text:
Headland, Alabama

Headland is the largest city in Henry County, Alabama, United States. It is part of the Dothan metropolitan area. In 2020, the population was 4,973, up from 4,510 in the 2010 census. Ray Marler is the current mayor.

History
James Joshua Head (1839–1927) founded Headland in 1871 as "Head's Land". He patented land, plotted the town and built his home there. The Headland post office opened on October 10, 1871.

The Headland Public Square was laid off in 1871 by Head with a vision for a branch courthouse. Henry County voters decided in the 1879 and 1885 courthouse site elections not to locate a courthouse on the public square. Henry has been Alabama's only county with three courthouses at the same time.

Head sold Headland to Hosey C. Powell in 1879, who sold to Dr. Wyatt S. Oates in 1880. Head moved to Tampa, Florida, in 1883 and later established Lake Magdalene, Florida.

Headland incorporated in 1884 with 26 white and 4 Black petitioners. The railroad was built in 1893 along with the Seaboard Coast Line Railroad Depot. The depot was added to the National Register of Historic Places on September 4, 1980. It has since been disassembled.

Headland's The Spirit of the American Doughboy statue was the first public statue in Henry County. It was erected on the square in 1926 as a tribute to the town's military dead. The square was paved in 1935.

As of the 1960 U.S. census, Headland had grown into Henry County's largest city, narrowly edging out Abbeville, which had been the largest since Dothan was removed into Houston County in 1903. Headland lost that distinction to Abbeville again in 1970, but regained it in 1980 and has since solidified its hold. In 2000, it broke Dothan's then-Henry County 1900 record of 3,275 residents with 3,523 and added nearly 1,000 more by 2010.

Geography
Headland is located in the southwest corner of Henry County at 31.35333°N, -85.33972°W (31.353410, -85.339793). It is bordered to the south by the city of Dothan and town of Kinsey in Houston County and to the west by Dale County.

U.S. Route 431, a four-lane highway, passes through the east side of Headland, leading south 10 mi to the center of Dothan and north 18 mi to Abbeville. Alabama State Route 134 runs through the center of Headland, leading east 16 mi to Columbia next to the Georgia line, and west 10 mi to Midland City.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Headland has a total area of 78.5 km2, of which 0.03 km2, or 0.03%, are water.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 4,510 people, 1,799 households, and 1,291 families residing in the city. The population density was 281.9 PD/sqmi. There were 1,949 housing units at an average density of 121.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 70.1% White, 27.5% Black or African American, 0.4% Native American, 0.3% Asian, 0.6% from other races, and 1.2% from two or more races. 1.4% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 1,799 households, out of which 30.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.1% were married couples living together, 17.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.2% were non-families. 25.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.50 and the average family size was 2.99.

In the city, the age distribution of the population shows 25.6% under the age of 18, 6.7% from 18 to 24, 26.6% from 25 to 44, 27.0% from 45 to 64, and 14.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38.3 years. For every 100 females, there were 83.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 82.9 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $45,813, and the median income for a family was $50,120. Males had a median income of $37,025 versus $30,734 for females. The per capita income for the city was $20,304. About 13.6% of families and 12.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 8.7% of those under age 18 and 20.7% of those age 65 or over.

2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 4,973 people, 1,583 households, and 1,131 families residing in the city.

Education
Headland is a part of the Henry County Public Schools system. It operates Headland Elementary School (K-5), Headland Middle School (6-9) and Headland High School (10-12).

Sports
Headland was home to the Headland Dixie Runners, a Minor League Baseball team in the Alabama State League/Alabama–Florida League from 1950 to 1952.

Headland was also the home to the 2016 Dixie Youth Baseball World Champions.

Notable people

 * M. Watt Espy, death penalty historian
 * W. Thomas West, former major general in the U.S. Air Force
 * Charles Woods, businessman and political candidate
 * Miss Alabama USA, Pamela Flowers, Miss Headland 1973, Miss Alabama USA 1975, 1st runner-up to Miss USA, Miss Photogenic
 * Miss Alabama USA, Keisha Walding, Miss Headland 2000, Miss Alabama USA 2008

title: Headland, Alabama


text:
Newville, Alabama

Newville is a town in Henry County, Alabama, United States. It is part of the Dothan, Alabama Metropolitan Statistical Area. At the 2020 census, the population was 544.

