Industrial Survey
of
Walker County
Alabama Industrial Development Board
Birmingham
September, 1930

STATE OF ALABAMA
ALABAMA INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT BOARD
(Division of Department of Agriculture and Industries)
BIBB GRAVES, GOVERNOR
Chairman Ea'-Officio
SETH. P. STORRS, SECRETARY
Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries
MEMBERS
THEODORE Swan N, Vice-Chairman
THOMAS W. MARTIN
LINDLEY C. MoRTON
BENJAMIN RUSSELI,
HERBERT C. RYDING
THAD HOLT, DIRECTOR
RAY CROW, CoNSULTING ENGINEER
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Summary
Map
Location and Area
Topography, Soil and Climate
Occupations
Population
Health Conditions
Transportation
School and Church Facilities
Cities and Towns
Jasper
Cordova
Statistical Tables
:
11
11
12
13
13
15
16
FOREWORD
The Alabama Industrial Development
Board was created by the Legislature of 1927
as the industrial section of the State Depart-
ment of Agriculture and Industries.
Its broad function is “to investigate and
seek to ascertain the industrial possibilities
of the State of Alabama and seek to secure
the development of the same.”
The book “Alabama” (164 pages) pub-
lished by the Board in September, 1929, was
a general industrial survey of the State as a
whole.
This is one of a series of brief industrial
surveys of each of the 67 counties in Ala-
bama. It is hoped that this outline of the
industrial factors of the counties will lead
to a more intensive investigation of their
possibilities by their citizens themselves and
by others interested.
The surveys were compiled under the su-
pervision of Mr. Ray Crow, engineer, asso-
ciated with the Board.
Summary
. Location—
Located in the northwestern part of the state, Southern ex-
tension of Appalachian Plateau Area. Comparatively good
soil and excellent agricultural climate.
Population—
1930 population 59,429; gain of 8,836 over 1920; in 1920 was
84% white and two-thirds non-agricultural, latter largely
coal mining, but considerable textile manufacturing. Coal
business probably over-developed. Agricultural possibilities
not fully realized.
. Transportation—
Water transportation served by Inland Waterways Corpora-
tion reaches county; also excellent railroad service, but rath-
er indifferent county highways.
Occupations— &
Coal mining major industry, though textiles important.
Lumber business, formerly large, still of some importance.
. Fuels and Power—
One of the most completely electrified counties in the state.
Alabama Power Company steam plant at Gorgas develops
180,000 H. P., with 160,000 additional projected. Large coal
production. Natural gas from Louisiana fields.
. Cities and Towns—
Probably six towns of approximately 1,000 population or
more have ample water and power supply and sufficient sur-
plus labor, particularly female, for small industries.
. Labor Supply—
Labor supply from county could be drawn from younger
members of families engaged in coal mining, as that indus-
try is over developed. Probably 2,000 men and 2,500 women
laborers can be assembled in Walker County without in-
jury to existing labor conditions.
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WALKER COUNTY
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Location and Area
This county is in the north central part of the state, the cen-
ter being approximately 80 miles south of the Tennessee state
line on the north, 56 miles east of the Mississippi State line on the
west and 55 miles northwest of Birmingham. It is irregular in
form and contains 792 square miles, about the average size for the
State.
O
Topography, Soil and Climate
Topography
The surface features range from level through all phases of
rough and broken. This is occasioned by the entire area having
originally been a level plateau which was eroded and dissected by
stream action, leaving considerable flat areas of the Original sur-
face cut in all directions by gorges of varying depth.
The drainage is through the Mulberry and Locust Forks of
the Black Warrior River and tributaries. Most of the streams run
through deep gorges with narrow bottom lands and steep side
slopes to the uplands above. There is no regularity to the drain-
age system, though in a general way the primary drainage is to
the southwest and the secondary to the southeast, while the gen-
eral slope of the county is toward the south.
Elevations of the plateau areas range from 500 to 700 feet,
while the stream bottoms are from 50 to 250 feet below this.
Soil
The soil is weathered from the residual shales and sandstones
of the area and consists for the most part of sand and sandy loams,
with some alluvial sediments in the terrace and bottom lands. It
is naturally reasonably fertile and will, with proper care, produce
practically all field and garden crops. There are, however, con-
siderable portions that are too steep and rough for cultivation.
Except in small sections and on steep slopes, terracing is not gen-
erally required to prevent washing. .
8 WALKER COUNTY, ALABAMA
The upland soils are warm and easily tilled, the bottom lands
are much more difficult, but are stronger, requiring less fertiliza-
tion. The latter soils, however, make up a very small percentage
of the total.
Climate
The climate is mild and reasonably equable. There are some
periods of extremely hot weather in the summer, but usually not
oppressive. Winter temperatures seldom get below 15° and this
for short periods only.
The average seasonal temperatures are:
Winter 44.9°
Spring 61.8°
Summer 78.26°
Fall 62.7°
Annual 61.9°
The growing season is about 200 days, but many of the more
hardy garden and field crops can be produced for a much longer
period.
On the whole, the climate of Walker County is for practically
all purposes as satisfactory as in any section of Alabama. The
precipitation averages about 53 inches per year and is almost
ideally distributed for crop growing.
Occupations
Coal Mining
This industry occupies the attention of the greater part of the
population of Walker County as it is the second largest in the
production of coal in the State. The coal mining population is
more or less scattered over the entire county in mining camps
ranging from a few hundred to 2,000 or 3,000 each in population.
It is difficult to separate, entirely, this group of workers from the
agricultural because in some places the miners are also farmers to
the extent of raising at least a portion of their own foodstuffs. In
other instances the miners work during the busy period in the
mines and in the slack periods move to and operate farms.
Due to the considerable over-production of coal in the coun-
try, as a whole, during the past several years, it is not considered
probable that any great increase in labor employment will be made
by this industry in the near future, if at all. As a matter of fact,
it is thought that there are now entirely too many people that are
depending on this industry for a livelihood, and Walker County
is no exception.
Except during the winter months, when the demand for coal
is greatest, the miners work only from one to three days per week,
which leaves a considerable amount of surplus labor in the district
over long periods. The advent of electric power is tending to
restrict the use of coal to a great extent, and it is thought that
rather than make any attempt to further develop the coal business
of Walker, or other counties, some move should be made to encour-
age a portion of these workers to take up some other lines of
endeavor.
Agriculture
This is the second most important industry in the county,
employing about half as many people in its pursuit as does min-
ing. The farms are for the most part small and in 1925 about 70%
of them were operated by the Owners, as against a state average
of 39%. Cotton is raised to some extent by practically all farmers
in a small way, but is not so important as in other portions of the
State.
10 WALKER COUNTY, ALABAMA
The industrial situation is reflected in the agricultural pro-
duction by the rather considerable amount of dairy and poultry
products that are being grown. In 1925 dairy products were
$14.80 per capita of the farm population, against a state average
of $10.00; all poultry products $12.25, against a state average of
$9.20, and of vegetables that were produced about twice the state
average.
It would appear, however, that since the farm population of
Walker County is only one-third of the total as compared with a
state average of 79%, that the farmers are probably not taking
advantage of the opportunities available. Butter, eggs, chickens,
garden truck and food stuffs of various kinds are shipped into the
county in large quantities, although the soil and climate are such
that these items could be produced in sufficient quantities to feed
the entire population with a comfortable surplus, if sufficient effort
were expended in that direction.
