Childersburg, Alabama

Childersburg, Alabama
City
Downtown Childersburg
Flag Logo
Location of Childersburg in Talladega County, Alabama.
Coordinates: 33°16′30″N86°21′11″W / 33.27500°N 86.35306°W / 33.27500; -86.35306
Country	United States
State	Alabama
County	Talladega
Government
• Mayor	Ken Wesson
Area [1]
• Total	12.58 sq mi (32.59 km2)
• Land	12.33 sq mi (31.94 km2)
• Water	0.25 sq mi (0.65 km2)
Elevation	420 ft (128 m)
Population  (2020)
• Total	4,754
• Density	385.53/sq mi (148.86/km2)
Time zone	UTC-6 (Central (CST))
• Summer (DST)	UTC-5 (CDT)
ZIP code	35044
Area code	256
FIPS code	01-14464
GNIS feature ID	0116045
Website	www.childersburg.org

Childersburg is a city in Talladega County ^[2] in the U.S. state of Alabama. It was incorporated in 1889. ^[3] At the 2020 census, the population was 4,754. It has a history dating back before 1540, when it was noted as a village of the Coosa Nation visited by the Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto. It is said a member of De Soto’s crew fell ill and was left to settle in the area of present day Childersburg where the Coosa people cared for the ill explorer. The Alabama Army Ammunition Plant, important during World War II, was located 4 miles (6 km) north of Childersburg.

Geography

Childersburg is located at 33°16′31″N86°21′11″W / 33.27528°N 86.35306°W / 33.27528; -86.35306 (33.275187, −86.353166). ^[4]

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 12.6 square miles (32.6 km²), of which 12.4 square miles (32.0 km²) is land and 0.27 square miles (0.7 km²), or 2.00%, is water. ^[5]

The city is located along the Coosa River in western Talladega County along US Routes 280 and 231. US 280 and 231 run northwest to southeast through the city, leading northwest 7 mi (11 km) to Harpersville, where they split, and US 280 continues 37 mi (60 km) to Birmingham. US 231/280 also run southeast 11 mi (18 km) to Sylacauga. Alabama Route 76 also runs through the city, leading east 10 mi (16 km) to Winterboro and southwest 7 mi (11 km) to Alabama Route 25 near Wilsonville.

Climate

Climate data for Childersburg, Alabama, 1991–2020 normals, extremes 1957–present
Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
Record high °F (°C)	81 (27)	85 (29)	92 (33)	93 (34)	97 (36)	105 (41)	105 (41)	104 (40)	101 (38)	102 (39)	89 (32)	92 (33)	105 (41)
Mean maximum °F (°C)	73.5 (23.1)	77.0 (25.0)	83.8 (28.8)	87.2 (30.7)	91.8 (33.2)	96.1 (35.6)	98.3 (36.8)	98.1 (36.7)	95.3 (35.2)	89.0 (31.7)	80.7 (27.1)	75.4 (24.1)	99.7 (37.6)
Mean daily maximum °F (°C)	58.4 (14.7)	63.1 (17.3)	71.0 (21.7)	78.6 (25.9)	84.8 (29.3)	90.5 (32.5)	93.1 (33.9)	92.6 (33.7)	88.2 (31.2)	79.2 (26.2)	68.1 (20.1)	60.3 (15.7)	77.3 (25.2)
Daily mean °F (°C)	46.2 (7.9)	50.5 (10.3)	57.1 (13.9)	64.4 (18.0)	71.8 (22.1)	78.5 (25.8)	81.7 (27.6)	80.8 (27.1)	75.6 (24.2)	65.2 (18.4)	54.4 (12.4)	48.3 (9.1)	64.5 (18.1)
Mean daily minimum °F (°C)	34.1 (1.2)	37.8 (3.2)	43.2 (6.2)	50.2 (10.1)	58.8 (14.9)	66.5 (19.2)	70.3 (21.3)	69.0 (20.6)	63.1 (17.3)	51.1 (10.6)	40.8 (4.9)	36.4 (2.4)	51.8 (11.0)
Mean minimum °F (°C)	14.3 (−9.8)	19.3 (−7.1)	23.4 (−4.8)	32.1 (0.1)	41.8 (5.4)	55.0 (12.8)	61.2 (16.2)	58.8 (14.9)	47.5 (8.6)	32.7 (0.4)	23.1 (−4.9)	18.8 (−7.3)	11.9 (−11.2)
Record low °F (°C)	−4 (−20)	4 (−16)	7 (−14)	23 (−5)	33 (1)	41 (5)	51 (11)	47 (8)	34 (1)	22 (−6)	14 (−10)	2 (−17)	−4 (−20)
Average precipitation inches (mm)	5.50 (140)	6.00 (152)	5.38 (137)	4.77 (121)	4.44 (113)	4.52 (115)	4.15 (105)	4.30 (109)	3.74 (95)	3.32 (84)	4.65 (118)	5.20 (132)	55.97 (1,421)
Average snowfall inches (cm)	0.4 (1.0)	0.1 (0.25)	0.6 (1.5)	0.0 (0.0)	0.0 (0.0)	0.0 (0.0)	0.0 (0.0)	0.0 (0.0)	0.0 (0.0)	0.0 (0.0)	0.0 (0.0)	0.0 (0.0)	1.1 (2.75)
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.01 in)	10.5	10.4	10.3	8.9	9.4	11.0	11.2	9.9	7.4	6.8	8.4	11.0	115.2
Average snowy days (≥ 0.1 in)	0.3	0.1	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.4
Source 1: NOAA [6]
Source 2: National Weather Service [7]

