Facts About Decatur
- Decatur was initially settled in the early 19th century, serving as a key transportation hub due to its strategic location on the Tennessee River.
- Decatur earned the nickname “The River City” due to its close connection with this vital waterway.
- Decatur was founded on the 16th of June 1820
- Decatur was named in honour of Stephen Decatur; after he was killed in a duel in 1820, President Monroe directed that the Alabama town be named for him.
- During the Civil War, Decatur played a significant role, with Union forces constructing a strategic fortification, Fort Decatur, to defend the city and its vital transportation routes.
- Decatur has a total area of 61.020 square miles, of which 54.594 square miles is land and 6.426 square miles is water.
- Decatur celebrates its cultural heritage through various events and festivals, such as the Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Classic and the Spirit of America Festival, which showcase the city’s vibrant arts scene and community spirit.
- The current city of Decatur was formed by the consolidation in 1927 of Decatur and Albany, formerly New Decatur, founded 1886.
- Decatur is divided into four regions of town; Northeast, Southeast, Northwest, and Southwest.
- The highest recorded temperature in Decatur was 108 °F on July 28, 1952, and August 16, 1954, while the lowest recorded temperature was −19 °F on January 30, 1966.