The lack of dependable roads for transportation to the settle-
ments has, in the past, militated against the marketing of such
products, but this condition is being somewhat overcome and con-
certed action might be taken to produce more of these items in the
county. Of the 3,019 farms in the county, 2,102, or 70%, are oper-
ated by the owners, which is an unusually high percentage. Hav-
ing this type of farmer to deal with, there is no apparent reason
why concerted effort along the proper lines will not produce far-
reaching results in the prosperity of the county.
Timber Industry
This has been of large importance in the past and is still of
considerable size. Most of the larger areas of better class timber
have been cut out, however, and the lumber business is now being
carried on by small mills, mostly portable, scattered throughout
the county.
It is doubtful if it would be desirable to attempt to increase
this industry at the present time or in the near future. Probably
the lumber is being cut out as rapidly as is consistent with the best
interests of future growth. Should it be possible to interest some
finishing concerns to use this lumber as a raw material, it would
be well worth while. The amount of labor used in the ordinary
saw mill or planing mill business compared to the volume of mate-
rial handled is comparatively small, and the waste is large.
WALKER COUNTY, ALABAMA 11
Manufacturing
At Cordova there is a 40,000-spindle cotton mill, a brick plant,
and a mattress factory; at Jasper a harness and golf bag manufac-
turer, and a 10,000-spindle cotton mill. These comprise practi-
cally all of the other industries of the county. These, together,
employ about 2,000 people.
O
Population
The population of Walker County was given in 1910 as 37,013,
which had increased in 1920 to 50,593 and in 1930 to 59,429, 83.8%
of which was white in 1920. Inasmuch as the negroes are for the
most part employed in the mines and as railroad hands, they will
not be separated in the further discussion.
The density of population in 1920 was 63.9 persons per square
mile; at present it is about 7.5.0 per square mile, with a state aver-
age of 51.6.
The county was first settled by the farmers who came in an
early day from the northeast, drifting along the Appalachian Pla-
teau in search of homes. The present farm population are direct
descendants of these people, but the miners were brought in at a
later date as the coal industry was developed in the county.
The population is practically all native born.
In 1916 church membership showed:
Baptists, 6,029; Methodists, 4,484; Presbyterians, 109;
Protestant Episcopal, 37; Roman Catholic, 39; all others,
2,156.
A child welfare unit is maintained.
O
Health Conditions
Health conditions of Walker County show a death rate in
1928 of 9.1 per 1,000, against a state average of 12.37. This rate
reflects the large industrial population and the fact that a consid-
erable portion of it works in the mines.
The county maintains a full-time health unit and has practi-
cally eliminated malaria and typhoid fever, except in some small
sections, and mostly sporadic cases.
Transportation
Railroads
Walker County is served by 104 miles of railroad, comprised
of the Southern and Frisco Lines, the Illinois Central operating over
the Frisco tracks, and the Mobile & Ohio operating over the Southern
tracks Practically all points within the county are within 5 miles or
less of a railroad track, but a considerable portion of this mileage is
purely industrial, being branches to coal mines. On the whole, how-
ever, the railroad transportation of the county is good.
Waterways
The county is served by water transportation over the Mul-
berry Fork of the Black Warrior River, with a terminal of the In-
land Waterways Corporation at Cordova. Regular service is main-
tained by this organization to Mobile, New Orleans and up the
Mississippi River. This is a distinct industrial advantage to the
county.
Highways
The Bankhead Highway is paved through the county from
east to west and a north and south State Highway is being built.
About 1,000 miles of county road exist, most of which are not in
the best condition. Efforts are being made to relieve this condi-
tion.
O
School Facilities
There are in the county six fully accredited high schools with
one vocational unit and one private academy, also accredited.
The rural schools are for the most part still of the district
type, there being little consolidation as yet. One reason for this
is the poor roads, especially in the mountainous districts, that have
existed, making reliable bus transportation almost out of the
question. The rural school situation as a whole is being rapidly
improved. The city schools rank well in the state.
The 1928 school census gave a total of 20,341 students of
school age in the county, with an enrollment of 14,219, or almost
exactly 70%.
Cities and Towns
In order of population, in 1930, the principal towns of Walker
County are:
Jasper -a- 5,278
Carbon Hill 2,518
Cordova 1,830
Townley (1920) 1,554
Parrish 987
Oakman - 927
Nauvoo 648
Most of these have good water supply and are served by the
Alabama Power Company. Labor, power and water supply condi-
tions are similar, on a smaller scale in each, to those developed
separately for Jasper and Cordova. Any of them has ample cheap
land well located for factory sites and the business men will co-
operate to the best of their ability.
Jasper
Jasper is a growing city of some 5,278 present population lo-
cated in the central part of the county on the Frisco and Southern
Railroads and the paved Bankhead Highway, some 50 miles north-
west of Birmingham. &
The site is a rolling, well drained plateau with an average ele-
vation of about 400 feet. The streets are paved and well lighted,
the business houses are brick or concrete, well maintained, and
some portions of the residence districts have splendid homes with
well-kept grounds.
Jasper was formerly an agricultural, mining and trading cen–
ter, but recently, through the cooperation of the business men,
there was located a cotton mill with 10,000 spindles, which employs
about 250 people, probably 60 per cent women, when fully devel-
oped.
Water Supply
This is owned and distributed by the Alabama Water Service
Company, a corporation that gives similar service to 22 towns in
Alabama. This insures ample supply at their regular rates. The
present supply is from deep wells with a maximum supply of 1,-
000,000 gallons per day, which can be increased easily.
14 WALKER COUNTY, ALABAMA
Power and Fuel
As stated elsewhere, the town is served by the Alabama Power
Company, which assures practically unlimited electric energy at
their regular rates.
Coal is available at a freight rate of 79 cents per ton.
Labor Rates and Conditions
Labor conditions that affect rates are entirely different in
Walker County from nearly any other section of Alabama. A
rural county 65% industrial is certainly an unusual situation, but
that seems to be the condition there.
If the coal business were prosperous there would probably not
be a great deal of surplus male labor. The cotton mills at Cordova
and the one now at Jasper helped to balance this to some extent.
There would be no surplus labor on the farms if the agriculture
were developed. As a rule, experienced miners do not give satis-
faction at other work, but the younger generation, somewhat bet-
ter educated, is available and should be encouraged to take up other
work, and thus reduce the number of laborers depending on min-
ing.
It is difficult to estimate number of laborers, male or female,
available in Walker County that could be withdrawn from present
occupations without reducing existing output.
With a population of 59,429, the farm population of about
17,000, particularly the male portion, might not be reduced. Since
the other industries seem to be in a healthy condition the principal
source of surplus labor is evidently from those depending on min-
ing. It is thought probable that 2,000 men and 2,500 women could
be assembled for new industries in Walker County without mate-
rially interfering with existing labor conditions. Some part, at
least, would be partially trained.
When the new cotton mill was established at Jasper a con-
siderable number of trained operatives were obtained from the old
established mill at Cordova, the balance was recruited from Jas-
per and vicinity without difficulty.
WALKER COUNTY, ALABAMA 15
Industrial Sites and Building
Sites will be supplied free or at a nominal cost. Some build-
ings are available for small industries now and any reasonable
demand for housing and other structures will be met by local capi-
tal at fair rents, if desired.