History

Successive indigenous peoples had lived in the area for thousands of years. In the 16th century, people identified as part of the Kymulga-phase culture (of the larger Mississippian culture) lived at Talisi, the former site of Childersburg. ^[8] In the fall of 1540, the Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto's expedition rested here for about one month during its exploration of the Southeast. ^[9] Childersburg is the "oldest occupied settlement in America” ^[10] The Abihka people (part of those who became known as the Muskogee or Creek) dominated the area by the 18th century. ^[11]

The Alabama Army Ammunition Plant, a munitions plant, was established in Childersburg in 1941 and operated throughout World War II until August 1945. ^[12] Operated by DuPont, the plant produced explosives, such as nitrocellulose, trinitrotoluene (TNT), and dinitrotoluene (DNT). ^[12] The plant also secretly produced heavy water to support the Manhattan Project. ^[13] In 1940 the town had about five hundred people. Over fourteen thousand workers came to build and later operate the new facility. ^[14]

Demographics

Historical population

Census	Pop.	Note	%±
1890	777		—
1900	372		−52.1%
1910	449		20.7%
1920	418		−6.9%
1930	459		9.8%
1940	515		12.2%
1950	4,023		681.2%
1960	4,884		21.4%
1970	4,831		−1.1%
1980	5,084		5.2%
1990	4,579		−9.9%
2000	4,927		7.6%
2010	5,175		5.0%
2020	4,754		−8.1%
U.S. Decennial Census [15] 2013 Estimate [16]

2000 census

At the 2000 census, there were 4,927 people living in the city, an increase over the 1990 population of 4,600. ^[17] In 2000, there were 1,999 households and 1,419 families in the city. The population density was 637.2 inhabitants per square mile (246.0/km²). There were 2,149 housing units at an average density of 277.9 per square mile (107.3/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 68.87% White, 29.73% Black or African American, 0.32% Native American, 0.06% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.26% from other races, and 0.73% from two or more races. 0.61% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

Of the 1,999 households 32.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.2% were married couples living together, 17.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.0% were non-families. 27.4% of households were one person and 13.7% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.46 and the average family size was 2.98.

The age distribution was 27.0% under the age of 18, 9.3% from 18 to 24, 26.4% from 25 to 44, 22.1% from 45 to 64, and 15.3% 65 or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 84.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 78.6 males.

The median household income was $23,932 and the median family income was $30,524. Males had a median income of $31,892 versus $20,569 for females. The per capita income for the city was $15,412. About 20.7% of families and 23.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 33.6% of those under age 18 and 19.9% of those age 65 or over.

2010 census

At the 2010 census, there were 5,175 people, 2,090 households and 1,422 families in the city. The population density was 417.3 inhabitants per square mile (161.1/km²). There were 2,356 housing units at an average density of 190 per square mile (73/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 60.1% White, 36.9% Black or African American, 0.4% Native American, 0.5% Asian, 0.0% Pacific Islander, 0.3% from other races, and 1.8% from two or more races. 1.3% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

Of the 2,090 households 29.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 41.3% were married couples living together, 22.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.0% were non-families. 28.8% of households were one person and 11.9% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.48 and the average family size was 3.04

The age distribution was 26.4% under the age of 18, 9.6% from 18 to 24, 24.9% from 25 to 44, 24.0% from 45 to 64, and 15.1% 65 or older. The median age was 36.5 years. For every 100 females, there were 82.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 79.8 males.

The median household income was $38,310 and the median family income was $41,646. Males had a median income of $43,333 versus $25,450 for females. The per capita income for the city was $20,221. About 14.8% of families and 14.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 18.4% of those under age 18 and 24.8% of those age 65 or over.

