Atmore is a city in Escambia County, Alabama, United States. The population was 8,391 at the 2020 census. It was incorporated on May 9, 1907.

The Atmore Commercial Historic District is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Poarch Band of Creek Indians is headquartered in Atmore.

History

Atmore was first recorded as a stop called Williams Station on the Mobile and Great Northern Railroad. The town was originally to be named "Carney", in honor of a citizen who owned a sawmill in the town. Mr. Carney's brother had already established a town nearby with the same name, and Mr. Carney was allowed to name the town after his close friend C.P. Atmore, General Passenger Agent of the Louisville and Nashville Railroad. Mr. Atmore never visited the town.

In 2008 the city of Atmore annexed Alabama Department of Corrections prison property, including Holman Correctional Facility and Fountain Correctional Facility. The Alabama DOC asked for the city to annex the land.

Geography

The southern border of Atmore is the Florida state line. A new section of the city was incorporated to the north. Mobile is to the southwest, and Pensacola, Florida, is south.

According to the United States Census Bureau, Atmore has a total area of , of which is land and is water.

Demographics

Atmore was created a census division in 1960 following the general reorganization of county precincts. Prior to 1960, Atmore was within the former Escambia County 7th precinct of Canoe.

Economy

For most of the 20th century, the Atmore area was primarily a farming, timber, and light industry community. Major commercial industries have been Masland Carpets, Alto, and a local lumber company. For many years, the Vanity Fair lingerie company operated a manufacturing sewing plant in Atmore, offering employment to local citizens and surrounding communities.

The Poarch Band of Creek Indians has increased its relative economic contributions through the operation of Wind Creek Casino and Hotel near Atmore.

Holman Correctional Facility is located north of the central city, and features a male death row<!--Alabama has two male death rows!!!--> and execution chamber.

Arts and culture

thumb|Atmore City Hall

thumb|Atmore Post Office

thumb|Atmore Public Library

thumb|Atmore Fire Department

thumb|Main Street

Local events include:

  • Mayfest, a May event featuring sports, arts and crafts, food, and entertainment.
  • Old-Time Fiddlers' Convention, a musical competition.
  • A Taste of the South, an annual event featuring entertainment and local food.
  • Williams Station Day, a celebration of Atmore's history beginning in 1866 as Williams Station. The event includes an arts and crafts, fiddlers, entertainment, a model train show, and a sugar cane mill.
  • Poarch Creek Indian Pow-wow, an annual Thanksgiving event featuring turkey, roasted corn, and a dance competition.

Parks and recreation

Atmore has recreational and sports facilities, including Atmore Heritage Park.

Education

Escambia County Public School System is the public school district of Atmore. Schools in Atmore include: Rachel Patterson Elementary School, Escambia County Middle School (the largest school in the system), and Escambia County High School (the first public county high school in the state of Alabama).

Private schools include Atmore Christian School, and Reid State.

Prior to 1970, African-American children attended black schools such as the Escambia County Training School in Atmore.

An adjunct campus of Coastal Alabama Community College Brewton is located here, offering associate degrees and technical school training.

Infrastructure

Transportation

US Highway 31 and Alabama Highway 21 pass through the city.

Atmore Municipal Airport features a runway. The Frisco service ended in 1955, and the Louisville and Nashville in 1971. Atmore station was later served by Amtrak's Gulf Breeze train (Birmingham-Montgomery-Mobile) until that service ended in 1995.It was served by the Sunset Limited until 2005 when Katrina cut the tracks.

Escambia County Alabama Transit System provides dial-a-ride bus service throughout the city and county.

Health care

Atmore Community Hospital, an affiliate of Infirmary Health Systems of Mobile, offers full acute care in a two-story facility. born in Atmore

  • Bobby Brantley, 13th lieutenant governor of Florida
  • Marva Collins, American educator
  • Paul Crawford, jazz musician and music historian
  • Glenn L. Emmons, commissioner of the Bureau of Indian Affairs from 1953 to 1961
  • Evander Holyfield, world heavyweight boxing champion
  • William C. Maxwell, namesake of Maxwell Air Force Base
  • Don McNeal, star defensive back for Alabama and the Miami Dolphins
  • Ron Middleton, former NFL tight end
  • Woodrow McClain Parker, Professor Emeritus, mental health counselor, and author
  • Art White, professional wrestler and football player
  • Michael Williams, NFL player

References

  • City of Atmore – Official Website
  • Atmore Area Chamber of Commerce
  • The Poarch Band of Creek Indians