Talladega, Alabama
City
Talladega Courthouse Square Historic District
Talladega Courthouse Square Historic District
Location of Talladega in Talladega County, Alabama.
Location of Talladega in Talladega County, Alabama.
Coordinates: 33°26′5″N 86°6′5″W / 33.43472°N 86.10139°W / 33.43472; -86.10139
CountryUnited States
StateAlabama
CountyTalladega
Government
 • MayorTimothy Ragland[1][2][3][4]
Area
[5]
 • Total26.13 sq mi (67.69 km2)
 • Land26.05 sq mi (67.48 km2)
 • Water0.08 sq mi (0.21 km2)
Elevation
[6]
587 ft (179 m)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total15,861
 • Density608.82/sq mi (235.06/km2)
Time zoneUTC-6 (Central (CST))
 • Summer (DST)UTC-5 (CDT)
ZIP codes
35160-35161
Area code(s)256/938.
FIPS code01-74592
GNIS feature ID2405562[6]
Websitewww.talladega.com

Talladega (/ˌtæləˈdɪɡə/, also /ˌtæləˈdeɪɡə/)[7] is the county seat of Talladega County,[8] Alabama, United States. It was incorporated in 1835.[9] At the 2020 census, the population was 15,861. Talladega is approximately 50 miles (80 km) east of one of the state’s largest cities, Birmingham.

The city is home to the Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind and the Talladega Municipal Airport, a public general aviation airport. The Talladega Superspeedway, Talladega College and the International Motorsports Hall of Fame are located nearby. The First National Bank of Talladega (now First Bank of Alabama) is the oldest bank in the State of Alabama, being founded in 1848.[10]

Etymology

The name Talladega is derived from a Muscogee language, a Native American language of the Muscogee. It comes from the word Tvlvtēke, from Muscogee tvlwv, meaning "town", and vtēke, meaning "border", indicating its location on the border between Muscogee and Natchez.[11]

Geography

Talladega is located in east central Alabama at 33° 26′ 5″ N, 86° 6′ 5″ W (33.434722 N, -86.101389 W).[12] Alabama State Routes 21, 77, and 275 are the main routes through the city. AL-77 runs through the downtown area from north to south, leading north 14 mi (23 km) to Lincoln along Interstate 20 and southeast 24 mi (39 km) to Ashland. AL-21 runs from southwest to northeast through the city, leading northeast 23 mi (37 km) to Oxford and southwest 21 mi (34 km) to Sylacauga. AL-275 runs to the north and west of the city as a bypass of the downtown area.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 24.1 square miles (62.3 km2), of which 24.0 square miles (62.1 km2) is land and 0.077 square miles (0.2 km2), or 0.30%, is water.[13]

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, Talladega has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps.[14]

The data below were accessed via the WRCC. They were compiled over the time period from 1888 to when this chart was created (July 2018).[15]

Talladega's record high of 109 °F (42.8 °C) occurred in September 1925 (Alabama's record high of 112 °F was recorded in Centreville that same month), July 1930, June 1931, and July 1933. The record low of -10 °F (-23.3 °C) occurred in February 1899.[15]

