Decatur is a city located in northern Alabama, approximately 36 miles southwest of Huntsville. It is the county seat of Morgan County and the principal cities of the Decatur Metropolitan Area, which includes neighboring cities of Hartselle and Priceville. Originally founded in 1823 as Rhodes Ferry Landing, the city of Decatur was later renamed in 1829 after Stephen Decatur, Jr., a United States naval officer. The area’s economy is based heavily on manufacturing, service, and retail sectors. Additionally, Decatur is the regional headquarters for a number of industries such as 3M, Honda, General Electric, Carrier, TE Connectivity, and International Paper, among others. Some of the city’s attractions include Delano Park, Point Mallard Park, Independence Park, and the Weeks Bay Reserve. Decatur is also the home of the renowned Georgia Washington Memorial Library, located on the campus of the University of North Alabama, further underscoring the city’s commitment to education.
1. Decatur is the largest city in Morgan County and the second largest in North Alabama. With a population of 56,000, it is also the largest city in the Metropolitan Statistical Area.
2. Decatur was a major cotton producing area and is still surrounded by fertile farmland.
3. Decatur’s first mayor was Major John D. Pugh, who served from 1822 to 1829.
4. Decatur was the first city in Alabama to implement a brush and leaf pickup program.
5. Decatur has one of the most comprehensive stormwater management programs in the state, and was among the first Alabama cities to join the Alabama Municipal Stormwater Association.
6. Decatur was home to the first branch of the University of Alabama in the towns of Alabama. It first opened in 1919 and is now known as the Alabama Center for the Arts.
7. The city was designed by well-known architect Edward Otho Cresap, Jr.
8. Decatur was the first city in Alabama to install a five- lane highway system.
9. Decatur was the first municipality in the United States to be awarded a National Scenic Byway designation.
10. Decatur is home to the Cook Museum of Natural Science, which features several interactive permanent and temporary exhibits.
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Decatur, Alabama is known for its history as the first permanent settlement on the Tennessee River and for hosting the Civil War Battle of Decatur. This northern Alabama city is also famous for its four historic districts, which include homes and buildings crafted in the Queen Anne, Classical Revival, and Gothic Revival architectural styles. Decatur also boasts a vibrant music scene, a myriad of outdoor activities, and innovative regional cuisine.
Decatur is a lovely city in the heart of North Alabama. It’s known for its charming historic downtown area and its scenic views of the Tennessee River. Visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities ranging from hiking and camping at the Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge to kayaking the Tennessee River. There’s also plenty of shopping and dining options to explore. Fine cuisine can be found at Decatur’s renowned restaurants like RC Whitfield’s, O’Henry’s, and Olde Town Grill. Visitors can also enjoy entertainment at the Princess Theatre or view works by Alabama artists at Arts Alive. Year-round festivals and celebrations round out the city’s social calendar. Decatur is truly a vibrant and diverse city with something for everyone!
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