Commercial
Three banks—Capital, Surplus and Profits, $330,000.
The commercial ratings of the firms of Jasper are as follows:
Unrated, 44; $0 to $1,000, 32; $1,000 to $5,000, 25; $5,000
to $10,000, 12 ; $10,000 to $35,000, 18; $35,000 to $50,000, 4;
$50,000 to $125,000, 5; $125,000 to $300,000, 4; over $300,-
000, 2.
Tax Rates
Outside incorporated towns the rate is $2.40, in Jasper $3.10
per $100.00 on a 60% valuation. Jasper and Walker County agree
to remit such taxes as it is legal to do to new industries for a
reasonable period.
Cordova
Cordova is located in the southeastern part of Walker County
on the Frisco and Southern Railroads at the head of navigation of
the Warrior River. The Inland Waterways Corporation has a
terminal here and gives regular barge service to Mobile, New Or-
leans and up the Mississippi River. It is the site of a 40,000-spindle
cotton mill, a brick plant, and a mattress factory.
It has an unlimited potential industrial water supply from the
river; a good domestic supply now developed is served by the
Alabama Water Service Company with the same rates as is Jasper.
The town itself has but little surplus labor, but an industry
located here could draw from all of Walker County, and parts of
Jefferson and other nearby counties. The rates probably will be
about the same as those stated for Jasper.
Because of water and rail transportation and the possible large
and cheap water supply, unlimited electric power and cheap coal,
Cordova would be well worth investigating for the location of a
large industry of almost any nature. A paper mill, for instance,
would find, in addition to the above, a vast quantity of pine within
easy reach.
16
8.
WALKER COUNTY, ALABAMA
POPULATION.—TOTAL–URBAN AND RURAL–1900–1910–1920-1930:
Percent Percent Percent
Urban Increase Increase
In Total In Urban In Rural
Total Urban Rural Population Population Population
1930........ - 59,429 7,796 51,633 13.1 31.9 15.5
1920.--------- 50,593 5,912 44,681 11.7 135.6 29.5
1910.......... 37,013 2,509 34,504 6.8 ...... - 37.1
1900 ........ 25,162 ........ 25,162 * * * * *
—Bureau of the Census."
TOTAL POPULATION 1850 TO 1930:
1930 1920 1910 1900 1890 1880 1870 1860 1850
59,429 50,593 37,013 25,162 16,078 9,479 6,543 7,980 5,124.
—Bureau of the Census.
POPULATION.—MALE AND FEMALE–WHITE AND NEGRO–1920:
Total White Negro
Male Female Male Female Male Female
Total … … . . … – 26,532 24,061 22,046 20,357 4,486 3,704
Under 7 years.............. ..... . ....... - 10,229
7 to 13..…. … … 9,372
14 to 15 2,158
16 to 20–~… … 3,342
21 and over 9,954 8,858 2,746 7,934
—Bureau of the Census.
AREA–DENSITY OF POPULATION.—NUMBER OF FAMILIES AND
HOMES-1920:
Area Square Miles Population per Square Mile Number of Homes
Total Land Water Average Rural Families Owned Rented .
799 792 7 75.0 (1930) 65.2 10,613 3,496 7,008
—Bureau of the Census.
MANUFACTURING STATISTICS-1927:
Value Added
Number of Wage Earners Cost of Value of by
Establishments Average No. Wages Materials Products Manufacture
1,338 $873,000.00 $2,785,000.00 $4,195,000.00 $1,410,000.00
—Census of Manufacturers.
FINANCIAL AND COMMERCIAL STATISTICS:
Postal Number of Number of Trade Outlets
Bank Deposits Receipts Individual -
Total Savings Year Income Tax Retail Wholesale
Jan. 1, 1928 Jan. 1, 1929 1927 Returns, 1928 Stores Houses
$3,475,000.00 $1,398,000.00 $69,000.00 381 436 12
—Department of Commerce.
OCCUPATIONS-1920:
Male Female
Total …~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ - – --~~~~~~ 15,212 2,521
Agricultural, etc.-------------------------...- . - ... 4,138 1,192
Mining, etc A. 7,147 16
Manufacturing, etc............... ......... ------. 1,828 218
Transportation 633 31
Trade 721 100
Public Service 93 10
Professional Service 250 192
Domestic, etc 183 666
Clerical, etc. 219 96
—Bureau of the Census.
MOTOR VIEHICLE REGISTRATION.—1929:
Passenger Cars…~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 5,081
Trucks 787
Hearses and Ambulances 8
Taxis 56
Motorcycles 10
—State Highway Department.
WALKER COUNTY, ALABAMA
17
10.
11.
12.
13.
MILEAGE OF EXISTING TYPES OF STATE HIGHWAY SYSTEM-1929:
Graded … 12.05
Bituminous Surface. 22.79
Gravel ...... 18.60
—State Highway Department.
TAXES-1929:
General Fund. $ .50
School .40
Special School..... .30
Other …~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ .25
Total …~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ $1.45
—State Tax Commission.
SCHOOL STATISTICS.–1928:
Census—6 to 20 Enrolled Expenditures
White Colored White Colored White Colored
16,547 1,661 12,164 1,314 $295,919.00 $19,163.00
—State Department of Education.
AGRICULTURAL STATISTICS-1928:
Total Population (1930)............................................ 59,429
Farm Population - 16,900
Total Land Area, Acres 507,000
Land in Farms, Acres 204,000
Land Available for Crops.................................................. 68,000
Land in Pasture.--- 38,000
Land in Woods (not pastured)........................................ 85,000
Unutilized - - 13,000
Acreage, Production and Value of Principal Crops—1929
Acres Production Value
Corn -- 30,000 420,000 $ 420,000.00
Cotton (Including Seed)..... 35,000 13,000 1,235,000.00
Hay - - - - 7,000 6,000 108,000.00
Sweet Potatoes - -- 1,100 -100,000 90,000.00
Irish Potatoes................................................................ 1,300 86,000 125,000.00
Sorghum 900 81,000 69,000.00
Oats 2,000 26,000 20,000.00
Cowpeas (1928)..... 3,500 14,000 26,600.00
Truck Crops (1928) 3,400 ......... - 561,000.00
Miscellaneous Crops and Fruits.............................. .......... .......... 50,000.00
Total 78,200 $2,166,000.00
Animals Sold and Slaughtered
Number Value
Cattle 5,000 $ 81,000.00
Hogs 11,000 180,000.00
Chickens 90,000 59,000.00
Eggs Produced, Doz 700,000 217,000.00
Milk Produced, Gals...........-------------............................................ 1,560,000 468,000.00
Total Production Value for County 3,171,000.00
Per Capita Income of Farm Population 188
—State Department of Agriculture.
TELEPHONE AND ELECTRIC CONSUMERS:
Number of Families
with Telephones
Jan. 1, 1929
708
Domestic
Industrial
1,650 64
Estimated Number of Electric Consumers—Jan. 1, 1926
Commercial
—Department of Commerce.
18 WALKER COUNTY, ALABAMA
14. CIRCUILATION OF:
Fifteen National
Magazines Combined
Jan. 1, 1929
3,114
Weekly, Semi-Weekly and
Tri-Weekly Newspapers,
1928
11,500
—Department of Commerce.
