Hartselle is a city in Morgan County, Alabama, United States. It is the largest city in Morgan County with a population of 14,255 as of 2019. The city lies in the Decatur Metropolitan Area.
Hartselle was founded in June 1870 and was named after George Hartsell, a prominent Storer who bought the land when it was originally shown up for auction after the Civil War. In the late 19th century, the city was primarily a farming community primarily consisting of subsistence and cotton-producing farms. In 1895, the Louisville and Nashville Railroad came through town and permanently connected Hartselle with other cities in the region.
In the 1920s, the town�s economy was augmented by the arrival of local industries and factories, such as a shirt factory, a coating and finishing plant, and a barbed wire and colloid mill. This diversified the economic landscape of the city and led to it becoming the center of commerce in Morgan County. In 1966, Hartselle was officially designated an All-American City and today the city remains a large retail center in the area, with numerous stores, restaurants and shops centered around the town square and downtown area.
Hartselle has a rich heritage, with its downtown area of historic buildings and notable sites, such as the Burleson–Hinson House, the Hartselle Depot, and the Trinity M. E. Church. Hartselle is also home to the Hartselle Area Historical Museum, which holds a large collection of artifacts and memorabilia from the city’s past. It is also a part of the Morgan County School System, and is home to the Hartselle High School Tigers.
1. Hartselle is home to the Neat Country Store, one of the oldest operating stores in the country and the only remaining “Old Timey” store in the country.
2. Hartselle was the former home of the Tennessee Valley Fair from 1932-1939, the first state fair in the state of Alabama consisting of educational exhibits, a livestock show and a midway with rides and games.
3. Hartselle was once the home of three separate and significant Native American tribes – Chickasaw, Creek and Cherokee.
4. Hartselle was originally called Hart’s Mill after its founder, Samuel Hart, in 1850. The name was later changed to Hartselle in honor of S.C. Hartselle, the first postmaster of the town.
5. Hartselle is situated on a former stagecoach route between Decatur and Huntsville, and served as a stopover for early travelers who would stay at the Hartselle House, built in 1849 and now a city landmark.
6. Hartselle is home to the Bethel Cemetery, the oldest continuously operated cemetery in the state.
Hartselle, AL is known for its strong sense of community and small-town charm. It is also a popular spot for outdoor activities like camping, mountain biking, kayaking, and fishing. Hartselle is also home to some notable sites like the historic Hartselle Depot, the Hartselle Woolen Mill, and the Morgan County Alabama Museum. Finally, Hartselle, AL is famous for its role in the Depot Days Festival, which celebrates the region’s railroad history every fall.
Hartselle, Alabama, is a beautiful and charming small-town that offers a unique experience. From quaint shops and restaurants to its rich history, Hartselle is the perfect place to visit and explore. There are also plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, such as boating, fishing, hiking, or exploring local parks. Not to mention, the city’s beautiful and historic downtown core has many attractions to explore, such as the one-of-a-kind Tate Street Arts District. The nearby Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge also provides an excellent opportunity to explore and experience the beauty of nature. Hartselle truly has something for everyone.
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