Decatur () is the largest city and
county seat
A county seat is an administrative center, seat of government, or capital city of a county or parish (administrative division), civil parish. The term is in use in five countries: Canada, China, Hungary, Romania, and the United States. An equiva ...
of
Morgan County (with a portion also in
Limestone County) in the
U.S. state of
Alabama
Alabama ( ) is a U.S. state, state in the Southeastern United States, Southeastern and Deep South, Deep Southern regions of the United States. It borders Tennessee to the north, Georgia (U.S. state), Georgia to the east, Florida and the Gu ...
.
Nicknamed "The River City," it is located in
northern Alabama on the banks of
Wheeler Lake
Wheeler Lake is located in the northern part of the state of Alabama in the United States
The United States of America (USA), also known as the United States (U.S.) or America, is a country primarily located in North America. It is a feder ...
along the
Tennessee River
The Tennessee River is a long river located in the Southern United States, southeastern United States in the Tennessee Valley. Flowing through the states of Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, and Kentucky, it begins at the confluence of Fren ...
. The population was 57,938 at the
2020 census.
Decatur is the core city of the two-county large
Decatur metropolitan area, with an estimated population of 157,425 in 2022. Combined with the
Huntsville Metropolitan Area, the two create the
Huntsville-Decatur Combined Statistical Area, of which Decatur is the second-largest city.
Like many southern cities in the early 19th century, 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. The city rapidly grew into a large economic center within the
Tennessee Valley and was a hub for travelers and cargo between
Nashville
Nashville, often known as Music City, is the capital and List of municipalities in Tennessee, most populous city in the U.S. state of Tennessee. It is the county seat, seat of Davidson County, Tennessee, Davidson County in Middle Tennessee, locat ...
and
Mobile, as well as
Chattanooga
Chattanooga ( ) is a city in Hamilton County, Tennessee, United States, and its county seat. It is located along the Tennessee River and borders Georgia (U.S. state), Georgia to the south. With a population of 181,099 in 2020, it is Tennessee ...
and
New Orleans
New Orleans (commonly known as NOLA or The Big Easy among other nicknames) is a Consolidated city-county, consolidated city-parish located along the Mississippi River in the U.S. state of Louisiana. With a population of 383,997 at the 2020 ...
. Throughout the 20th century, the city experienced steady growth but was eclipsed as the regional economic center by the fast-growing
Huntsville during the
space race. Decatur now finds its economy heavily based on manufacturing, mining, cargo transit, chemical, and high-tech companies such as
Vulcan Materials,
Daikin
is a Japanese multinational conglomerate company headquartered in Osaka. Daikin is the world's largest air conditioner manufacturer.
History
Daikin Industries Ltd was founded in 1924 as by Akira Yamada. In 1953, Daiflon or polychloro ...
,
Toray, and
United Launch Alliance.
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
The Tennessee River is a long river located in the Southern United States, southeastern United States in the Tennessee Valley. Flowing through the states of Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, and Kentucky, it begins at the confluence of Fren ...
in the 1810s at the present-day location of Rhodes Ferry Park. The city was incorporated as Decatur in 1821. It was named in honor of
Stephen Decatur
Commodore (United States), Commodore Stephen Decatur Jr. (; January 5, 1779 – March 22, 1820) was a United States Navy officer. He was born on the eastern shore of Maryland in Worcester County, Maryland, Worcester County. His father, Ste ...
; after he was killed in a duel in 1820,
President Monroe directed that the Alabama town be named for him.
In the early 1830s, Decatur was the eastern terminus of the
Tuscumbia, Courtland and Decatur Railroad, the first railway built west of the
Appalachian Mountains
The Appalachian Mountains, often called the Appalachians, are a mountain range in eastern to northeastern North America. The term "Appalachian" refers to several different regions associated with the mountain range, and its surrounding terrain ...
. In 1850, the Tuscumbia, Courtland and Decatur was incorporated into the
Memphis & Charleston Railroad.
Because of its location on the Tennessee River at the strategically important crossing of two major railroads, Decatur was the site of several encounters during the
American Civil War
The American Civil War (April 12, 1861May 26, 1865; also known by Names of the American Civil War, other names) was a civil war in the United States between the Union (American Civil War), Union ("the North") and the Confederate States of A ...