A.B.C. Newspapers, 1927
Daily Sunday
6,139 5,084
15. CITY STATISTICS:
Population of Incorporated Towns and Cities:
1930 1920 1910 1900
Carbon Hill 2,518 2,666 1,627 830
Cordova 1,830 1,622 1,747 567
Deer Creek-------------…----.................----. 270 279 332
Dora …~~~~~~~~ 1,142 1,117 916 385
Jasper 5,278 3,246 2,509 1,661
Nauvoo 648 489 392
Oakman 927 1,083 1,065 503
Townley 1,554 235 124
Parrish 987
—Bureau of the Census.
16. FIRST CLASS FREIGHT RATES FROM JASPER TO THE GATES OF
EXIT FROM THE SOUTH:
From Jasper
TO
Brunswick, Georgia 151
Cairo, Illinois - 122
Charleston, South Carolina 160
Cincinnati, Ohio 160
Evansville, Indiana 138
Jacksonville, Florida........................ 154
Louisville, Kentucky 145
Memphis, Tennessee.................................. 104
Mobile, Alabama.......................... - - - 122
Nashville, Tennessee ..................... ........ 106
New Orleans, Louisiana.... ................................. 142
Norfolk, Virginia 201
Pensacola, Florida 122
Savannah, Georgia 154
Vicksburg, Mississippi.................................................................... 122
(Note: In cents per 100 lbs.)
—Birmingham Traffic Association.
17. CLIMATOLOGICAL DATA:
Observatory at Cordova. Elevation 334 feet. Station is on a hillside facing east.
hilly. Distance to top of hill is 100 feet; to bottom, 20 feet.
- º tº . . o Jan. Feb. March April May June July Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov.
Precipitation—Mean ................ 5.08 5.07 5.71 4.81 3.96 4.40 5.82 4.53, 3.08 2.46 2.97
Mean Temperature.................... ,44.5 45.6 54.4 61.6 69.4 76.8 79.1 78.9 73.7. 62.5 51.9
Mean Maximum Temperature 58.5 59.0 700 75.7 83.0 89.9 91.3 90.8 87.4 77.5 67.7
Mean Minimum Temperature 34.0 33.3 42.1 47.9 55.8 64.1 67.6 67.7 61.0 48.2 37.8
Highest Temperature................ 81 84 92 91 98 104 105 104 100 95 87
Lowest Temperature.................. 4 —5 17 25 33 46 54 54 35 23 14
Snowfall 0.6 0.5 T. T 0 O 0 0 0 0 0.1
Average No. of days with 0.01
inch or more precipitation.... 7 6 6 6 6 7 9 8 4 3 4
Prevailing Wind—Direction.... S S S S S S S S S S S
Frost Data
Average Date of
Last Killing Frost
in Spring
April 2
Average Date of
First Killing Frost
in Autumn
October 24
Latest Date of
Killing Frost in
Spring
April 26
Earliest Date of
Killing Frost in
Autumn
October 11
—U. S. Weather Bureau.
The surrounding country is
Dec. Annual
5.31 53.20
44.6 61.9
56.5 75.6
32.7 49.4
79 105
8 —5
0.1 1.3
6 72
S S
WALKER COUNTY, ALABAMA 19
18. DEATHS BY COLOR AND CAUSE—1928:
Number Rate
W B W B
(Per 1,000)
ALL, CAUSES 448 120 8.5 12.2
(Per 100,000)
Typhoid Fever 1 1.9 ----
Malaria 4 7.6 --
Smallpox wr * - - - ---- ---- -* * *
Measles 5 1 9.5 10.2
Scarlet Fever 3 - - - - 5.7 * * * *
Whooping Cough - - - 4 1 7.6 10.2
Diphtheria 21 - - 39.8 * * * *
Influenza 23 8 43.6 81.6
Pneumonia, All Forms 38 11 72.1 112.2
Poliomyelitis - - - - - - - - ---- s = * *
Tetanus 1 - - - - 1.9 ----
Tuberculosis, All Forms - 32 8 60.7 81.6
Tuberculosis, Pulmonary 27 7 51.2 71.4
Cancer, All Forms..... 26 4 49.3 40.8
Pellagra 5 - - - - 9.5 51.0
Diabetes Mellitus - 5 4 9.5 40.8
Cerebral Hemorrhage 16 10 30.4 102.0
Diseases of Heart - 42 15 79.7 153.1
Diarrhea and Enteritis:
Under 2 years 26 5 49.3 51.0
2 years and over 6 2 11.4 20.4
Chronic Nephritis - 9 4 17.1 40.8
Puerperal State, Total 16 - - - - 30.4 ----
Puerperal Septicemia 7 ---- 13.3 *se
Congenital Malformation 8 -- - - 15.2 sº tº me -
Congenital Debility and Other Diseases of Early
Infancy 35 11 66.4 112.2
Senility * 6 - - - - 11.4 ----
Suicides 1 1 1.9 10.2
Homicides - 6 2 11.4 20.4
Accidental Burns 5 1 9.5 10.2
Accidental Drownings 2 - - - - 3.8 * * * *
Accidental Traumatism by Firearms........................ 1 1 1.9 10.2
Mine Accidents 7 5 13.3 51.0
Railroad Accidents 3 - - - - 5.7 -- - -
Automobile Accidents 10 - - - - 19.0 * * * *
Other External Causes --- 11 1 20.9 10.2
Other Specified Causes 48 18 91.1 183.7
Ill-defined and Unknown Causes 21 7 39.8 ° 71.4
—State Health Department.
Industrial Survey
of
Talladega County
Alabama Industrial Development Board
Birmingham
September, 1930

STATE OF ALABAMA
ALABAMA INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT BOARD
(Division of Department of Agriculture and Industries)
BIBB GRAVES, GOVERNOR
Chairman Ex-Officio
SETH. P. STORRS, SECRETARY
Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries
MEMBERS
THEODoRE Swan N, Vice-Chairman
THOMAS W. MARTIN
LINDLEY C. MoRTON
BENJAMIN RUSSELL
HERBERT C. RYDING
THAD HOLT, DIRECTOR
RAY CROW, CoNSULTING ENGINEER
FOREWORD
The Alabama Industrial Development Board was created by
the Legislature of 1927 as the industrial section of the State
Department of Agriculture and Industries.
Its broad function is “to investigate and seek to ascertain the
industrial possibilities of the State of Alabama and seek to secure
the development of the same.
The book “Alabama” (164 pages) published by the Board in
September, 1929, was a general industrial survey of the State as
a whole.
This is one of a series of brief industrial surveys of each of the
67 counties in Alabama. It is hoped that this outline of the indus-
trial factors of the counties will lead to a more intensive investiga-
tion of their possibilities by their citizens themselves and by others
interested.
The surveys were compiled under the supervision of Mr. Ray
Crow, Engineer, associated with the Board.
Summary
Location—
Lies in the northeastern part of the state, some 40 miles from
Birmingham and 25 miles from Georgia, irregular in shape,
bounded on northwest by Coosa River. Good soils and
climate.
Population—
Population (1930) 45,251, gain of 4,246 from 1920; 57.6%
white. Farm population about 20,000, more than half col-
ored. Population largely native born, but some immigration
during later years.
Transportation—
Transportation facilities excellent, with 136 miles of railroad
track, three main state highways and 1,100 miles of county
roads, 75% of which are surfaced.