History
James Madison Wells founded a village called "Wells" c. 1882. When the Abbeville Southern Railroad laid tracks through the town in 1893, its name was changed to "Wells Station". The post office was built in 1894. Wells Station incorporated as "Newville" in 1903.

The town of Newville became prosperous with merchants, banks, lodges, doctors, churches, Newville High School, Rosenwald High School, societies, a newspaper, a depot, sawmills, cotton gins, mule stables and all the elements required by a developing town. Newville's slow decline commenced after the Great Depression due to farm mechanization and loss of commerce.

Newville Baptist Church Cemetery
James M. and Catherine Wells donated one-half acre of land in 1887 for the site of the church and cemetery. The oldest known grave is that of William Y. Kirkland who died April 10, 1891. The church paid W.M. Harris fifty dollars in 1901 for two and one-half acres of land for the cemetery. In 1947, burial spaces were sold for 25 center per square foot. Nancy Price gave the church one acre of land for the cemetery in 1958. There are over 700 marked and unmarked graves. The Newville Cemetery was listed on the Alabama Historic Cemetery Register in 2005.

Newville High School
The first known school in Newville was at Center Church in 1881. When Grange Hall was built in 1891, church service and school were held on the first floor. In 1913, Grange Hall was torn down and the wood was used to build a school. Newville Public School became Newville Junior High in 1920. In 1923, it was decided to build a modern brick school. Newville High School was opened in 1929. The school building at Concord was moved to Newville in 1935. In 1936, the school building burned. A new structure was built with five rooms and a large auditorium. In 1938, the Works Progress Administration built the vocational building. When bathrooms were added in 1944, Newville School became one of the most modern buildings in Henry County. The Newville High School band was organized in 1961. In 1968, Newville High School closed.

Newville Rosenwald School
In 1894, the first known black school in Newville was organized and a building was built. The Jacksonian Enterprise School opened in May 1894. Parents and patrons financially supported this school. The school library contained more books than any school in this part of the country. The school grounds included Store's Grove, a circular grove of 104 oak trees with a 30-foot avenue running through the middle of it. Each tree was named in honor of a patron. In 1919, the Newville Community requested assistance for the school. They received it from the Rosenwald Foundation. A new school was built and named "Newville Rosenwald School". The Henry County Board of Education began to contribute to the finances of Newville Rosenwald School about 1922. During the late 1940s, Newville Rosenwald School became a high school. It was about this time that the original school burned down and a new building was constructed. In 1968 Rosenwald High School was closed.

Geography
Newville is located in southwestern Henry County at 31.42194°N, -85.33639°W (31.421841, -85.336434). Alabama State Route 173 passes through the center of town as Broad Street, leading north 13 mi to Abbeville and south 6 mi to Headland. U.S. Route 431, a four-lane highway, cuts through the southeast corner of Newville, also connecting Newville and Headland. Dothan is 15 mi to the south via US 431.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Newville has a total area of 10.4 km2, all land.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 553 people, 221 households, and 163 families residing in the town. The population density was 137.6 PD/sqmi. There were 246 housing units at an average density of 61.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 52.80% White, 44.30% Black or African American, 2.71% from other races, and 0.18% from two or more races. 2.35% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 221 households, out of which 32.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.0% were married couples living together, 17.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.2% were non-families. 23.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.50 and the average family size was 2.93.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 27.1% under the age of 18, 5.8% from 18 to 24, 27.8% from 25 to 44, 21.5% from 45 to 64, and 17.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 86.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 84.9 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $27,596, and the median income for a family was $31,375. Males had a median income of $25,714 versus $21,250 for females. The per capita income for the town was $13,890. About 8.9% of families and 14.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 16.4% of those under age 18 and 20.2% of those age 65 or over.

