Decatur is a city of about 56,000 people, sitting on the banks of Wheeler Lake and the Tennessee River in northern Alabama. Decatur has hot and humid summers, with mild winters. Those moving to Decatur will love its beautiful neighborhoods, historic charm and the many activities available there. Decatur is proud of its small town charm and big city opportunities.
Economy:
The median family income in Decatur is slightly lower than the rest of the state. The cost of living there is lower than the national average. Twenty Fortune 500 companies have plants in Decatur, which is also the home of the ‘Meow Mix' company shipping facility. Other major employers in the area include 3M, General Electric, Daiken and United Launch Alliance.
History:
The area that became Decatur was first the site of the Rhodes Ferry Landing. Dr. Henry Rhodes was a landowner and ran the ferry across the Tennessee River. The city was incorporated as Decatur in 1821. Then President Monroe directed the city to be named Decatur in honor of Steven Decatur, a renowned Navel officer, who had been killed in a duel the year before. Strategically important sites during the Civil War, all but four buildings in Decatur were burned to the ground during the Battle of Decatur in 1864. When the town was rebuilt, it was named ‘New Decatur' and was incorporated as such in 1889. The older resident resented the name and it was changed to ‘Albany' in honor of Albany, New York. The two different cities were merged as Decatur in 1925. You can still see significant different between the two areas today.
Tourism:
The Alabama Jubilee is a hot air balloon race held on Memorial Day weekend. The Spirit of America Festival held on the 4th of July is one of the largest anywhere in the South. In September, there is Riverfest, a food festival with a large bar-be-que contest. Also in September is the Racking Horse World Celebration, with more than 200 horses competing in different classes. In October, there is the Southern Wildlife Festival featuring wildlife artists and photographers. The North Alabama Birding Festival has bird watching along the Tennessee River. Cook's Natural Science Museum has over 2,000 insects, birds and animals on display. Built in 1833, The Old Bank Building is one of the few to survive the burning of Decatur during the Civil War. Point Mallard Park Complex has many activities available, including a water park with the country's first wave pool, camping, golfing and much more. You can boat, jet ski, fish, swim and more in the Tennessee River as well.