. When the
Union Army occupied the city early in the war, the commanding general ordered all but four buildings in the town to be destroyed. Bricks from some of the churches in town were used to build stoves and chimneys for the buildings that housed soldiers. Three of the buildings that remained are still standing - the
Old State Bank, the
Dancy-Polk House, and the
Burleson-Hinds-McEntire House. After the Union victory in the
Battle of Atlanta
The Battle of Atlanta took place during the Atlanta Campaign of the American Civil War on July 22, 1864, just southeast of Atlanta, Georgia. Continuing their summer campaign to seize the important rail and supply hub of Atlanta, Union forces ...
, a
Confederate army under the command of General
John Bell Hood briefly sparred with a vastly outmanned garrison during the 1864
Battle of Decatur, when the city was referred to as "A Tough Nut to Crack."
While the city was under Confederate control, plans for the
Battle of Shiloh were mapped out within the Burleson-Hinds-McEntire House. These activities make 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. However, residents of the older Decatur resented the new town, founded and occupied by people who moved down from northern states. Animosity was built until New Decatur renamed their town "Albany" after
Albany, New York
Albany ( ) is the List of capitals in the United States, capital city of the U.S. state of New York (state), New York. It is located on the west bank of the Hudson River, about south of its confluence with the Mohawk River. Albany is the oldes ...
, 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, being 190 years old. The first
wave pool in the United States was built in Decatur and is still in operation at the
Point Mallard Aquatic Center. The city has the largest
Victorian-era home district in the state of Alabama.
In the past, its industries included repair shops of the
Louisville and Nashville Railroad, car works, engine works, bottling plants, and manufacturers of lumber, sashes and blinds, tannic acid, fertilizers, cigars, flour, cottonseed oil, and various other products.
Geography
The Tennessee River has traditionally been the northern border of the city and Morgan County, but a small portion of the city extends across the river into Limestone County between U.S. 31 and I-65. Major bodies of water in the city include
Wheeler Lake
Wheeler Lake is located in the northern part of the state of Alabama in the United States
The United States of America (USA), also known as the United States (U.S.) or America, is a country primarily located in North America. It is a feder ...
on the Tennessee River itself, plus Flint Creek, and Dry Branch, tributaries of the Tennessee River. The city extends to the other side of Flint Creek and the Refuge in the Indian Hills and Burningtree subdivision areas.
The northern portion of Decatur sits on top of a short hill that overlooks the Tennessee River; this creates a very steep drop-off to the river shore at Rhodes Ferry Park. This hill allows the
"Steamboat Bill" Memorial Bridge to leave the mainland at grade without any major sloping required to cross the river while not interfering with Decatur's heavy barge traffic. This hill extends from the banks of the river about south to the 14th St./Magnolia St. intersection with 6th Avenue (
US 31).
South past the 14th St. and 6th Ave. intersection, land remains flat. South, and also west, past
S.R. 67 there are a few minor ridges that sit within the city limits.
According to the
United States Census Bureau
The United States Census Bureau, officially the Bureau of the Census, is a principal agency of the Federal statistical system, U.S. federal statistical system, responsible for producing data about the American people and American economy, econ ...
, the city has a total area of , of which is land and , is water.
Decatur is southwest of Huntsville, north of
Birmingham
Birmingham ( ) is a City status in the United Kingdom, city and metropolitan borough in the metropolitan county of West Midlands (county), West Midlands, within the wider West Midlands (region), West Midlands region, in England. It is the Lis ...
, and east of
Muscle Shoals.
Climate
Decatur has a
humid subtropical climate
A humid subtropical climate is a subtropical -temperate climate type, characterized by long and hot summers, and cool to mild winters. These climates normally lie on the southeast side of all continents (except Antarctica), generally between ...
(
Köppen Köppen is a German surname. Notable people with the surname include:
* Bernd Köppen (1951–2014), German pianist and composer
* Carl Köppen (1833-1907), German military advisor in Meiji era Japan
* Edlef Köppen (1893–1939), German author ...
''Cfa'') with four distinct seasons.
Winters are generally mild, with a January daily average temperature of . On average, the low temperature falls to the freezing mark or below on 59 days a year, and to or below on 9.2 days.
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. In 2011, Decatur received up to of snow in a single storm. It tied for the most since 1963. Summers are hot and humid with a July daily average temperature of . There are 51–52 days of + highs annually and 1.7 days of + highs.
[ Thunderstorms are common during the summer months. 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.
Precipitation averages about 53.4 inches per year and on average, is relatively (and uniformly) heavy from November to July, with December the single wettest month on average; August through October are slightly drier months on average. Occasionally, severe thunderstorms occur. These storms can produce damaging winds and large hail in addition to the usual hazards of lightning and very heavy rain. There is also the risk of tornadoes. Severe thunderstorms can occur at any time of the year, but are most common during the spring months. A secondary severe weather season peaks in November. Occasionally from July to October, the Decatur area experiences strong winds and/or heavy to excessive rain from tropical disturbances. These commonly make landfall along the Gulf Coast as hurricanes but lose intensity as they move inland.