Notable people

 * Monica Cox, Professor and Department Chair, Ohio State University
 * Willie Tullis, former NFL defensive back
 * Frederick Palmer Whiddon, founder and long-time president of the University of South Alabama

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Newville, Alabama


text:
Ashford, Alabama

Ashford is a town in Houston County, Alabama, United States. It is part of the Dothan, Alabama Metropolitan Statistical Area. The town was incorporated in June 1891. For most of its history, it was a center for naval stores production, pulpwood harvesting, and cotton agriculture. The population was 2,148 at the 2010 census, up from 1,853 at the 2000 census.

Geography
Ashford is located slightly northeast of the center of Houston County at 31.18417°N, -85.23528°W (31.184032, -85.235286). U.S. Route 84 passes through the southern part of the town, leading west 9 mi to Dothan and southeast 24 mi to Donalsonville, Georgia. The Chattahoochee River, which forms the Georgia state line, is 12 mi southeast of Ashford on US 84.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 16.4 sqkm, of which 0.06 sqkm, or 0.34%, are water.

History
In March 1888, the Alabama Midland Railway built a small depot of Victorian railroad architecture in Ashford to be a waystation along the Bainbridge-to-Montgomery route. The depot was the only building to survive the 1915 fire that destroyed the rest of the town. The original depot received additions at least twice—an enclosed warehouse and open loading dock were added to the east, followed by racially segregated passenger waiting rooms on the west side. The depot faced two sidings that served for loading turpentine from the Adams Company still one block away, and pulpwood. Cotton bales, fertilizer, and a single sweet potato crop were loaded from both sidings.

The depot changed hands as railroads consolidated. The Alabama Midland was absorbed by the Atlantic Coast Line, which merged in the 1980s with the Seaboard Air Line to form the Seaboard Coast Line. CSX Transportation later bought the Seaboard Coast Line. Ashford Depot had fallen into disrepair after it closed in 1978. In the 1980s, concerned citizens founded a preservation committee, led by Jimmy Burgess, and received a grant to add a new roof to the building. This committee also placed the depot on the Alabama Register of Historical Places. It remained active into the 1990s. Former Mayor Bryan Alloway revived the depot preservation committee after his 2000 election. This committee planned to incorporate and seek tax-exempt status in 2005. It received two US Department of Transportation grants ($850,000), two Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs grants ($290,000), and one Alabama Resource Conservation & Development (RC&D) grant ($7500) to thoroughly renovate the depot. Construction began in fall 2004. The committee and Ashford City officials held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on November 17, 2005, to mark the end of Phase I of the reconstruction. Now the depot can be used for reunions, birthdays, and social events that the city might sponsor.

On October 10, 2018, Hurricane Michael's western eye wall passed thru the City of Ashford causing major damage and left 100% of the city without power. No injuries or fatalities were associated with the storm.

Government
The current mayor is Carole Barfield, and City Council members are Place 1 - John Wayne Massey, Place 2 - Ronnie L. Whitehead, Place 3 - Jash Johnson, Place 4 - Blake Rosenkoetter, Place 5 - James Edward Smith. The City Clerk is Janet Rumley.

The police chief is Malvin Anderson, who supervises four full-time police officers; the fire chief is Jimmy Posey. The fire department and rescue squad are all volunteers.

The City of Ashford's website is City of Ashford, Official Website

Previous mayors of the City of Ashford: Jonathon Grecu, Rusty Burgess, Bryan Alloway

2020 Election:

Mayor - Carole Barfield 257 votes (57%)  Gary Gibson 194 votes  (43%)

Place 1 - John Wayne Massey (unopposed)

Place 2 - Ronnie L. Whitehead 257 votes (58%)   Benji McWaters 186  (42%)

Place 3 - Josh Johnson replaced Alan Anderson. Mr. Anderson resigned in 2022.

Place 4 - Blake Rosenkoetter 258 votes (59%)   Terry A. Smith 176 votes  (41%)

Place 5 - James Edward Smith 213 votes (50%)   Richard Bolden 145 votes  (34%)   Jimmy R. Weems 65 votes  (15%)

Education

Ashford schools are part of the Houston County Board of Education. Ashford has one elementary school for grades K-5 and a high school for grades 6-12. The schools mascot is known as the yellow jackets named Buzz. The current principal of Ashford Elementary School is Sharon LeRoy and the principal of Ashford High School is Dr. Donnie Chambers.