Occupations—
Originally settled as an agricultural county. Lumber indus-
try, marble quarrying and industries—principally textile—
occupy about half the population.
Fuels and Power—
Alabama Power Company’s system serves county to meet
any requirement. Natural gas from Louisiana fields. Coal
from Alabama fields.
Cities and Towns—
Besides Talladega and Sylacauga, the county has a number of
towns and trading points of considerable importance. Child-
ersburg, Ironaton, Lincoln are possible sites for industries.
. Labor Supply—
Excellent nucleus of diversified skilled labor available, al-
though new industries have absorbed much farm surplus.
Probably any reasonable demand could be met,
JENIFER
BARCLAY L8.N.
GHAM BERNEYs
HANDLER
ULGA_2=%2 RENDALIA
_42*T *A'
ſíLt URG
SY
i
WN
N
ODENA
SS
O
GANTTS QU
M N
COOSA C C.
G4.
Hard Surface T Unimproved
III-III Gravel or Chert -- = E Projected
SININN: Sand-Clay or Top Soil Federal Highway Numbers
TITIIIT Graded State Highway Numbers
TALLADEGA COUNTY
SCALE OF MILES
1O 5 O 10
T-l
L–


Location and Area
This county lies toward the northeastern part of the state,
eastern boundary being about 25 miles from the Georgia line and
the northern boundary about 90 miles from the Tennessee State
line. Center is some 42 miles slightly south of east of Birmingham.
It is very irregular in shape, being bounded on the northwest by
the Coosa River, flowing tortuously in a generally southwesterly
direction, the southeasterly boundary is partially formed by the
Talladega mountains.
The longer dimension extends from northeast to Southwest,
averaging some 39 miles in length, with the width from northwest
to southeast of about 20 miles. It contains 755 square miles of
land, and approximately 8 miles of water surface, the latter being
in the bed of the Coosa River. This makes Talladega County
somewhat above the average size of Alabama counties.
Topography, Soil and Climate
Topography
Geologically, Talladega County lies within two great divisions.
The Piedmont on the east, comprising some of the oldest rocks in
the United States such as granites, gneisses, schists, phyllites,
slates and other metamorphic rocks, and the Limestone Valleys
and Uplands comprising two-thirds of the western part, composed
of hard bluish limestones and grayish cherts.
The fault line separating these great geological divisions
traverses the county from northeast to southwest, approximately
parallel to the southeast boundary. About one-fourth of the east-
ern part of the county, therefore, lies on the great Piedmont
Plateau, which culminates in the Talladega Mountains, having an
extreme elevation of 2,407 feet above sea level, the highest point
in Alabama.
The general level of this plateau section is 1,000 to 1,200 feet,
and breaks off in irregular elevated terraces to the valley of the
Coosa River, which, in reality, is an extension of the great valley
6 TALLADEGA COUNTY, ALABAMA
of Virginia. The term “valley” in this connection is somewhat
1misleading, because, in reality, the area is made up of numberless
secondary ridges and intervening troughs and depressions cut by
Streams and Secondary valleys.
The surface features of the westerly three-fourths of the
county range from level to gently rolling to hilly and ridgey. The
territory is not rugged or broken, however, most of the ridges and
hills being rounded and subject to cultivation.
On the whole, Talladega County is a good farming county,
and this condition has been taken advantage of to a considerable
extent. Along the Coosa River the elevation of the first bottom
lands range from 400 to 500 feet. On the secondary terraces the
elevation is from 600 to 900 feet with a few ridges ranging up to
1,200, and Alpine Mountain has an elevation of approximately 1,500
feet. The elevation of the plateau area along the east and northeast
boundary is in the neighborhood of 1,000 to 1,200 feet.
The drainage is practically all into the Coosa River, which falls
nearly 100 feet in the length of its course along the western boun-
dary of this county. The drainage is carried into the Coosa by a
number of considerable sized streams, many of which have poten-
tial power development, and have been used for this purpose to
some extent in running grist mills and saw mills.
Soil
The soils of the county are reasonably fertile, consisting of
loams, and sandy loams with clay or sand clay subsoils. Large
areas would appear to lend themselves to modern methods of cul-
tivation and the use of modern machinery. As a matter of fact,
this is being done to a greater extent than is noticeable in most of
the similar counties.
At least two tractor plows were seen in operation in driving
from Sylacauga to Talladega, and it is stated that there are several
others in use.
Climate
The climate of Talladega County is mild and reasonably
equable. There are some short periods of hot weather in the sum-
mers, but it rarely becomes oppressive, except in some of the lower
TALLADEGA COUNTY, ALABAMA y
areas. The nights are practically always cool, particularly in the
higher altitudes. The average seasonal temperatures are:
Winter 45°
Spring 63°
Summer 79°
Fall 64°
Annual - 63°
Growing season is about 220 days, which is sufficient to mature
practically any crops, and, in fact, many of the hardier garden
vegetables will remain green all winter. The winter temperature
Seldom gets below 10 degrees, and this for only a day or two at a
time.
The rainfall is about 52 inches, well distributed for the growing
of the crops.
Occupations
Agriculture
Talladega County, in common with the remainder of this sec-
tion of Alabama, was originally heavily forested with long and
short leaf pine, oak, hickory, gum and other hardwoods. The first
settlers laboriously cleared up the more fertile sections, usually the
valleys and bottom lands, establishing farms in a small way on
which were raised the more common subsistence crops for home
consumption. Along the Coosa River, which was navigable during
high water, a large number of prosperous plantations were de-
veloped and worked by slave labor. In the rougher and more
sterile portions the individual white farmer developed smaller
far 111S.
Later with the advent of the railroads came the saw mills and
the forest growth was gradually removed. This permitted the ex-
pansion of agriculture on a much larger scale and gradually cotton,
because of its high price, and, therefore, profitable production, be-
came the only crop of importance. At the present practically all
of the county that is suitable for farming has been cleared up and
developed.
8 TALLADEGA COUNTY, ALABAMA
There are yet considerable areas of rough, broken and stoney
land that is covered with a second growth timber from which con-
siderable lumber, heading, and other forest products are being
manufactured annually, the growth of the timber being probably
no greater than the amount now being used.
The coming of industries to the county gradually caused a
certain amount of diversification of crops, as the farmers began to
raise some truck crops and branch out in dairying and poultry
raising. These items are being encouraged in a helpful, practical
way by the business men of the county, particularly at Talladega.
In the year 1925, as reported in the Southeastern Survey, a
total value of farm crops per capita of farm population was $165.00,
which compares favorably with an average of $160.00 for the state.
The value of the dairy products is given as $14.80 per capita farm
population, and that of poultry products $11.25 per capita, against
a state average of $10.00 and $9.20, respectively. Due to the recent
interest that has been manifested in these items, these figures prob-
ably do not apply at the present time.
Manufacturing
Talladega County has been somewhat industrialized for many
years, Talladega City being the site of cotton mills, having a
total of 15,000 spindles. A new first unit of 40,000 spindles has
been added at Bemiston.
At Sylacauga, in the South part of the county, is located a
group of mills of 108,700 spindles. Near Childersburg is located a
knitting mill. There are a few other industries of various kinds
that will be mentioned elsewhere.
Mining
In this county is located the largest marble developments of
the state, producing marble famed for its beauty and texture.
Gantts quarry, in the extreme southern part of the county, is the
largest, working about 200 people.