The highest recorded temperature was on July 28, 1952, and August 16, 1954, while the lowest recorded temperature was on January 30, 1966.][
]
Neighboring cities/towns
* Athens
Athens ( ) is the Capital city, capital and List of cities and towns in Greece, largest city of Greece. A significant coastal urban area in the Mediterranean, Athens is also the capital of the Attica (region), Attica region and is the southe ...
(north) - Limestone County
* Hartselle (south) - Morgan County
* Hillsboro (west) - Lawrence County
* Huntsville (northeast) - Madison/Limestone counties
* Madison (northeast) - Madison/Limestone counties (however Huntsville completely separates the two)
* Mooresville (northeast) - Limestone County
* Moulton (southwest) - Lawrence County
* Priceville (east) - Morgan County
* Trinity (west) - Morgan County
Neighborhoods
Decatur is divided into four different regions of town (Northeast, Southeast, Northwest, Southwest). Southeast and Northeast Decatur lie east of the CSX Railroad's mainline. North of Lee Street, the dividing line is Bank Street which runs a block east of and parallel to the railroad. Northeast and Southeast and are divided by Moulton Street. Southwest consists of the area west of the CSX Railroad and south of Moulton Street. Northwest is bordered by Moulton Street, the CSX Railroad from Moulton Street to Lee Street and then by Bank Street from Lee Street to the Tennessee River. 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.
Northwest
*West Decatur (the portion north of Moulton Street)
Northeast
* Albany (New Decatur)
*Downtown Decatur
*East Acres
*Old Decatur
*Bank Street and Second Avenue (Downtown Shopping District)
*Harborview (Riverfront)
*Irvington (Limestone County)
*Whiteside (Limestone County)
Southeast
*Bayside
* Brookmeade
*Burleson Mountain
* Burningtree Mountain
*Cedar Lake
*Fairview
*Flint
*Hickory Hills
*Indian Hills
*Point Mallard Estates
Southwest
*Autumn Ridge
*Austinville
*Basham
*Braswell
*Cedar Ridge
*Chapel Hill
*Chula Vista
*City View Estates
*Deerfoot Estates
*Dogwood Estates
*Dunbarton
*Flint
*Graystone
*Griffin Addition
*Longleaf Estates
* Moulton Heights
*Oak Lea
*Oakworth
*Timberlake
*Russell Village
*Vestavia
*West Decatur (the portion south of Moulton Street)
*Westmeade
*Woodtrail
Demographics
2020 census
As of the 2020 census, there were 57,938 people, 23,570 households, and 14,864 families residing in the city. There were 25,351 housing units.
2010 census
As of the 2010 census, there were 55,683 people, 22,576 households, and 14,918 families residing in the city. The population density was . There were 24,538 housing units at an average density of . The racial makeup of the city was 66.5% White
White is the lightest color and is achromatic (having no chroma). It is the color of objects such as snow, chalk, and milk, and is the opposite of black. White objects fully (or almost fully) reflect and scatter all the visible wa ...
, 21.7% Black
Black is a color that results from the absence or complete absorption of visible light. It is an achromatic color, without chroma, like white and grey. It is often used symbolically or figuratively to represent darkness.Eva Heller, ''P ...
or African American
African Americans, also known as Black Americans and formerly also called Afro-Americans, are an Race and ethnicity in the United States, American racial and ethnic group that consists of Americans who have total or partial ancestry from an ...
, 0.7% Native American, 0.9% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander
Pacific Islanders, Pasifika, Pasefika, Pacificans, or rarely Pacificers are the peoples of the list of islands in the Pacific Ocean, Pacific Islands. As an ethnic group, ethnic/race (human categorization), racial term, it is used to describe th ...
, 7.9% from other races, and 2.2% from two or more races. 12.4% of the population were Hispanic
The term Hispanic () are people, Spanish culture, cultures, or countries related to Spain, the Spanish language, or broadly. In some contexts, Hispanic and Latino Americans, especially within the United States, "Hispanic" is used as an Ethnici ...
or Latino of any race.
There were 22,576 households, out of which 28.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.0% were married couples living together, 15.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.9% were non-families. 29.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.42 and the average family size was 2.99.