Ashford Academy was once a private school that closed its doors at the end of the 2014–2015 school year.

Recreation
The City of Ashford offers recreation activities throughout the year, including baseball, softball, soccer, and basketball. Football and cheerleading is organized through the Ashford Youth Sports Association. The recreation ball fields are located behind Ashford High School on 8th Avenue. The recreation park includes T-Ball, softball, and baseball fields. Basketball is played at Watermark Church of Ashford. In 2015, Ashford hosted the 2015 Alabama State Class "A" Baseball Tournament. In 2021, the Ashford recreation boys 8u all-star team won the state championship in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and then went on to Laurel, Mississippi to play in the 2021 Dixie Youth World Series where they finished 3rd in the class AA division.

Town of Ashford
Ashford first appeared on the 1900 U.S. Census as an incorporated town, then in Henry County. In 1903, Ashford was shifted into the new county of Houston. See also Ashford Precinct below.

2000 Census data
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,853 people, 763 households, and 527 families residing in the city. The population density was 303.9 PD/sqmi. There were 877 housing units at an average density of 143.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 71.45% White, 27.52% Black or African American, 0.70% Native American, 0.05% Asian, and 0.27% from two or more races. 1.51% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 763 households, out of which 30.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.3% were married couples living together, 14.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.9% were non-families. 29.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 16.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.43 and the average family size was 2.99.

In the city the population was spread out, with 25.1% under the age of 18, 7.1% from 18 to 24, 26.2% from 25 to 44, 24.2% from 45 to 64, and 17.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 83.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 76.8 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $29,444, and the median income for a family was $40,313. Males had a median income of $30,167 versus $22,286 for females. The per capita income for the city was $15,135. About 11.3% of families and 16.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 18.5% of those under age 18 and 27.7% of those age 65 or over.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 2,148 people, 867 households, and 623 families residing in the city. The population density was 352.1 PD/sqmi. There were 1,004 housing units at an average density of 164.6 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 79.0% White, 19.5% Black or African American, 0.2% Native American, 0.2% Asian, and 0.7% from two or more races. .8% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 867 households, out of which 27.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.6% were married couples living together, 14.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.1% were non-families. 24.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.48 and the average family size was 2.94.

In the city the population was spread out, with 23.7% under the age of 18, 9.0% from 18 to 24, 21.7% from 25 to 44, 28.2% from 45 to 64, and 17.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41.2 years. For every 100 females, there were 91.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.0 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $35,709, and the median income for a family was $55,833. Males had a median income of $38,654 versus $27,143 for females. The per capita income for the city was $21,444. About 9.1% of families and 14.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 21.5% of those under age 18 and 15.5% of those age 65 or over.

2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 2,246 people, 865 households, and 635 families residing in the town.

Ashford Precinct/Division (1900-70)
Ashford Precinct was first created in 1900, then as the 19th precinct of Henry County. In 1903, Ashford was shifted into the new county of Houston and its precinct was renumbered the 10th. In 1960, it was reorganized into a census division. In 1980, the Ashford Census Division was merged into the Dothan Census Division.

Notable person

 * Robert Stewart, former Arena Football League player

title: Ashford, Alabama


text:
Avon, Alabama

Avon is a town in Houston County, Alabama, United States. It incorporated in January 1957. It is part of the Dothan, Alabama Metropolitan Statistical Area. As of the 2010 census, the population of the town was 543, its highest to date, up from 466 in 2000.

Geography
Avon is located near the geographic center of Houston County at 31.18944°N, -85.27917°W (31.189409, -85.279156). It is bordered to the northwest by Cowarts, and the town limits of Ashford are 0.3 mi to the east. U.S. Route 84 passes through Avon, leading west 7 mi to the center of Dothan and southeast 14 mi to the Georgia state line at the Chattahoochee River. Bainbridge, Georgia, is 48 mi southeast of Avon.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 6.9 km2, of which 0.05 sqkm, or 0.78%, are water.

