Calhoun County

Calhoun County is a county located in the northeastern part of Alabama, bordered by Cherokee County, Alabama to the north, Cleburne County, Alabama to the east, Talladega County, Alabama to the south, and St. Clair County, Alabama to the west. The county seat is Anniston, which is also the largest city in the county and home to Jacksonville State University. Calhoun County is part of the Anniston-Oxford-Jacksonville, AL Metropolitan Statistical Area and is situated near the Talladega National Forest and Cheaha State Park. The county is also close to the Talladega Superspeedway, which hosts NASCAR events.

Geography

Calhoun County is located in the Appalachian Mountains region of Alabama, with the Coosa River flowing through the western part of the county. The county's terrain is characterized by Mount Cheaha, the highest point in Alabama, which is located in Cheaha State Park. The county is also home to Lake Wedowee, a large lake that offers recreational activities such as fishing and boating. The Talladega National Forest covers a significant portion of the county, providing opportunities for hiking, camping, and hunting. Nearby cities include Gadsden, Alabama, Birmingham, Alabama, and Chattanooga, Tennessee, which are connected to Calhoun County by Interstate 20 and U.S. Route 78.

History

Calhoun County was established in 1832 and was named after John C. Calhoun, a prominent United States Senator from South Carolina. The county played a significant role in the American Civil War, with the Battle of Chancellorsville and the Battle of Gettysburg having connections to the area. The county is also home to the Anniston Museum of Natural History, which features exhibits on the region's natural history and cultural heritage. The county's history is also tied to the Civil Rights Movement, with Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks having connections to the area. Nearby historical sites include the Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site, the Little White House Historic Site, and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States Census, the population of Calhoun County was approximately 116,000 people, with a diverse population that includes African Americans, European Americans, and Native Americans. The county has a mix of urban and rural areas, with the city of Anniston being the largest urban center. The county is also home to Jacksonville State University, which is a major employer and educational institution in the area. Nearby cities with significant populations include Birmingham, Alabama, Gadsden, Alabama, and Talladega, Alabama, which are connected to Calhoun County by Interstate 20 and U.S. Route 78. The county's population is also influenced by the nearby Fort McClellan, a former United States Army base that was closed in 1999.

Economy

The economy of Calhoun County is diverse, with major industries including manufacturing, healthcare, and education. The county is home to several major employers, including Jacksonville State University, Regional Medical Center Anniston, and Anniston Army Depot. The county is also a major center for outdoor recreation, with Cheaha State Park and Talladega National Forest attracting tourists and outdoor enthusiasts. The county's economy is also influenced by the nearby Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport and the Port of Mobile, which provide access to global trade and transportation networks. Nearby cities with significant economic influence include Atlanta, Georgia, Nashville, Tennessee, and Knoxville, Tennessee, which are connected to Calhoun County by Interstate 20 and Interstate 59.

Government

Calhoun County is governed by a commission form of government, with a county commission that oversees the county's budget and policies. The county is also part of the Alabama Senate and Alabama House of Representatives, with several state legislators representing the county. The county has several law enforcement agencies, including the Calhoun County Sheriff's Office and the Anniston Police Department. The county is also home to the United States District Court for the Northern District of Alabama, which has jurisdiction over federal cases in the area. Nearby government institutions include the Alabama State Capitol and the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit.

Education

Calhoun County is served by several school districts, including the Anniston City Schools and the Calhoun County Schools. The county is also home to Jacksonville State University, a public university that offers a range of academic programs. The county has several private schools, including The Donoho School and Faith Christian School. The county is also served by the Gadsden State Community College and the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind, which provide vocational training and special education programs. Nearby educational institutions include the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Auburn University, and University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, which offer a range of academic programs and research opportunities. Category:Calhoun County, Alabama