In the city, the population was spread out, with 24.1% under the age of 18, 9.0% from 18 to 24, 26.1% from 25 to 44, 26.3% from 45 to 64, and 14.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37.9 years. For every 100 females, there were 92.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 96.2 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $43,090, and the median income for a family was $55,158. Males had a median income of $42,146 versus $27,477 for females. The per capita income
Per capita income (PCI) or average income measures the average income earned per person in a given area (city, region, country, etc.) in a specified year.
In many countries, per capita income is determined using regular population surveys, such ...
for the city was $23,615. About 12.8% of families and 17.5% of the population were below the poverty line
The poverty threshold, poverty limit, poverty line, or breadline is the minimum level of income deemed adequate in a particular country. The poverty line is usually calculated by estimating the total cost of one year's worth of necessities for ...
, including 28.3% of those under age 18 and 11.1% of those age 65 or over.
2000 census
As of the 2000 census, there were 53,929 people, 21,824 households, and 14,753 families residing in the city. The population density was . There were 23,950 housing units at an average density of . The racial makeup of the city was 75.50% White
White is the lightest color and is achromatic (having no chroma). It is the color of objects such as snow, chalk, and milk, and is the opposite of black. White objects fully (or almost fully) reflect and scatter all the visible wa ...
, 19.56% Black
Black is a color that results from the absence or complete absorption of visible light. It is an achromatic color, without chroma, like white and grey. It is often used symbolically or figuratively to represent darkness.Eva Heller, ''P ...
or African American
African Americans, also known as Black Americans and formerly also called Afro-Americans, are an Race and ethnicity in the United States, American racial and ethnic group that consists of Americans who have total or partial ancestry from an ...
, 0.58% Native American, 0.70% Asian, 0.13% Pacific Islander
Pacific Islanders, Pasifika, Pasefika, Pacificans, or rarely Pacificers are the peoples of the list of islands in the Pacific Ocean, Pacific Islands. As an ethnic group, ethnic/race (human categorization), racial term, it is used to describe th ...
, 2.22% from other races, and 1.33% from two or more races. 5.64% of the population were Hispanic
The term Hispanic () are people, Spanish culture, cultures, or countries related to Spain, the Spanish language, or broadly. In some contexts, Hispanic and Latino Americans, especially within the United States, "Hispanic" is used as an Ethnici ...
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, 13.4% 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
Per capita income (PCI) or average income measures the average income earned per person in a given area (city, region, country, etc.) in a specified year.
In many countries, per capita income is determined using regular population surveys, such ...
for the city was $20,431. About 11.9% of families and 14.9% of the population were below the poverty line
The poverty threshold, poverty limit, poverty line, or breadline is the minimum level of income deemed adequate in a particular country. The poverty line is usually calculated by estimating the total cost of one year's worth of necessities for ...
, including 21.2% of those under age 18 and 11.1% of those age 65 or over.
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 twelve Fortune 500
The ''Fortune'' 500 is an annual list compiled and published by ''Fortune (magazine), Fortune'' magazine that ranks 500 of the largest United States Joint-stock company#Closely held corporations and publicly traded corporations, corporations by ...
companies opening plants in the city. Major employers include General Electric
General Electric Company (GE) was an American Multinational corporation, multinational Conglomerate (company), conglomerate founded in 1892, incorporated in the New York (state), state of New York and headquartered in Boston.
Over the year ...
, 3M, Wayne Farms, United Launch Alliance, Nucor, Bunge Limited, Daikin
is a Japanese multinational conglomerate company headquartered in Osaka. Daikin is the world's largest air conditioner manufacturer.
History
Daikin Industries Ltd was founded in 1924 as by Akira Yamada. In 1953, Daiflon or polychloro ...
, Hyosung
Hyosung Group is a major South Korean conglomerate established in 1966. The company operates across diverse sectors including textiles, heavy industries, chemicals, and information & communication.
History
* 1966: Foundation of Tongyang Ny ...
, Ascend Performance Materials, and the Tennessee Valley Authority.
Decatur is also known as the "Home of Meow Mix", after the company bought a facility in town, and now utilizes its riverfront property to ship the finished product up and down the Tennessee River.
Being part of the Huntsville-Decatur CSA, the city lies within the region having the most engineers per capita in the nation.
Approval of the United Launch Alliance combined Lockheed-Martin and Boeing
The Boeing Company, or simply Boeing (), is an American multinational corporation that designs, manufactures, and sells airplanes, rotorcraft, rockets, satellites, and missiles worldwide. The company also provides leasing and product support s ...
's rocket manufacturing contracts to a central location at the plant in Decatur. 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.