2000 Census data
As of the census of 2000, there were 466 people, 185 households, and 138 families residing in the town. The population density was 176.9 PD/sqmi. There were 202 housing units at an average density of 76.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 94.42% White, 4.29% Black or African American, 0.21% Native American, and 1.07% from two or more races. 0.43% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 185 households, out of which 36.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 61.1% were married couples living together, 9.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 24.9% were non-families. 21.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.52 and the average family size was 2.88.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 23.4% under the age of 18, 10.1% from 18 to 24, 32.2% from 25 to 44, 21.7% from 45 to 64, and 12.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 98.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 96.2 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $37,679, and the median income for a family was $42,273. Males had a median income of $28,438 versus $18,068 for females. The per capita income for the town was $18,152. About 9.2% of families and 12.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 18.9% of those under age 18 and 4.3% of those age 65 or over.

2020 Census data
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 465 people, 200 households, and 161 families residing in the town.

title: Avon, Alabama


text:
Columbia, Alabama

Columbia is a town in Houston County, Alabama, United States. It is part of the Dothan, Alabama Metropolitan Statistical Area. At the 2010 census the population was 740, down from 804 in 2000.

History
Founded in 1820, Columbia served as a major trading center for communities throughout the Wiregrass Region of Alabama between 1822 and 1833, which coincided as its time as Henry County seat. Henry County which then comprised portions of present-day Covington, Dale, Barbour, Coffee, Crenshaw, Bullock, Geneva, and Houston counties. It lost the county seat status to Abbeville in 1833.

Bordering the State of Georgia and the Chattahoochee River, Columbia was a major port-of-call for steamboats and was known to many as "Old Columbia". The town was incorporated on April 29, 1880 and was the center of education, culture, commerce, and trade. Columbia was the largest town in the area during the 19th century and remains one of the area's oldest continuously operating municipalities.

Columbia received its first cotton textile mill in 1891 and its first electric plant in 1892. A branch of the Henry County Courthouse was located here from 1889 until Columbia became part of Houston County in 1903. Columbia got electric street lights in 1900 and its first electric utility company in 1914.

At the turn of the 20th century, Columbia was bypassed by the Alabama Midland Railway in favor of Dothan. As the railroads continued to take freight trade away from the riverboats. Columbia's position as a principal trade center began to decline; however, Columbia sustained itself as a thriving farming community through the mid-20th century.

Old Columbia Jail
Erected sometime in the early 1860s, the Old Columbia Jail is today one of the last wooden jails still standing in Alabama. Originally, there were two cells, each measuring 10x15 feet. Interior walls are studded every two inches with iron spikes to prevent prisoners from being able to escape. The Columbia Women's Club and the Columbia Bicentennial Committee have completely renovated the building for use as a museum to preserve some of the articles of historical interest to Columbia citizens.

Purcell-Killingsworth House
The Purcell-Killingsworth House, also known as "Traveler's Rest" was completed in 1890 by William Henry Purcell (1845–1910), a prominent Columbia business man and politician. Purcell had many business interests including a steamboat landing on the Chattahoochee River. This was the boyhood home of Bishop Clare Purcell (1884–1964) who, in 1955, was elected President of the United Methodist Council of Bishops, the highest place of recognition ever achieved by a native-born Alabama Methodist minister. In 1946, the Purcell Family sold the two acre homestead to Mr. & Mrs. Henry Killingsworth who have meticulously restored this imposing Victorian mansion. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places on December 16, 1982.

Geography
Columbia is located in the northeastern corner of Houston County at 31.29228°N, -85.11212°W.

The town is located on the Georgia-Alabama state line along Alabama State Routes 52 and 95. AL-52 is the main east–west route through the town, leading east 1 mi to the Georgia state line, and west 10 mi to Webb. AL-95 begins in the town and leads north 23 mi to Abbeville. Alabama State Route 134 also begins in the town, leading west 17 mi to Headland.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 4.0 sqmi, of which 3.9 sqmi is land and 0.1 sqmi (1.75%) is water.

