmore, with ongoing efforts to improve school facilities and resources for students. Ardmore School was considered a modern educational institution for its time, equipped to serve children from both sides of the state line. Investments in school infrastructure reflected the town’s commitment to providing quality education, despite the complexities of operating across two jurisdictions. The town’s dedication to education ensured that students had access to academic opportunities that prepared them for the future. This focus on learning, combined with industrial growth and civic engagement, helped Ardmore maintain its reputation as a progressive and resilient community in the mid-20th century.

Geography

Ardmore is located at (34.987052, -86.843228). It is the northernmost settlement in the state of Alabama. The town is concentrated along Alabama State Route 53, which runs south to north along Ardmore Avenue before veering east along the state line, where it runs congruent with Tennessee State Route 7 on Main Street. Interstate 65, which connects Nashville and Birmingham, passes just west of Ardmore.

Main Street is the state line. The road heading northbound/westbound is in Tennessee, while southbound/eastbound is in Alabama.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of , of which is land and , is water.

Demographics

Ardmore first appeared on the 1930 U.S. Census as an incorporated town.http://www2.census.gov/prod2/decennial/documents/03815512v1ch02.pdf, 1930 AL Census

2020 census

As of the 2020 census, there were 1,321 people, 571 households, and 344 families residing in the town. There were 636 housing units.

2010 census

As of the 2010 census there were 1,194 people, 505 households, and 333 families in the town. The population density was . There were 578 housing units at an average density of . The racial makeup of the town was 94.3% White, 1.9% Black or African American, 0.8% Native American, 0.9% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 0.6% from other races, and 1.4% from two or more races. 1.3%. were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

Of the 505 households 28.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 44.8% were married couples living together, 15.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.1% were non-families. 31.5% of households were made up of individuals, and 18.5% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.36, and the average family size was 2.97.

The age distribution was 24.9% under the age of 18, 10.7% from 18 to 24, 25.7% from 25 to 44, 21.9% from 45 to 64, and 16.8% 65 or older. The median age was 37.1 years. For every 100 females, there were 82.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.7 males.

The median household income was $32,196 and the median family income was $36,779. Males had a median income of $31,600 versus $37,841 for females. The per capita income for the town was $18,931. About 13.0% of families and 18.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 21.9% of those under age 18 and 19.2% of those age 65 or over.

2000 census

As of the 2000 census, there were 1,034 people, 460 households, and 276 families in the town. The population density was . There were 506 housing units at an average density of . The racial makeup of the town was 96.23% White, 0.87% Black or African American, 0.48% Native American, 0.77% Asian, 0.10% Pacific Islander, 1.16% from other races, and 0.39% from two or more races. 1.74% were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

Of the 460 households 27.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 43.0% were married couples living together, 11.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 39.8% were non-families. 36.5% of households were made up of individuals, and 21.1% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.25, and the average family size was 2.96.

The age distribution was 25.0% under the age of 18, 8.3% from 18 to 24, 25.7% from 25 to 44, 24.6% from 45 to 64, and 16.4% 65 or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 81.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 78.0 males.

The median household income was $28,352 and the median family income was $40,673. Males had a median income of $29,531 versus $19,875 for females. The per capita income for the town was $18,447. About 10.7% of families and 17.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 20.2% of those under age 18 and 30.7% of those age 65 or over.

Historic Demographics

Education

It is in the Limestone County School District.

There is a high school in Ardmore, Alabama called “Ardmore High School” and it has around 1,008 students. The high school consists of two separate parts: the middle school, where grades six through eight attend, and the high school, where grades nine through twelve attend.
The school was founded in 1915; the five acres of land cost a total of five dollars and was generously donated to the school. Residents of Ardmore helped construct the school building for an entire year. The original school building was only two stories tall. There were classrooms, a library, and a study hall area on the first floor, and they put a stage on the second floor of the building.

In 1917, the doors of the school opened to welcome its first students. Ten years later, Ardmore High School received its accreditation.

The school's mission statement since its opening has been: "The mission and purpose of Ardmore High School is to provide appropriate learning opportunities that promote academic, physical, and ethical growth of students enabling them to become productive citizens in an ever-changing society."Ardmore High, About
/ref>

In popular culture

Ardmore is the setting of a song by Old Crow Medicine Show called "Alabama High-Test," on the album '' Tennessee Pusher''.

Notable People

* David Fanning, country music singer, songwriter, and record producer
* Lee Hodges, PGA Tour golfer
* Cody Reed, American professional baseball player
* JoJo Smith, American professional baseball player
* Austin Turner, American professional baseball hitting coach

Photo Gallery

File:AL53 North - Truck Route TN7 Sign - Ardmore (30784278918).jpg, Ardmore road signs at the state line
File:Ardmore-Highway53-W-al.jpg, Downtown Ardmore
File:Ardmore-Town-Hall-al.jpg, Ardmore town hall
File:Ardmore Airport.jpg, Ardmore airport

References

Notes

References

External links

*

{{authority control

1922 establishments in Alabama
Towns in Limestone County, Alabama
Towns in Alabama
Huntsville-Decatur, AL Combined Statistical Area