2020 census

Childersburg racial composition ^[18]

Race	Num.	Perc.
White (non-Hispanic)	2,594	54.56%
Black or African American (non-Hispanic)	1,927	40.53%
Native American	8	0.17%
Asian	20	0.42%
Pacific Islander	1	0.02%
Other/Mixed	130	2.73%
Hispanic or Latino	74	1.56%

As of the 2020 United States census, there were 4,754 people, 2,175 households, and 1,284 families residing in the city.

Recreation

There are ten golf courses in Childersburg and its immediate vicinity. ^[19]

Childersburg is home to the Childersburg Tigers. 1967, 1977, 2002, and 2007 Alabama Baseball State Champions. Childersburg has won numerous youth baseball state championships including Cal Ripken, Babe Ruth and most recently (2013) American Legion.

DeSoto Caverns is also located in Childersburg.

Notable people

• L. Zenobia Coleman (1898–1999) - librarian
• Walton Cruise, professional baseball player
• Joshua B. Lee, represented Oklahoma as a United States representative from 1935 to 1937 and United States senator from 1937 to 1943
• Robert Lee Rowe, mayor of Melbourne, Florida from 1927 to 1932
• A. J. Smitherman (1885–1961), lawyer, businessman and editor of the black-owned newspaper, Tulsa Star, which documented the Tulsa race massacre.
• Gerald Wallace, professional basketball player
• Zelous Wheeler, professional baseball player

Gallery

• 
  Welcome to Historic Childersburg
• 
  Childersburg Post Office (ZIP code: 35044)
• 
  Earle A. Rainwater Memorial Library
• 
  The Kymulga Mill and Covered Bridge Park is located 4.5 miles (7.2 km) northeast of Childersburg on State Route 46. The site was added to the National Register of Historic Places on October 29, 1976.
• 
  The Charles Butler House was added to the National Register of Historic Places on February 26, 1996.

Transportation

Intercity bus service is provided by Greyhound Lines. ^[20]

References

1. "2020 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved October 29, 2021.
2. "Childersburg Chamber of Commerce". Archived from the original on July 27, 2007. Retrieved July 27, 2007.
3. "Childersburg".
4. "US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990". United States Census Bureau. February 12, 2011. Retrieved April 23, 2011.
5. "Geographic Identifiers: 2010 Demographic Profile Data (G001): Childersburg city, Alabama". U.S. Census Bureau, American Factfinder. Archived from the original on February 12, 2020. Retrieved January 22, 2013.
6. "U.S. Climate Normals Quick Access – Station: Childersburg WTP, AL". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved March 4, 2023.
7. "NOAA Online Weather Data – NWS Birmingham". National Weather Service. Retrieved March 4, 2023.
8. Waselkov, Gregory A. and Marvin T. Smith. "Upper Creek Archaeology" in McEwan, Bonnie G., ed. Indians of the Greater Southeast: Historical Archaeology and Ethnohistory (Gainesville: University of Florida Press, 2000) p. 244
9. Gentleman of Elvas (1557). "Chapter XVII, Of How the Governor went from Coca to Tastaluca". Narratives of the Career of Hernando De Soto in the Conquest of Florida as told by a Knight of Elvas. Kallman Publishing Co. (1968), Translated by Buckingham Smith. p. 81. ASIN B000J4W27Q.
10. City of Childersburg website, accessed July 18, 2011
11. Waselkov. "Upper Creek Archaeology" p. 247
12. United States Army Environmental Center Base Closure Division, Site Management Plan; Alabama Army Ammunition Plant, Talladega County, Alabama, May 10, 1995. Pages 5–6.
13. Site Management Plan; Alabama Army Ammunition Plant, Talladega County, Alabama, May 10, 1995. Page 22.
14. Flynt, Wayne (February 5, 2016). Poor But Proud. 6851: University of Alabama Press.
15. United States Census Bureau. "Census of Population and Housing" . Retrieved November 20, 2013.
16. "Annual Estimates of the Resident Population: April 1, 2010 to July 1, 2013" . Retrieved June 7, 2014.
17. Childersburg – Hutchinson encyclopedia article about Childersburg
18. "Explore Census Data". data.census.gov. Retrieved December 11, 2021.
19. Childersburg, Alabama Golf Courses
20. Childersburg, AL Greyhound Station Intercity Bus Service

External links

• Official website
• Childersburg Chamber of Commerce
• DeSoto Caverns Park

33°16′31″N86°21′11″W / 33.275187°N 86.353166°W / 33.275187; -86.353166