Climate data for Talladega, Alabama (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1893–present)
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °F (°C) 82
(28) 		84
(29) 		90
(32) 		98
(37) 		98
(37) 		109
(43) 		109
(43) 		107
(42) 		109
(43) 		100
(38) 		89
(32) 		80
(27) 		109
(43)
Mean daily maximum °F (°C) 54.2
(12.3) 		58.5
(14.7) 		66.7
(19.3) 		74.8
(23.8) 		81.9
(27.7) 		87.9
(31.1) 		90.8
(32.7) 		90.1
(32.3) 		85.6
(29.8) 		75.7
(24.3) 		64.9
(18.3) 		56.7
(13.7) 		74.0
(23.3)
Daily mean °F (°C) 42.4
(5.8) 		46.0
(7.8) 		53.1
(11.7) 		60.5
(15.8) 		68.9
(20.5) 		76.2
(24.6) 		79.5
(26.4) 		78.7
(25.9) 		73.3
(22.9) 		62.1
(16.7) 		51.5
(10.8) 		45.0
(7.2) 		61.4
(16.3)
Mean daily minimum °F (°C) 30.6
(−0.8) 		33.6
(0.9) 		39.6
(4.2) 		46.3
(7.9) 		55.8
(13.2) 		64.5
(18.1) 		68.2
(20.1) 		67.2
(19.6) 		60.9
(16.1) 		48.6
(9.2) 		38.1
(3.4) 		33.3
(0.7) 		48.9
(9.4)
Record low °F (°C) −5
(−21) 		−10
(−23) 		6
(−14) 		21
(−6) 		32
(0) 		39
(4) 		48
(9) 		46
(8) 		35
(2) 		23
(−5) 		5
(−15) 		0
(−18) 		−10
(−23)
Average precipitation inches (mm) 5.27
(134) 		6.02
(153) 		5.79
(147) 		4.77
(121) 		4.65
(118) 		4.67
(119) 		4.69
(119) 		3.90
(99) 		3.49
(89) 		3.41
(87) 		4.69
(119) 		5.20
(132) 		56.55
(1,436)
Average snowfall inches (cm) 0.3
(0.76) 		0.0
(0.0) 		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) 		0.9
(2.3)
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.01 in) 10.2 9.9 10.0 8.7 8.6 10.1 10.6 9.2 6.5 6.4 7.4 10.9 108.5
Source: NOAA[16][17]

Demographics

Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
18501,320—
18701,933—
18801,233−36.2%
18902,06367.3%
19005,056145.1%
19105,85415.8%
19206,54611.8%
19307,59616.0%
19409,29822.4%
195013,13441.3%
196017,74235.1%
197017,662−0.5%
198019,1288.3%
199018,175−5.0%
200015,143−16.7%
201015,6763.5%
202015,8611.2%
U.S. Decennial Census[18]

2000 census

At the 2000 census, there were 15,143 people in 5,836 households, including 3,962 families, in the city. The population density was 634.4 inhabitants per square mile (244.9/km2). There were 6,457 housing units at an average density of 270.5 per square mile (104.4/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 56.15% White, 42.28% Black or African American, 0.18% Native American, 0.30% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.37% from other races, and 0.70% from two or more races. 0.90% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

Of the 5,836 households 30.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 43.7% were married couples living together, 19.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.1% were non-families. 29.5% of households were one person and 13.2% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.42 and the average family size was 2.97.

The age distribution was 25.6% under the age of 18, 10.6% from 18 to 24, 25.2% from 25 to 44, 22.8% from 45 to 64, and 15.8% 65 or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 85.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 79.0 males.

The median household income was $29,617 and the median family income was $36,296. Males had a median income of $27,951 versus $21,326 for females. The per capita income for the city was $15,733. About 14.1% of families and 19.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 28.4% of those under age 18 and 17.5% of those age 65 or over.

2010 census

At the 2010 census, there were 15,676 people in 5,719 households, including 3,722 families, in the city. The population density was 653.2 inhabitants per square mile (252.2/km2). There were 6,611 housing units at an average density of 275.5 per square mile (106.4/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 48.7% Black or African American, 47.7% White, 0.3% Native American, 0.5% Asian, 0% Pacific Islander, 1.6% from other races, and 1.2% from two or more races. 3.4% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

Of the 5,719 households 26.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 36.0% were married couples living together, 23.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.9% were non-families. 30.9% of households were one person and 12.0% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.40 and the average family size was 2.96.

The age distribution was 23.2% under the age of 18, 10.8% from 18 to 24, 25.6% from 25 to 44, 25.9% from 45 to 64, and 14.5% 65 or older. The median age was 37.4 years. For every 100 females, there were 95.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 102.7 males.

The median household income was $32,449 and the median family income was $38,147. Males had a median income of $31,957 versus $24,209 for females. The per capita income for the city was $15,146. About 22.7% of families and 25.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 38.8% of those under age 18 and 19.0% of those age 65 or over.

2020 census

Talladega racial composition[19]
Race Num. Perc.
White (non-Hispanic) 6,620 41.74%
Black or African American (non-Hispanic) 8,247 52.0%
Native American 29 0.18%
Asian 75 0.47%
Pacific Islander 5 0.03%
Other/Mixed 427 2.69%
Hispanic or Latino 458 2.89%

As of the 2020 United States census, there were 15,861 people, 5,553 households, and 3,334 families residing in the city.