In March 2008, a $1.3 billion development, including a Bass Pro Shops was announced for the Interstate 65/ Interstate 565 interchange inside the city limits. The development, named Sweetwater, would have included more than of retail space, 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 were expected to support the future development. As of Spring 2010, this project still seems to be on the horizon, but there is no set date for the project to start. As of 2012, Bass Pro Shop has removed Decatur from its list of stores "Coming Soon" on its webpage. In 2013, Mayor Don Kyle announced that the "Sweet Water" complex was back on track, but has not announced whether Bass Pro Shops will be involved or not. Research from the Franklin Center for Government and Public Integrity suggests that the economic impact of Bass Pro Shops is typically limited despite the large subsidies the company often receives.
Tourism
Tourism is a major part of Decatur's economy. 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.
The Alabama Jubilee, begun in 1978, is the oldest hot air balloon race south of the Kentucky Derby's '' Great Balloon Race'' (from 1973). With visiting populations rising to 100,000, people crowd around more than 60 seven-story-tall balloons as they inflate. Because of the Alabama Jubilee, Decatur has been named "The Ballooning Capital of Alabama" by the Alabama State Legislature.
The Spirit of America Festival is one of the largest free Fourth of July festivals in the South. More than 65,000 people arrive in Decatur to watch annual celebrations and the Miss Spirit of America beauty pageant. The contest was known as "Miss Point Mallard" from 1976 through 2013. It moved to the Princess Theatre in 2014.
Another large event in Decatur and North Alabama, the Racking Horse World Celebration attracts horses from around the world to compete in the largest Racking Horse competition. Held in the Celebration Arena near Priceville, the celebration draws up to 75,000 fans and competitors each year.
Th
Riverfest
barbeque cook-off at Ingalls Harbor is sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbeque Society and attracts competitors from across the country. Beginning in 1995, the festival has previously been selected as a top ten tourist event in the State of Alabama, festival goers can expect live, nationally known musical acts, children's activities, and award-winning barbeque. Proceeds benefit the local community including several charitable organizations.
2018 saw the opening of th
Cook Museum of Natural Science
located at 133 Fourth Avenue NE Decatur, Alabama 35601 and showcases a wide variety of native animal and plant species within a state of the art facility. Cook Museum of Natural Science has been nominated by USA Today in their 2020 10 Best Readers' Choice travel awards as one of the best new museums to open in the past two years. Cook Museum of Natural Science is the newspaper's only Alabama-based nominee.
Parks and recreation
Delano Park - Founded in 1887, the 28 acre Delano Park (pronounced DELL-uh-no) is Morgan County's oldest city park in continuous operation and an oasis in the heart of historic Decatur. At 125 years old, the park is recognized as a designed historic landscape and is listed on the National Historic Register.
Government
The current mayor of Decatur is Tab Bowling, who was elected in 2016 The city has a five-member/district City Council. The current members are:
* District 1 – Billy Jackson
* District 2 – Kyle Dukes Pike
* District 3 – Carlton McMasters
* District 4 – Hunter Pepper
* District 5 – Jacob Ladner (Council President)
There are also many boards and commissions run by the city, supervising schools, planning, downtown development, and so on.
Past mayors and city councilmen
Past Decatur mayors include:
* Tab Bowling (R) (2016-current)
* Don Stanford (2008–2012)
* Don Kyle (2004–2008; 2012–2016)
* Lynn Fowler (2000–2004)
* Julian Price (1994–2000)
* Bill Dukes (1976–1994)
* Russell Bolding (1972–1976)
* Charles Guntharp (1968–1972)
* J. Gilmer Blackburn (1962–1968)
* H.R. Summer (1952–1954)
* Charles Kirby was appointed in 2011 after Ronny Russell resigned.
In city elections (preliminary) on August 23, 2016, the preliminary election resulted in runoff of Don Kyle and Tab Bowling for Mayor with Jeremy Goforth, Reggie Jackson and Butch Matthews not receiving enough vote to make the runoff.
Tab Bowling defeated Don Kyle (October 6, 2016) with 75% of the vote.
Education
Austin High and Decatur High are the two main high schools of the city. 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).
Public schools
High schools
* Austin High School
* Decatur High School
Middle schools
*Decatur Middle School
*Austin Middle School
*Austin Junior High
Private schools
* Decatur Heritage Christian Academy
*Cornerstone Christian School (K-12)
*St. Ann's Catholic School (K-8)
Higher education
*Alabama Center for the Arts
* Calhoun Community College System
*Strayer University
Media
Newspapers
'' The Decatur Daily'' has been the only major newspaper based in the Decatur Metropolitan Area since 1912, and one of the few family owned newspapers in Alabama. 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, and Limestone County, and parts of Cullman County, and Winston County.
