elcome to Decatur -- one of Alabama's
fastest growing cities. Located on the banks of the Tennessee
River, Decatur is a leader because of its innovative spirit,
progressive industries, rich history, annual festivals, premier
recreational facilities, and concern for family lifestyles.
The city was named in honor of Commodore Stephen
Decatur by an act of the United States Congress in the early
1800's. Commodore Decatur gained fame for his gallantry in the
conflict with Barbary Pirates of North Africa and later in the
War of 1812 against the British.
The City of Decatur is well known for its educational
facilities, which are accredited by the Southern Association
of Colleges and Schools and by the Alabama State Department
of Education. There are two high schools, three middle schools,
11 elementary schools, and schools for the gifted, multi-handicapped,
and educable mentally handicapped children. In addition, there
are a number of private and parochial schools. Decatur's population
is 54,694.
Health care is an important concern in Decatur.
There are two hospitals, a district health department, mental
health centers, and a facility for drug and alcohol abuse. More
than 100 physicians, 22 pharmaceutical complexes, and 25 dentists
serve the city.
Point Mallard is the focal point of all outdoor
recreation in the Tennessee Valley. It is the home of the first
wave pool built in America. The Decatur Parks and Recreation
Department compliments the Point Mallard resort complex with
four recreation centers: the Wilson-Morgan Softball Complex
and a number of parks ideally located throughout the city.
Other highlights of life in Decatur include:
a full range of shopping and dining opportunities, easy drives
to major metropolitan areas, a national wildlife refuge, and
beautiful neighborhoods.
Area History
The Morgan County-Lawrence County area boasts
a rich heritage.
Morgan County was founded in 1819 after the
state was created. It was originally called Cotaco, after an
Indian chief, but was changed in the 1820s to Morgan in honor
of Daniel Morgan, an admiral in the War of 1812. Towns and communities
in the county include Decatur, Hartselle, Falkville, Priceville,
Somerville, Laceys Spring, Eva, and Trinity. Morgan County's
population is 109,665, and its area is 582 square miles.
Decatur, the county seat and largest city,
was incorporated on December 8, 1826, and was named for Stephen
Decatur, a famous American naval hero. The town remained a rural
agricultural center until the 1830s when the railroad brought
a new era of growth. While the railroad helped in the development
of Decatur, it also played a role in its devastation during
the Civil War. The town was virtually destroyed as the Confederate
and Federal armies fought for control of the railroad and its
bridge across the Tennessee River. After the Civil War, the
railroad continued to be important to Decatur; and the city
became both a major center for rail and river traffic. Hartselle
was established in 1870 and named for George Hartselle, a founding
father.
In the 1940s, the area got a boost when the
Tennessee Valley Authority was created. The TVA programs benefited
both the economy of the area with electric power and the lifestyle
of its residents with recreational activities.
Lawrence County was founded in 1818 and named
for Naval Captain James Lawrence, famous for his 1812 battle
cry, "Don't give up the ship." The county is home to Alabama's
largest Indian population, and the Oakville Indian Mounds Park
and Museum is a tribute to them and their ancestors.
The county is made up of five municipalities
-- Courtland, Hillsboro, Moulton, North Courtland, and Town
Creek. Moulton, the county seat, was incorporated December 17,
1819, and was named for Lieutenant Michael Moulton, who died
bravely while fighting under General Andrew Jackson at the Battle
of Horseshoe Bend in the Creek Indian War.
Today, the Morgan County-Lawrence County area
has emerged into a center with a diversified economic base and
a wide range of cultural and recreational opportunities for
residents and visitors. We hope that this community information
helps you to discover all that the area has to offer.
Fowler Harris Glover Properties, Inc.,
welcomes you to the City of Decatur.
For More Information please contact:
Decatur Chamber of Commerce
Decatur, Alabama