Gold occurs in the county, to some extent, in the form of low
grade ores. Dr. Walter Jones, State Geologist, suggests that it is
quite possible that this metal could be mined profitably, if proper
attention is given to efficient methods. There are some other
minerals of less importance.
Population
The population of Talladega County is given in 1930 as 45,251,
of which about 57.6 per cent are white. This shows an increase
from 41,005, as of 1920, and gives a density of 59.9 per square mile.
In 1920 the population consisted of 8,295 families, of which
2,448, or 30%, owned their own homes, as against a state average
of 34%. This small home-owning percentage is largely due to the
large negro population and the system of tenant farming, which
is in vogue over a considerable part of the county. The number of
farms, in 1925, is given as 3,926, of which 687 are owned by white,
and 440 by colored farmers. This is a percentage of 30% owned
and operated, which corresponds with the state average of 39%.
The white population are largely descendants of the early
settlers who came from Georgia, the Carolinas and Virginia, al-
though during later years, particularly with the advent of saw mills
and other industries, there has been a certain amount of immigra-
tion, perhaps more than in most of the other counties in this section
of the state.
The farm population in 1920 was about 20,000, which gave a
density of about 28 to the square mile, as against a state average of
23. -
Health Conditions
The health conditions in Talladega County are about equal to
the state average. The 1928 death rate was 11.8 per 1,000, and the
county maintains a health unit and is making a consistent effort to
improve the health of the community.
School and Church Facilities
The school facilities of Talladega County are excellent. Con-
solidation has progressed to a point where 44 districts have been
reduced to 16, and 29 school busses are being operated to transport
the school children. The white schools, both city and rural,
operate from eight to nine months, and the negro schools six
10 TALLADEGA COUNTY, ALABAMA
months, annually. There are four county and two city fully ac-
credited high schools, with two agricultural units. The enroll-
ment shows an attendance of about 57 per cent each of white
children and negro children of school age in the county.
Talladega City is the site of the Alabama School for Deaf and
Blind, and also of one of the largest negro colleges in the South.
At Sylacauga is located a District Agricultural School.
In 1916 the church membership was:
Baptist 15,172
Methodist 6,004
Presbyterian 485
Protestant Episcopal 178
Roman Catholic 56
All others 562
A child welfare unit is maintained.
Transportation
Talladega County is unusually well supplied with transporta-
tion, there being 136 miles of railroad traversing the county in
practically all directions. The Southern Railroad crosses the
northern end from east to west, the L. & N. branch line from Calera
through Sylacauga passes completely through the county, nearly
from north to south; the Central of Georgia crosses the southern
end of the county, and the Atlanta, Birmingham & Coast traverses
the center of the county from east to west through Talladega.
Practically no point in the county is more than 7 miles from a rail-
road track.
Three main State Highways, either built or projected, pass
through the county, and a total of about 1,100 miles of county road
have been put in such condition that at least 75% is passable,
practically at all times of the year. There is probably no county
in the state that is making more satisfactory progress in its second-
ary road construction. It is stated that practically every farm of
importance in the county can now be reached in all weather by
highways.
Cities and Towns
Talladega County has a number of towns and trading points'
of considerable importance. Talladega and Sylacauga will be
given special consideration.
In addition, there are Mignon, Childersburg, Ironaton,
Lincoln, Sycamore and several others with populations ranging
from 500 to 2,500 where the same conditions of labor, power and
water supply and, to Some extent, transportation, would apply in a
small way, as are hereafter mentioned for Sylacauga and Talla-
dega. These towns all have, or are in reach of the lines of the
Alabama Power Company, and are, therefore, assured of unlimited
electrical energy. They all have, or can easily obtain, ample water
Supply.
Childersburg should be particularly mentioned as having two
railroads and being about a mile from the Coosa River. It would
offer a splendid site for some large industrial concern that desires
a river-side location. The business men of Childersburg are very
much interested and would cooperate to the extent of their ability
in the way of donating sites, or helping to furnish housing for an
industry desiring to locate there. The Alabama Power Company
owns the power and light franchise and distributes current under
approximately the same conditions as for Sylacauga.
Ironaton was formerly a site of iron furnaces, which at the
present time are not in operation.
Lincoln is a prosperous little town of over 500 population, on
the main line of Southern Railway, and would offer an excellent
location for smaller industries.
Talladega *
Talladega is one of the older towns in this part of the State,
being settled about 1832. The population of 1930 is given as 7,595,
an increase from 6,546 in 1920.
The appearance of the town makes a good impression, as the
Streets are well paved, the business houses for the most part of
Substantial construction and reasonably well maintained. In the
residential areas are many fine old homes with landscaped grounds.
There is a nine-hole golf course with a Country Club building,
unusually good hotel service for a small town, and the business
men exemplify a splendid spirit of cooperation.
Water Supply
Talladega has excellent water supply. It is collected from a
water shed of 85 square miles, lying largely in the adjoining county
of Clay. There is a storage capacity of 39,000,000 gallons, with
pumps and filters, having 2,400,000 gallons capacity per day. The
water is of excellent quality, suitable for both domestic and boiler
purposes.
Power and Fuel
The Alabama Power Company owns the franchise and dis-
tributes the electrical power for the city.
Coal for fuel is available from the Birmingham district at
about $3.75 per ton for domestic, and $2.75 per ton for steam.
Natural gas is available from Louisiana fields, both domestic and
industrial.
Labor Conditions and Rates
Labor conditions in Talladega are somewhat different from
that in 1many of the other counties in this portion of Alabama.
There is no question that a great deal of labor is available, in the
construction of a new plant, about 1,000 men, probably one-half
negroes, were gathered; however, the indications are that a great
many of those laborers come from other counties and even from
other states. The operation of this plant absorbed some 1,200
workers, 60% women.
TALLADEGA COUNTY, ALABAMA 13
Industrial Sites and Buildings
There is available at the present time a knitting mill building
with 65,000 square feet of floor space, which can be purchased or
rented at a very reasonable figure. This would make an excellent
location for a woodworking plant, or for knitting and textile work
of any kind. Ample sites for the construction of any sort of indus-
trial buildings are readily available, either with or without track-
age, and will be furnished by the business men of Talladega free
of charge, or at nominal rates. The housing for any considerable
number of additional employes will need to be constructed, al-
though there is a certain amount of labor available that already
lives in the city, and others that would come from the surrounding
county.
However, the business men will arrange to furnish all houses
necessary at a reasonable rate, if it is desirable.
Commercial
The following ratings of commercial firms of Talladega is
given:
Two banks—capital and surplus, $500,000.
Unrated, 41; $0 to $1,000, 35; $1,000 to $5,000, 28; $5,000 to
$10,000, 14; $10,000 to $35,000, 17; $35,000 to $50,000, 6; $50,000
to $125,000, 6; $125,000 to $300,000, 2; Over $300,000, 2.
Taxes
State $'.65
County 1.15
Special School .30
City of Talladega 1.00
Total ------ $3.10, within the city
limits.
$2.10, without the city
limits.
On the basis of a 60% valuation.
Assurance is given that a legal remission of tax for a reason-
able time will be made for industries desiring to locate in or near
Talladega.
