City of Hartselle, Alabama / Hartselle Facts
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Dulcimoore
N 34° 26.606 W 086° 55.992
16S E 506136 N 3811326
Marker for the City of Hartselle, Alabama.
Waymark Code: WMC1XY
Location: Alabama, United States
Date Posted: 07/16/2011
Views: 9
Text of marker:
City of Hartselle
Hartselle, named after early pioneer George Hartsell (with no "e") rose from modest beginnings to an important position in the growing economy of Morgan County. Founded in 1870, the town owes its existence to the construction of the North and South Alabama Railroad (later the L&N), which began construction through the area in 1869 in an effort to connect the mineral rich areas in the southern part of the state with major shipping areas in north Alabama. Originally a mile north of the depot's current location, Hartselle consisted of a general store and saloon for workers. The town was relocated to its present site in 1873 and grew quickly around the first depot building, a converted boxcar. Railroad construction opened the Hartselle area to agriculture and timber production and the town became an important shipping point. The town's growth followed the fortunes of the railroad and farmers for more than 60 years. The Great Depression took a heavy toll on the local economy. Railroad and farming are no longer mainstays of today's economy.
text of marker reverse:
Hartselle Facts
*Founded in 1870 and incorporated in 1875 with J. Fletcher Turney serving as the first mayor.
*Cotton was king from 1870 through 1960. It was the primary cash crop of area farmers.
*Hartselle was an important center for fruit, berry and timber production in North Alabama.
*Hartselle Pond, located north of town, was the center of social activities until it mysteriously disappeared in the early 1900s.
*The first county high school was located here in 1909.
*The famous hymn, "Leaning on the Everlasting Arms" was written at the Oden House in 1887.
*The Bank of Hartselle was robbed by 15 men in 1926 and the crime was never solved.
*In 1900, the population of Hartselle was 670.
*The Census Bureau estimated the population in 2007 to be 13, 649.
Erected 2010 by Alabama Tourism Department & the City of Hartselle.
Marker Name: City of Hartselle, Alabama / Hartselle Facts
Marker Type: Urban
Addtional Information::
Marker is directly in front of the old historic depot, which now houses the Chamber of Commerce. Address is 110 Railroad St SW, Hartselle AL 35640.
Date Dedicated / Placed: September 2010
Marker Number: Not listed
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Visit Instructions:
Please post a photo of you OR your GPS at the marker location. Also if you know of any additional links not already mentioned about this bit of Alabama history please include that in your log.