Greensboro was incorporated as a town in December 1823 as "Greensborough". It was named in honor of American Revolutionary War general Nathanael Greene.[3] The name was soon simplified to "Greensboro". The community was known as "Troy" prior to incorporation.[4]
One hundred years later, African Americans in Greensboro were among those in the state continuing to work to regain their civil rights after years of second-class status under Jim Crow.
On May 27, 1973, a violent tornado struck the city, causing major damage across the area.
The southern part of the city was heavily damaged by a low-end EF2 tornado on January 12, 2023.[7]
Geography
Greensboro is slightly southeast of the center of Hale County and is crossed by Alabama State Routes 14, 25, and 69. SR 14 leads northwest 21 miles (34 km) to Eutaw and east 19 miles (31 km) to Marion. SR 25 leads northeast through Talladega National Forest 36 miles (58 km) to Brent and south 32 miles (51 km) to Thomaston. SR 69 leads north 38 miles (61 km) to Tuscaloosa and southwest 33 miles (53 km) to Linden. Demopolis is 25 miles (40 km) to the southwest via SR 69 and U.S. Route 80.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Greensboro has a total area of 2.4 square miles (6.2 km2), of which 0.01 square miles (0.02 km2), or 0.40%, are water.[2]
Climate
The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Greensboro has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps.[8]
Climate data for Greensboro, Alabama, 1991–2020 normals, extremes 1890–present
Magnolia Hall, also known as the McCrary-Otts House, on Otts StreetSt. Paul's Episcopal Church on Church StreetThe Safe House Black Historic Museum in Greensboro. Martin Luther King Jr. hid here in 1968 to avoid the Ku Klux Klan. The home is now a museum documenting African-American history and the Civil Rights Movement.[13]
2000 census
As of the census[14] of 2000, there were 2,731 people, 1,026 households, and 688 families living in the city. The population density was 1,146.5 inhabitants per square mile (442.7/km2). There were 1,142 housing units at an average density of 479.4 per square mile (185.1/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 38.30% White, 60.89% Black or African American, 0.04% Native American, and 0.77% from two or more races. 0.88% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There were 1,026 households, of which 32.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 35.1% were married couples living together, 27.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.9% were non-families. 31.2% of households were one person and 14.6% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.56 and the average family size was 3.21.
The age distribution was 28.6% under the age of 18, 10.5% from 18 to 24, 20.9% from 25 to 44, 20.5% from 45 to 64, and 19.4% 65 or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 86.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 74.6 males.
The median household income was $22,930 and the median family income was $28,990. Males had a median income of $36,071 versus $23,224 for females. The per capita income for the city was $13,271. About 27.2% of families and 35.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 47.1% of those under age 18 and 26.2% of those age 65 or over.
2010 census
As of the census[14] of 2010, there were 2,497 people, 1,045 households, and 629 families living in the city. The population density was 1,040.4 inhabitants per square mile (401.7/km2). There were 1,195 housing units at an average density of 497.9 per square mile (192.2/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 66.5% Black or African American, 32.0% White, 0.2% Native American, and 0.6% from two or more races. 0.5% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There were 1,045 households, of which 25.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 30.4% were married couples living together, 25.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 39.8% were non-families. 37.0% of households were one person and 15.9% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.31 and the average family size was 3.07.
The age distribution was 24.9% under the age of 18, 7.9% from 18 to 24, 20.5% from 25 to 44, 26.8% from 45 to 64, and 19.9% 65 or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females, there were 81.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.3 males.
The median household income was $30,082 and the median family income was $36,379. Males had a median income of $28,869 versus $22,528 for females. The per capita income for the city was $16,277. About 19.0% of families and 23.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 34.9% of those under age 18 and 23.7% of those age 65 or over.
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 2,218 people, 1,214 households, and 648 families residing in the city.
Government and infrastructure
The city of Greensboro has a mayor-council form of government. There is a full-time police force with approximately 13 officers. The city has a volunteer fire department.
Greensboro is served by one public K-12 public school, Greensboro Public School, with two campuses. There is one private K-12 school, Southern Academy.
Sydenham Moore, (1817-1862), lawyer, judge, officer Mexican-American War & Confederate Army, Brig General of Alabama State militia, US Congressman elected to represent Alabama, 1857 to 1861. Colonel and commander of the 11th Alabama Infantry of the Confederate States Army, shot Battle of Seven Pines, Virginia, on May 31, 1862, dying August 1862. “Greenwood” was built by him.