Landmarks and places of interest

Talladega includes a number of properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places, including the J. L. M. Curry House and Swayne Hall, both listed as National Historic Landmarks.[20][21] The main listed historic districts are the Silk Stocking District, which includes the Dr. Samuel Welch House, Talladega College Historic District, and Talladega Courthouse Square Historic District.[22] Also included is the Talladega Superspeedway, which is a 2.66 miles (4.28 km) long race track. It hosts two NASCAR races annually. In 2020, the Dr. William R. Harvey Museum of Art opened at Talladega College.

Education

Talladega City Schools is the local school district with three elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school in the city.

Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind, the statewide boarding school for the blind and deaf, is in Talladega, being established as a educational institution in 1858.

Talladega also features the historic Talladega College and the Talladega branch of the Central Alabama Community College.

Notable people

Gallery

References

  1. ^ Hayes, Dixon (November 5, 2019). "Talladega swears in first black mayor". Wsfa.com. Retrieved June 15, 2023.
  2. ^ "Talladega swears-in first African-American mayor". Abc3340.com. November 4, 2019.
  3. ^ Chris Norwood (October 8, 2019). "HISTORY MADE!: Talladega elects its first African-American mayor". The Anniston Star. Retrieved June 15, 2023.
  4. ^ "Alabama Man, Tim Ragland, Makes Double History as Youngest and First Black Mayor of Talladega, Alabama". Atlantablackstar.com. October 9, 2019.
  5. ^ "2020 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved October 29, 2021.
  6. ^ a b U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Talladega, Alabama
  7. ^ Daniel, Tom. "Pronouncing Talladega". Talladega is, and always has been, located in Alabama. There's not another one. It was named by Alabamians based on a Creek Indian word that meant 'border town,' and has always been pronounced as TAL-uh-DIGG-uh by Alabamians. The town, everything in it, and everything around it is named 'Talladega' and is correctly pronounced TAL-uh-DIGG-uh.
  8. ^ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
  9. ^ Herbert J. "Jim" Lewis, Birmingham, Alabama. "Talladega". Encyclopedia of Alabama. Retrieved July 25, 2016.((cite web)): CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  10. ^ "History of First Bank of Alabama". Firstbankal.com. Retrieved November 6, 2022.
  11. ^ Joel A. Nevis (2006). "From Arbacoochee to Yazoo: Conjuring Up Consonants In Muskogean Place-Names Of The South" (PDF). Geocities.ws. New York City. p. 8.
  12. ^ "GeoHack - Talladega, Alabama". Geohack.toolforge.org. Retrieved June 15, 2023.
  13. ^ "Geographic Identifiers: 2010 Demographic Profile Data (G001): Talladega city, Alabama". U.S. Census Bureau, American Factfinder. Archived from the original on February 12, 2020. Retrieved January 22, 2013.
  14. ^ "Talladega, Alabama Köppen Climate Classification". Weatherbase.com. Retrieved July 25, 2016.
  15. ^ a b "TALLADEGA, ALABAMA - Climate Summary". Wrcc.dri.edu. Retrieved July 21, 2018.
  16. ^ "NowData – NOAA Online Weather Data". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved June 7, 2021.
  17. ^ "Station: Talladega, AL". U.S. Climate Normals 2020: U.S. Monthly Climate Normals (1991-2020). National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved June 7, 2021.
  18. ^ United States Census Bureau. "Census of Population and Housing". Census.gov. Retrieved November 20, 2013.
  19. ^ "Explore Census Data". Data.census.gov. Retrieved December 11, 2021.
  20. ^ "Curry, J. L. M., Home". National Historic Landmark summary listing. National Park Service. Archived from the original on June 6, 2011. Retrieved April 12, 2011.
  21. ^ "Swayne Hall, Talladega College". National Historic Landmark summary listing. National Park Service. Archived from the original on February 10, 2008. Retrieved October 25, 2007.
  22. ^ "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. January 23, 2007.
  23. ^ "Alabama Governor William Woodward Brandon". National Governors Association. Retrieved August 29, 2013.

External links

Talladega, Alabama
Municipalities and communities of Talladega County, Alabama, United States
Largest cities or towns in Alabama2020 U.S. census populations
County seats of Alabama
Authority control databases
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