'' 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. 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.
Cable/Phone
Spectrum
A spectrum (: spectra or spectrums) is a set of related ideas, objects, or properties whose features overlap such that they blend to form a continuum. The word ''spectrum'' was first used scientifically in optics to describe the rainbow of co ...
, AT&T
AT&T Inc., an abbreviation for its predecessor's former name, the American Telephone and Telegraph Company, is an American multinational telecommunications holding company headquartered at Whitacre Tower in Downtown Dallas, Texas. It is the w ...
and WOW! offer cable TV
Cable television is a system of delivering television broadcast programming, programming to consumers via radio frequency (RF) signals transmitted through coaxial cables, or in more recent systems, light pulses through fibre-optic cables. This ...
to Decatur. AT&T
AT&T Inc., an abbreviation for its predecessor's former name, the American Telephone and Telegraph Company, is an American multinational telecommunications holding company headquartered at Whitacre Tower in Downtown Dallas, Texas. It is the w ...
, Spectrum and WOW! offer phone service to Decatur. With AT&T, Huntsville and Madison are local calls (Madison County only), but Athens is long distance. Decatur comes within of Athens and touches Huntsville. AT&T has begun rolling out their fiber network as of 2018.
Infrastructure
Transportation
Air
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. The city is also served by the busiest regional airport in Alabama, the Pryor Field Regional Airport.
Roads
Decatur's main thoroughfares are U.S. Route 31 (6th Avenue), U.S. Route 72 Alternate ( S.R. 20), State Route 24, and State Route 67. 6th Avenue begins as both U.S. 72 Alternate and U.S. 31, and the two routes split after being carried by the twin-span "Steamboat Bill" Hudson Memorial Bridge that crosses the Tennessee River at the north central part of town. SR 20/Alternate U.S. 72 continues west towards The Shoals and Florence
Florence ( ; ) is the capital city of the Italy, Italian region of Tuscany. It is also the most populated city in Tuscany, with 362,353 inhabitants, and 989,460 in Metropolitan City of Florence, its metropolitan province as of 2025.
Florence ...
. U.S. 31 connects the city to Athens
Athens ( ) is the Capital city, capital and List of cities and towns in Greece, largest city of Greece. A significant coastal urban area in the Mediterranean, Athens is also the capital of the Attica (region), Attica region and is the southe ...
in the north, and Cullman in the south. A portion of S.R. 67 is known as Beltline Road, and serves as a partial beltway around the city. Interstate 65 runs east of the city, and connects the area to Nashville
Nashville, often known as Music City, is the capital and List of municipalities in Tennessee, most populous city in the U.S. state of Tennessee. It is the county seat, seat of Davidson County, Tennessee, Davidson County in Middle Tennessee, locat ...
in the north and Birmingham
Birmingham ( ) is a City status in the United Kingdom, city and metropolitan borough in the metropolitan county of West Midlands (county), West Midlands, within the wider West Midlands (region), West Midlands region, in England. It is the Lis ...
in the south. Interstate 565 begins in Limestone County northeast of the city, and connects to Huntsville. Transforming U.S. 72 Alternate into an extension of Interstate 565 into the city has been discussed in the past.
=Major highways
=
* Interstate 65
* Interstate 565
* U.S. Highway 31
*
U.S. Highway 72 Alternate
* SR 20
* SR 24
* SR 67
Water (River)
Large shipments can move from Decatur to the Atlantic Ocean
The Atlantic Ocean is the second largest of the world's five borders of the oceans, oceanic divisions, with an area of about . It covers approximately 17% of Earth#Surface, Earth's surface and about 24% of its water surface area. During the ...
via the Tennessee River to the Mississippi River and the Gulf of Mexico
The Gulf of Mexico () is an oceanic basin and a marginal sea of the Atlantic Ocean, mostly surrounded by the North American continent. It is bounded on the northeast, north, and northwest by the Gulf Coast of the United States; on the southw ...
. The United States builds some of its space launch vehicles in Decatur (United Launch Alliance vehicles only), and ships them to both Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg Air Force Base via this water route.
Rail
Decatur has two railroads, the Norfolk Southern Railway, and CSX Transportation (CSX) main line, the S&NA North Subdivision (Nashville to Birmingham). CSX operates a yard downtown. Norfolk Southern main line is the Memphis District East End. The line runs from Sheffield, Alabama, to Chattanooga, Tennessee
Chattanooga ( ) is a city in Hamilton County, Tennessee, United States, and its county seat. It is located along the Tennessee River and borders Georgia (U.S. state), Georgia to the south. With a population of 181,099 in 2020, it is Tennessee ...
