Atmore, Alabama

Atmore is a city in Escambia County, Alabama, United States. The population was 8,391 at the 2020 census. It was incorporated on May 9, 1907.

The Atmore Commercial Historic District is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Poarch Band of Creek Indians is headquartered in Atmore.

History

Atmore was first recorded as a stop called Williams Station on the Mobile and Great Northern Railroad. The town was originally to be named "Carney", in honor of a citizen who owned a sawmill in the town. Mr. Carney's brother had already established a town nearby with the same name, and Mr. Carney was allowed to name the town after his close friend C.P. Atmore, General Passenger Agent of the Louisville and Nashville Railroad. Mr. Atmore never visited the town.

In 2008 the city of Atmore annexed Alabama Department of Corrections prison property, including Holman Correctional Facility and Fountain Correctional Facility. The Alabama DOC asked for the city to annex the land.

Geography

The southern border of Atmore is the Florida state line. A new section of the city was incorporated to the north. Mobile is to the southwest, and Pensacola, Florida, is south.

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

Climate

Climate is characterized by mild to high temperatures and evenly distributed precipitation throughout the year. The Köppen Climate Classification sub-type for this climate is " Cfa" (Humid Subtropical Climate).

Demographics

Atmore first appeared on the 1910 U.S. Census as an incorporated town. By 1930, it became the largest city in Escambia County, though lost the title to former holder Brewton in 1940. It became the largest city again in 1950 and has held the distinction to date (2010). In 2010, the city became majority Black for the first time.

2020 census

As of the 2020 census, there were 13,365 people, 2,803 households, and 1,443 families residing in the city.

2010 census

As of the 2010 census, there were 10194 people, the population density was . There were 3,480 housing units at an average density of . The racial makeup of the city was 55.4% Black or African American, 39.3% White, 1.8% Native American, 0.3% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 0.1% from other races, and 1.3% from two or more races. 1.8% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 3,002 households, out of which 26.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 34.9% were married couples living together, 23.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37.1% were non-families. 33.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.4% 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 3.09.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 18.6% under the age of 18, 9.1% from 18 to 24, 34.5% from 25 to 44, 24.9% from 45 to 64, and 12.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37.4 years. For every 100 females, there were 155.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 207.4 males.

Atmore Census Division (1960–2020)

Atmore was created a census division in 1960 following the general reorganization of county precincts. Prior to 1960, Atmore was within the former Escambia County 7th precinct of Canoe.

Economy

For most of the 20th century, the Atmore area was primarily a farming, timber, and light industry community. Major commercial industries have been Masland Carpets, Alto, and a local lumber company. For many years, the Vanity Fair lingerie company operated a manufacturing sewing plant in Atmore, offering employment to local citizens and surrounding communities.

The Poarch Band of Creek Indians has increased its relative economic contributions through the operation of Wind Creek Casino and Hotel near Atmore.

Holman Correctional Facility is located north of the city,Annual Report Fiscal Year 2003
" Alabama Department of Corrections. 33/84. Retrieved on August 15, 2010. and features a male death row and execution chamber. Fountain Correctional Facility is north of Atmore.Fountain / JO Davis Correctional Facility
." Alabama Department of Corrections. Retrieved on July 4, 2011.

Arts and culture

Local events include:
*Mayfest, a May event featuring sports, arts and crafts, food, and entertainment.
*Old-Time Fiddlers' Convention, a musical competition.
*A Taste of the South, an annual event featuring entertainment and local food.
*Williams Station Day, a celebration of Atmore's history beginning in 1866 as Williams Station. The event includes an arts and crafts, fiddlers, entertainment, a model train show, and a sugar cane mill.
*Poarch Creek Indian Pow-wow, an annual Thanksgiving event featuring turkey, roasted corn, and a dance competition.

Parks and recreation

Atmore has recreational and sports facilities, including Atmore Heritage Park.

Government

Atmore is governed by a mayor and members of a city council elected from five districts within the city.

Education

Escambia County Public School System is the public school district of Atmore. Schools in Atmore include: Rachel Patterson Elementary School, Escambia County Middle School (the largest school in the system), and Escambia County High School (the first public county high school in the state of Alabama).

Private schools include Atmore Christian School, and Reid State.

Prior to 1970, African-American children attend black schools such as the Escambia County Training School in Atmore.

An adjunct campus of Coastal Alabama Community College Brewton is located here, offering associate degrees and technical school training.

Infrastructure

Transportation

US Highway 31 and Alabama Highway 21 pass through the city.

Atmore Municipal Airport features a runway.

The town is serviced by two freight railroads, the Alabama and Gulf Coast Railway and CSX. Historically, Atmore had a Frisco Railway station, served by a section of the railroad's ''Sunnyland'' passenger train. A Louisville and Nashville station was a stop for the ''Azalean'' (Cincinnati-New Orleans), the '' Piedmont Limited'' (New York-New Orleans) and local Montgomery-New Orleans trains. The Frisco service ended in 1955, and the Louisville and Nashville in 1971. Atmore station was later served by Amtrak's '' Gulf Breeze'' train (Birmingham-Montgomery-Mobile) until that service ended in 1995.

Escambia County Alabama Transit System provides dial-a-ride bus service throughout the city and county.

Health care

Atmore Community Hospital, an affiliate of Infirmary Health Systems of Mobile, offers full acute care in a two-story facility.

Notable people

* Paul Birch, actor and the original "Marlboro Man", born in Atmore
* Bobby Brantley, 13th lieutenant governor of Florida
* Marva Collins, American educator
* Paul Crawford, jazz musician, music historian, and music arranger
* Glenn L. Emmons, commissioner of the Bureau of Indian Affairs from 1953 to 1961, native of Atmore''The New York Times''. "Indian Director Sworn In: Glenn L. Emmons Takes Office Succeeding Dillon S. Myer." August 11, 1953.
* Evander Holyfield, four-time world heavyweight boxing champion, born in Atmore
* William C. Maxwell, namesake of Maxwell Air Force Base
* Don McNeal, star defensive back for Alabama and the Miami Dolphins, born and raised in Atmore
* Ron Middleton, former Auburn University and NFL tight end
* Woodrow McClain Parker, Professor Emeritus, mental health counselor, and author
* Michael Williams, NFL player
* Art White, professional wrestler and football player

References

External links

City of Atmore – Official Website

Atmore Area Chamber of Commerce

The Poarch Band of Creek Indians

{{authority control

Cities in Alabama
Cities in Escambia County, Alabama
1907 establishments in Alabama
Populated places established in 1907
Poarch Band of Creek Indians