Sylacauga
Sylacauga is located well toward the southeastern corner of
Talladega County at the junction of the main-line Central of
Georgia and branch L. & N. railroads. It had a population of 4,111
in 1930, an increase from 2,141 in 1920. The mill village town of
Mignon, which contains 2,407 people, is a separate corporation
adjoining that of Sylacauga. There is, therefore, in this immediate
district a total of over 6,500 people.
Sylacauga itself presents a splendid appearance, having well
paved streets, well-lighted; the business part is compact, all of sub-
stantial brick construction. The residences are largely modern
with many unusually good homes and well landscaped grounds. A
large lumber company was located here for some time and had
constructed a well arranged village, but is no longer operating.
The principal industries at the present time are the various
cotton mills belonging to the Comer interests of Birmingham.
Sylacauga is the center of the Alabama marble-quarrying dis-
trict. This particular industry employs a considerable number of
people, but depends, of course, largely on the building conditions of
the country.
Water Supply
The existing water supplies at Sylacauga are barely sufficient
satisfactorily to take care of its present needs. The source is local
wells. Steps are being taken toward further development.
Labor Conditions and Rates
The labor conditions in Sylacauga are very similar to those
already discussed for Talladega. If the agricultural possibilities
of the south end of the county were developed it is doubtful if there
could be any considerable surplus of labor on the farms. As con-
ditions are now, should industrial opportunities offer, many of the
tenant farmers would move off and go into this line of work.
Because of the fact that such a considerable percentage of the
total population are negroes, the actual surplus labor available
TALLADEGA COUNTY, ALABAMA 15
would be limited. However, from the surrounding district, other
than Talladega County, a considerable amount of labor could be
drawn to this point. It is difficult, however, to determine, as was
the case in Talladega, just how many laborers could be assembled
at Sylacauga without more or less seriously affecting the agricul-
tural situation.
Industrial Sites and Buildings
Sylacauga has available splendid sites for practically any type
of industry, either with or without railroad trackage. There is also
a considerable amount of housing that would be available. The
business men are very much interested in developing industrial pos-
sibilities in the community, and will cooperate to the fullest extent
in furnishing local capital for purchasing sites or building factories
at reasonable rates.
Commercial
Two banks—capital and surplus, $165,000.00.
The commercial firms of Sylacauga are rated as follows:
Unrated, 36; $0 to $1,000, 25; $1,000 to $5,000, 21; $5,000 to
$10,000, 11; $10,000 to $35,000, 15; $35,000 to $50,000, 2; $50,000 to
$125,000, 9; $125,000 to $300,000, 1; Over $300,000, 5.
Taxes
Tax rates for the state and county are the same as those given
for Talladega. The city tax for Sylacauga is 50c per $100.00, based
on 60% valuation. This makes a total of $2.10 per $100.00 outside,
and $2.60 inside the corporation, all based on 60% valuation.
16 TALLADEGA COUNTY, ALABAMA
1. POPULATION.—TOTAL–URBAN AND RURAL–1900-1910-1920-1930:
Percent Percent Percent
Urban Increase Increase
in Total in Urban in Rural
Total Urban Rural Population Population Population
1930------------------ 45,251 11,706 33,545 25.9 79.0 —2.7
1920------------------ 41,005 6,546 34,459 16.0 11.8 7.5
1910–---------------- 37,921 5,854 32,067 15.4 15.8 4.4
1900------------------ 35,773 5,056 30,717 14.1 --------
—Bureau of the Census.
2. TOTAL POPULATION 1850 TO 1930:
1930 1920 1910 1900 1890 1880 1870 1860 1850
45,251 41,005 37,921 35,773 29,346 23,360 18,064 23,520 18,624
—Bureau Of the Census.
3. POPULATION.—MALE AND FEMALE–WHITE AND NEGRO–1920:
Total White Negro
Male Fermale Male Fennale Male Fernale
Total 20,348 20,657 11,840 11,765 8,506 8,892
TJnder 7 years------------ 7,865 **** --------- -- - - - -t, - sº - a- -- *-** wº w ----- *** ------ *** *** --
7 to 13–-------------------- 8,185 **---------- ----------- *----------- * -----------------
14 to 15–––––---- 2,013 ------------ ------------ ~~~ - ------- sº----
16 to 20------------------------ 4,322 --------- --- ---- **** *** - *** - - - - - - - - - - ---- * * * * -- - -
21 and Over---------------- ------------ 5,527 5.563 3,663 3,865
—Bureau of the Census.
4. AREA-DENSITY OF POPULATION.—NUM BER OF FAM | LIES AND HOMES-
1920:
Area Square Miles Population per Square Mile Number of Hornes
Total Land Water Average Rural Families Ovwned Rented
(1930)
763 755 8 59.9 44.4 8,295 2,448 5,635
—Bureau. Of the Census.
5. MANUFACTURING STATISTICS.–1927:
Number of Wage Earners Cost of Value of Value Added
Establishments Average No. Wages Materials Products By Manufacture
59 3,001 $ 2,032,000.00 $ 6,809,000.00 $11,210,000.00 $ 4,402,000.00
—Census of Manufacturers.
6. FINANCIAL AND COMMERCIAL STATISTICS:
Number of
Postal Individual Number of Trade Outlets—
Receipts Inconne Tax 1927
Bank Deposits Year Returns— Retail Wholesale
Total Savings 1927 1928 Stores Houses
Jan. 1, 1928 Jan 1, 1929
$ 4,134,000.00 $ 2,655,000.00 $ 51,000.00 260 276 19
—Department of Commerce.
7. OCCUPATIONS-1920:
Male Fernale
Total 11,110 2,858
Agricultural, etc. 6,510 1,210
Mining, etc 182 0
Manufacturing 2,713 588
TranSportation 440 18
Trade 635 75
Public Service 68 7
Professional Service 218 208
Domestic, etc 190 676
Clerical, etc 154 76
–Bureau of the Census.
TALLADEGA COUNTY, ALABAMA
17
10.
11.
12.
MOTOR VEHICLE REGISTRATION.—1929:
Passenger Cars
Trucks
Hearses and Ambulances
Taxis and Busses
Motorcycles
3,426
464
6
27
6
—State Highway Department.
MI LEAGE OF EXISTING TYPES OF STATE HIGHWAY SYSTEM-1929:
Graded
Paved
Chert
Sand, Clay or Top Soil
Gravel
3.59
17.98
7.00
26.4
31.80
—State Highway Department.
TAXES–1929:
General Fund $ .50
School .40
Special School .30
Other § .25
Total $ 1.45
—State Tax Commission.
SCHOOL STATISTICS.–1928:
Census 6 to 20 Enrolled Expenditures
White Colored White Colored White Colored
6,815 6,340 4,713 4,009 $145,315.00 $ 14,308.00
—State Department of Education.
AGRICULTURAL STATISTICS-1928:
Total Population
Farm Population ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Land Area.