. The rest of the line, west of Sheffield to Memphis, Tennessee
Memphis is a city in Shelby County, Tennessee, United States, and its county seat. Situated along the Mississippi River, it had a population of 633,104 at the 2020 United States census, 2020 census, making it the List of municipalities in Tenne ...
, is the Memphis District West End. The line receives trackage rights in Stevenson, Alabama, from CSX on their Chattanooga Subdivision to Chattanooga.
Until 1971 the Decatur Union Depot was served by several Louisville and Nashville trains ('' Humming Bird,'' '' Pan-American'' and '' South Wind'') originating in Chicago
Chicago is the List of municipalities in Illinois, most populous city in the U.S. state of Illinois and in the Midwestern United States. With a population of 2,746,388, as of the 2020 United States census, 2020 census, it is the List of Unite ...
or Cincinnati
Cincinnati ( ; colloquially nicknamed Cincy) is a city in Hamilton County, Ohio, United States, and its county seat. Settled in 1788, the city is located on the northern side of the confluence of the Licking River (Kentucky), Licking and Ohio Ri ...
and terminating at New Orleans
New Orleans (commonly known as NOLA or The Big Easy among other nicknames) is a Consolidated city-county, consolidated city-parish located along the Mississippi River in the U.S. state of Louisiana. With a population of 383,997 at the 2020 ...
or Miami, Florida, to the south. Amtrak
The National Railroad Passenger Corporation, Trade name, doing business as Amtrak (; ), is the national Passenger train, passenger railroad company of the United States. It operates intercity rail service in 46 of the 48 contiguous United Stat ...
from 1971 until 1979 operated the '' Floridian'' that made a station stop in Decatur. The Southern Railway's '' Tennessean'' served points to the east and west. The station is now a municipal museum.
Transit
The North Central Alabama Regional Council of Governments operates NARCOG Transit, which provides demand-response service in the city. There is no fixed-route transit.
Public safety
The Public Safety Department consists of the Decatur Police Department and Decatur Fire & Rescue. The Public Safety annex is located at 4119 Old Highway 31 in the Flint Community at the south end of the city and houses the Fire Department's administrative offices. This is also the site of the fire and police training facilities. The Police and Fire Departments currently cover approx. in and around the city. Both the Decatur Police and Decatur Fire & Rescue are dispatched by the Morgan County E-911 Center.
The Decatur Police Department consists of approx. 140 officers, assigned to 4 divisions (Operations, Management Services, Criminal Investigations, & Administration). The current interim Chief of Police is Nadis Carlisle Jr.
Decatur Fire & Rescue is an Advanced Life Support, full service department consisting of approx. 115 firefighters. The department currently runs 6 Engine Companies (with 3 in reserve), 2 Ladder Companies, 1 Heavy Rescue (which also responds as part of AL-TF3), 1 Brush Truck, 1 HazMat Unit, 1 Battalion Chief Vehicle, and several other staff and support vehicles out of 8 Fire Stations. The current Fire Chief is Tracy Thornton.
Decatur is also home to the Morgan County Rescue Squad, an all volunteer organization, who responds to water, cave and high angle rope rescues all throughout Morgan County. They operate multiple land vehicles, 4 response boats and several smaller vessels out of 1 station (also located in Flint) and 2 boat houses on the Tennessee River, with approximately 30–40 members.
Emergency medical services and healthcare
Decatur is currently served by Decatur-Morgan EMS, the ambulance service for Decatur Morgan Hospital. Air Evac Lifeteam provides aeromedical services for the city of Decatur and North Alabama.
Decatur is served by two hospitals, Decatur General Hospital and Parkway Medical Center. Decatur General Hospital is a 273-bed, general acute care hospital and a 64-bed behavioral medicine hospital making it the third largest employer in Morgan County. Decatur General is accredited by the Joint Commission and its medical staff consists of more than 200 physicians representing 20 specialties. Decatur General Hospital is designated as a level two trauma center by the Alabama Department of Public Health. Parkway Medical Center is a 120-bed hospital that is designated as a level three trauma center by the Alabama Department of Public Health. As of January 1, 2012, Huntsville Hospital is the full owner of Parkway Medical Center. Parkway was formally a private not-for-profit hospital until their purchase from the public Huntsville Hospital System. Huntsville Hospital is the region's referral center and also serves as North Alabama's level one trauma center. As of November 2010, Decatur General Hospital and Huntsville Hospital are affiliate hospitals, ensuring the continued tradition and excellence of public, not-for-profit health care in North Alabama.
