Tuscumbia, Alabama
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| Tuscumbia, Alabama | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Tuscumbia, Alabama |
| Settlement type | City |
| Nickname | "The Gateway to the Shoals" |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | United States |
| Subdivision type1 | State |
| Subdivision name1 | Alabama |
| Subdivision type2 | County |
| Subdivision name2 | Colbert County |
| Established title | Founded |
| Established date | 1815 |
| Established title2 | Incorporated |
| Established date2 | 1820 |
| Government type | Mayor-Council |
| Leader title | Mayor |
| Leader name | Kerry Underwood |
| Area total km2 | 15.80 |
| Area total sq mi | 6.10 |
| Area land km2 | 15.80 |
| Area land sq mi | 6.10 |
| Area water km2 | 0.00 |
| Area water sq mi | 0.00 |
| Elevation m | 142 |
| Elevation ft | 466 |
| Population total | 8988 |
| Population as of | 2020 |
| Population density km2 | auto |
| Population density sq mi | auto |
| Timezone | Central (CST) |
| Utc offset | -6 |
| Timezone DST | CDT |
| Utc offset DST | -5 |
| Coordinates | 34, 43, 51, N... |
| Postal code type | ZIP code |
| Postal code | 35674 |
| Area code | 256 |
| Blank name | FIPS code |
| Blank info | 01-77256 |
| Blank1 name | GNIS feature ID |
| Blank1 info | 0153806 |
| Website | https://www.cityoftuscumbia.org/ |
Tuscumbia, Alabama. Tuscumbia is a city in and the county seat of Colbert County, located in the northwestern part of the state. It is part of the Florence–Muscle Shoals metropolitan area, commonly known as The Shoals. The city is historically significant as the birthplace of Helen Keller and for its role in early Alabama transportation, being a terminus for the Tuscumbia, Courtland and Decatur Railroad.
History
The area was originally inhabited by the Chickasaw people before European settlement. The city was founded in 1815 and incorporated in 1820, named after the Chickasaw chief Tashka Ambi. It became the county seat for the newly formed Colbert County in 1867. Tuscumbia played a pivotal role in early rail transport in the United States, with the Tuscumbia Railway beginning operation in 1832 as one of the first railroads west of the Appalachian Mountains. During the American Civil War, the city was occupied by Union Army forces under General James H. Wilson in 1865. The late 19th century saw growth through industries like the Tuscumbia Cotton Mill and the establishment of the Alabama School for the Deaf.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 6.1 square miles, all land. Tuscumbia is situated in the Tennessee River valley, near the Wilson Dam and Pickwick Lake. The city's topography is characterized by rolling hills, with Spring Creek running through the community. It is bordered by the city of Sheffield to the west and is in close proximity to Muscle Shoals and Florence. The region is part of the Eastern Highland Rim physiographic section.
Demographics
As of the 2020 United States census, the population was 8,988. The racial makeup was approximately 60.5% White American, 33.5% African American, 1.0% Native American, 0.5% Asian American, and 2.5% identifying as two or more races. Hispanic and Latino Americans of any race comprised 4.5% of the population. The population density was about 1,473 people per square mile. The median household income was below the state average, with a poverty rate higher than the national average. Educational attainment data shows a significant portion of adults hold a high school diploma or higher.
Economy
The economy has historically been based on manufacturing and agriculture. Major employers have included International Paper, Carpenter Technology Corporation, and various Tennessee Valley Authority-related operations. The Helen Keller historical sites and associated tourism form a significant component of the local service sector. The city is part of the Alabama's Shoals regional economic development efforts, which have attracted industries in metal fabrication and automotive parts manufacturing. The North Alabama Industrial Development Association actively promotes business growth in the area.
Culture and attractions
The city is internationally known as the birthplace of Helen Keller. Her childhood home, Ivy Green, is a National Historic Landmark and museum that hosts the annual Helen Keller Festival and a summer production of William Gibson's play The Miracle Worker. The Alabama Music Hall of Fame is located nearby, celebrating the state's contributions to American music, including the famed Muscle Shoals sound. Other attractions include the Tuscumbia Railroad Depot Museum, the ColdWater Falls park, and the Spring Park which features a large lighted fountain. The city is also home to the Tuscumbia Historic District.
Government
Tuscumbia operates under a mayor-council government system. The city government consists of a mayor and a five-member city council elected from single-member districts. The current mayor is Kerry Underwood. Municipal services include police and fire protection, public works, and parks and recreation. The city falls within Alabama's 4th congressional district, represented in the United States House of Representatives by Robert Aderholt. At the state level, it is part of Alabama Senate district 1 and Alabama House of Representatives district 3.
Category:Cities in Alabama Category:Colbert County, Alabama Category:County seats in Alabama