Land in Farms ---
Land Available for Crops 132,000
Land in Pasture 44,000
Land in Woods (Not Pastured) ------------------------- --- 44,000
|Unutilized 12,000
Acreage, Production and Value of Principal Crops—1929
Acres Production
Corn 55,000 715,000
Cotton (Including Seed) 55,000 25,000
Hay 5,000 3,000
Peanuts **-* * **** * * * * * *-º-º-
Sweet Potatoes 700 47,000
Irish Potatoes 600 30,000
Sorghum Syrup 600 53,000
Sugar Cane Syrup cº-º-º-º-º-º-º-º- * *-* *-* * * * *
Oats 6,000 90,000
Truck Crops 1,000 ------------
Miscellaneous Crops and Fruits *** * * * * * **** * * * * *
Total 124,000 ----------------
Animals Sold and Slaughtered
Number
Cattle 4,000
Hogs 16,000
Chickens 189,000
Eggs Produced (dozens) 1,010,000
Milk Produced (gallons) 1,872,000
Total Production Value for County
Per Capita of Farm Population
41,000
20,300
483,000
232,000
Value
$ 715,000.00
2,375,000.00
54,000.00
43,000.00
45,000.00
165,000.00
75,000.00
$ 3,582,000.00
Value
$ 71,000.00
228,000.00
123,000.00
313,000.00
562,000.00
4,880,000.00
240.00
—State Department Of Agriculture.
Commercial
150
18 TALLADEGA COUNTY, ALABAMA
13. TELEPHONE AND ELECTRIC CONSUMERS:
Number of Families
with Telephones Estimated Number of Electric Consumers—Jan. 1, 1926
Jan. 1, 1929 Domestic Industrial
730 1,550 64
14. CIRCULATION.—OF: —Department of Commerce.
Fifteen National Weekly, Semi-Weekly and
Magazines Cornbined A.B.C. Newspapers, 1927 Tri-Weekly Newspapers,
Jan. 1, 1929 Daily Sunday 1928
2,976 3,942 2,228 6,340
—Department of Commerce. *
15. CITY STATISTICS:
Population of Incorporated Towns and Cities
1930 1920 1910
Childersburg 418 449
Gantts Quarry Þ42 413 ------------
IrOnaton 585 982
Jenifer 382 104
Lincoln 498 ------------
Mignon 2,407 2,028 ------------
Renfroe 98 85
Sycamore 631 ---------- -----------
Sylacauga 4,111 2,141 1,456
Talladega. 7,595 6,546 5,854
Talladega Springs - 257 ------------
—Bureau Of the Census.
16. FIRST CLASS FREIGHT RATES FROM TAL LADEGA TO THE GATES OF EXIT
1900
372
*--- * * *-- - -º- ºr -
**-*** - - - - - -
FROM THE SOUTH:
From Talladega
TO:
Brunswick, Georgia.
Cairo, Illinois
Charleston, South Carolina
Cincinnati, Ohio
Evansville, Indiana
Jacksonville, Florida
Louisville, Kentucky
Memphis, Tennessee
Mobile, Alabama.
Nashville, Tennessee
New Orleans, Louisiana
Norfolk, Virginia
Pensacola, Florida
Savannah, Georgia.
Vicksburg, Mississippi.------------------
138
142
163
157
148
142
151
126
118
118
143
190
118
142
134
(Note: In cents per 100 lbs.) —Birmingham Traffic Association.
17. CLIMATOLOGICAL DATA:
Observatory at Talladega. Elevation 554 feet,
Record
Length of
(Yrs.) Jan. Feb. March April May June July Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec. Annual
Precipitation—Means -- — 5.38 5.58 6.20 4.18 3.66 4.27 5.32 5.10 3.12 2.45 2.94 5.02 53.22
Mean Temperature-------. 29 45.5 46.5 56.0 62.7 70.8 78.2 79.9 79.3 74.5 64.0 52.8 45.2 63.0
Mean Maximum
Temperature -------------- 24 56.1 57.2 68.1 74.8 83.8 90.2 91.3 90.9 86.5 76.7 65.7 55.5 74.7
Mean Minimum
Temperature —---------- 24 35.1 34.9 44.5 49.5 58.0 65.9 68.2 68.0 63.0 51.5 40.2 34.7 51.1
Highest Temperature---- 32 82 82 89 92 98 107 105 106 102 97 85 76 107
Lowest Temperature------ 32 4 —10 11 28 33 42 55 54 36 26 15 7 —10
Snowfall -------------------------- 29 0.5 0.8 0.1 T 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.1 0.2 1.7
Average No. of days
With 0.01 inch or
more precipitation ---- 28 9 8 9 7 7 8 10 9 6 5 5 8 9.1
Prevailing Wind—
Direction 27 SW N S S S SW SW SW N N N N N
Frost Data
Length of Record
(Years)
28
Average Date of Last
Killing Frost in Spring
April 1
Average Date of First
Killing Frost in Autumn
November 2
Latest Date of Killing
Frost in Spring
April 25
Earliest Date of Killing
Frost in Auturm n
October 11
—United States Weather Bureau.
TALLADEGA COUNTY, ALABAMA
19
18. DEATHS BY COLOR AND CAUSES-1928:
19.
ALL CAUSES
Typhoid fever--------
Malaria.
Small pox
Measles
Scarlet fever
Whooping cough
Diphtheria
Influenza.
Pneumonia, all forms
Poliomyelitis
Tetanus
Tuberculosis, all forms
Tuberculosis, pulmonary--------------------
Cancer, all forms
Pellagra.
Diabetes mellitus
Cerebral hemorrhag --------------------------
Diseases of heart
Diarrhea, and enteritis—
Lnder 2 years
2 years and Over--------------------------
Chronic nephritis
Puerperal State, total
Puerperal Septicemia
Congenital malformation--------------------
Congential debility and other dis-
eases of early infancy----------------
Senility
Suicides
Homicides
Accidental burns - -
Accidental drownings -------------------------
Accidental traumatism by firearms
Mine accidents
Railroad accidents ------------------------------
Automobile accidents
Other external causes--------------------------
Other Specified causes------------------------
Ill-defined and unknown causes------
Number
White Black
287 228
2 2
4 1
2 4
39 12
27 19
12 39
10 37
9 10
6 7
6 1
5 10
29 20
14 5
4 1
26 15
7 4
3 1
4 ---
22 13
4 6
1 *-------
1 7
3 1
3 1
2 ------
- ~ 1.
2 ---
6 2
41 25
6 22
—State Health Department.
WATER ANALYSES IN PARTS PER M.ILL.ION:
Sulphur Springs
Talladega Springs Spring
77.4 3.3
Potassium
Sodium
Magnesium
Calcium
Iron
Alumina
Iron Oxide and Alumina ------------------
Chlorine
Sulphuric Acid
Bi-Carbonic Acid
Silica
Hydrogen Sulphide.---------------------------
Magnesium Oxide
Calcium Oxide
Sulphur Trioxide
Insoluble Matter
127.7
4.6
115.3
Tr.
24.8
55.5
131.7
368.0
42.5
539.2
Rate
White Black
(Per 1,000)
10.9 13.2
(Per 100,000)
7.6 11.6
15.1 5.8
7.6 23.1
147.7 69.4
102.3 109.8
45.4 225.4
37.9 213.9
34.1 57.8
22.7 40.5
22.7 5.8
18.9 57.8
109.8 115,6
53.0 28.9
15.1 5.8
98.5 86.7
26.5 23.1
11.4 5.8
15.1 *------ºs-
83.3 75.1
15.1 34.7
3.8 - - - - - - -
3.8 40.5
11.4 5.8
11.4 5.8
7.6 --------
------ - 5.8
7.6 --------
22.7 11.6
155.3 144.5
22.7 127.2
Talladega
Water Works
Chandler's Charmbers' (Talladega
7.5
10.3
37.7
i
:
f
* ------->
186.0
55.1
-- *** **-
--- ****
Spring
Creek)