Notable people
* Joseph Abbott, U.S. congressman from 1887 to 1897
* Richard W. Austin, U.S. congressman from 1909 to 1919
* Cynthia Bailey, model ('' Real Housewives of Atlanta'')
* Loren C. Ball, amateur astronomer, discoverer of asteroid 34351 Decatur
* Taye Biddle, professional football player
* Lucas Black, actor
* Alonzo Boone, Negro League baseball pitcher and manager
* Marv Breeding, Major League baseball second baseman
* Cedrick Bridgeforth, Methodist bishop
* Deonte Brown, former University of Alabama lineman and national champion
* Anna Laura Bryan, Miss Alabama 2012
* Rufus Columbus Burleson, Baptist preacher and two-time Baylor University president
* Charlie Burse, blues musician
* Kendrick Burton, professional football player
* Jason Carthen, professional football player and public speaker
* David Charles, neurologist
* Grace Curzon, Marchioness Curzon of Kedleston, second wife of Lord Curzon, Viceroy of India
* Pop Gates, professional basketball player and Harlem Globetrotter
* Chad Girodo, Major League baseball pitcher
* Eugene C. Gordon, founder of Decatur Land Improvement and Furnace Company
* Micky Hammon, convicted felon and former member of the Alabama House of Representatives
* Christopher Columbus Harris, U.S. congressman from 1914 to 1915
* Robin Henderson, associate director, Management, of the NASA
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA ) is an independent agencies of the United States government, independent agency of the federal government of the United States, US federal government responsible for the United States ...
Marshall Space Flight Center
* Richard Hendrix, professional basketball player
*Mae Jemison
Mae Carol Jemison (born October 17, 1956) is an American engineer, physician, and former NASA astronaut. She became the first African-American woman to travel into space when she served as a mission specialist aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavou ...
, first African American woman in space
* Dean Jones, actor
* Leslie Kelley, former New Orleans Saints linebacker
* Seth Kimbrough, professional BMX rider, former front man of Mortal Treason
* Gary Knotts, Major League baseball pitcher
* Alan Koch, Major League baseball pitcher
* Cricket Lee, entrepreneur and inventor
* Donald Lourie, College Football Hall of Fame quarterback and former president of the Quaker Oats Company
* Seybourn Harris Lynne, federal judge from 1946 to 1973
* Rolando McClain, National Football League linebacker
* Chuck Murphy, American Anglican bishop
* Arthur Orr, member of the Alabama Senate since 2006
* John O'Sullivan, conservative columnist and pundit
* Luther Patrick, U.S. congressman 1937 to 1943
* Josh Pearson, wide receiver and Super Bowl ( LV) champion with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
* Ray Pepper, Major League Baseball outfielder
* Benny Perrin, former St. Louis Cardinals safety
* Charles Redding Pitt, U.S. Attorney for the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Alabama; Democratic politician
* Jerraud Powers, National Football League cornerback
* Andy Price, comic artist, known for illustrating '' My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic''
* Gary Redus, Major League baseball outfielder
* Kristopher Reisz, novelist
* Philip Rivers, National Football League quarterback
* Johnny Sandlin, musician, recording engineer, record producer
* Rip Sewell, Major League baseball pitcher
* Charles Christopher Sheats, U.S. congressman from 1873 to 1875
* Perry Stephens, actor and singer
* Mandisa Stevenson, professional basketball player
* David Stewart, former Tennessee Titans offensive tackle
* Skip Stewart, aerobatic pilot
* Travis S. Taylor, aerospace engineer and subject of '' Rocket City Rednecks''
* Gordon Terry, bluegrass and country music fiddler and guitarist
* Randy Thornhill, entomologist and evolutionary biologist
* Carson Tinker, long snapper for the Los Angeles Rams
* Judith Toups, birder and columnist for the '' Sun Herald'' of Biloxi
* Phil Waldrep, Southern Baptist preacher and minister
* Don Whitmire, College Football Hall of Fame offensive tackle
* Mildred Wolfe, artist
References
External links
City of Decatur – Official Website
{{Authority control
Cities in Morgan County, Alabama
Cities in Limestone County, Alabama
Cities in Alabama
Decatur metropolitan area, Alabama
Huntsville-Decatur, AL Combined Statistical Area
County seats in Alabama
Inland port cities and towns of the United States
Populated places established in 1821
Alabama populated places on the Tennessee River