2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 690 people, 343 households, and 192 families residing in the town.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 804 people, 344 households, and 226 families residing in the town. The population density was 204.8 PD/sqmi. There were 462 housing units at an average density of 117.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 74.38% White, 24.50% Black or African American, 0.62% Native American, 0.12% from other races, and 0.37% from two or more races. 0.50% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 344 households, out of which 27.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.4% were married couples living together, 12.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.3% were non-families. 33.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 18.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.34 and the average family size was 2.98.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 25.7% under the age of 18, 6.5% from 18 to 24, 24.0% from 25 to 44, 22.1% from 45 to 64, and 21.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females, there were 87.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 84.3 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $27,500, and the median income for a family was $36,339. Males had a median income of $29,821 versus $18,393 for females. The per capita income for the town was $15,248. About 12.3% of families and 18.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 24.0% of those under age 18 and 18.6% of those age 65 or over.

Notable people

 * Dave Edwards, former Auburn University and Dallas Cowboys player
 * Monte Irvin, born in Columbia, member of the Baseball Hall of Fame
 * B'Ho Kirkland, born in Columbia, played for the Alabama Crimson Tide and went on to play for the Brooklyn Dodgers (NFL).
 * Clare Purcell, born in Columbia, American Bishop of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South and the Methodist Church, elected in 1938.

title: Columbia, Alabama


text:
Cottonwood, Alabama

Cottonwood is a town in Houston County, Alabama, United States. One source said the town incorporated in 1901, although the 1910 U.S. Census stated 1903. It is part of the Dothan, Alabama Metropolitan Statistical Area. At the 2010 census the population was 1,289, up from 1,170 in 2000. The area was heavily damaged by an EF2 tornado on January 9, 2024. One person was killed and five others were injured.

Geography
Cottonwood is located in southern Houston County at 31.05361°N, -85.3025°W (31.053646, -85.302409). Alabama State Route 53 passes through the center of town, leading north 14 mi to Dothan and southeast 7 mi to the Florida state line. Malone, Florida, is 11 mi southeast of Cottonwood.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 15.0 km2, of which 0.07 km2, or 0.45%, are water.

2000 census
At the 2000 census there were 1,170 people, 485 households, and 323 families in the town. The population density was 212.9 PD/sqmi. There were 548 housing units at an average density of 99.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 69.06% White, 29.06% Black or African American, 0.68% Native American, and 1.20% from two or more races. 1.97% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. Of the 485 households 29.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.2% were married couples living together, 14.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.2% were non-families. 30.5% of households were one person and 15.5% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.41 and the average family size was 3.01.

The age distribution was 26.5% under the age of 18, 7.1% from 18 to 24, 25.0% from 25 to 44, 24.5% from 45 to 64, and 16.9% 65 or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 90.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 86.1 males.

The median household income was $21,452 and the median family income was $32,065. Males had a median income of $25,833 versus $15,515 for females. The per capita income for the town was $13,111. About 18.1% of families and 27.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 28.8% of those under age 18 and 42.1% of those age 65 or over.

2010 census
At the 2010 census there were 1,289 people, 553 households, and 350 families in the town. The population density was 234.4 PD/sqmi. There were 638 housing units at an average density of 116 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 71.8% White, 25.4% Black or African American, 0.6% Native American, and 1.9% from two or more races. 1.1% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. Of the 553 households 24.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 42.0% were married couples living together, 16.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.7% were non-families. 33.5% of households were one person and 13.9% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.33 and the average family size was 2.99.

The age distribution was 22.5% under the age of 18, 9.2% from 18 to 24, 22.2% from 25 to 44, 29.2% from 45 to 64, and 16.9% 65 or older. The median age was 42.4 years. For every 100 females, there were 87.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 86.4 males.

The median household income was $26,570 and the median family income was $27,465. Males had a median income of $28,942 versus $27,857 for females. The per capita income for the town was $15,090. About 26.1% of families and 28.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 38.5% of those under age 18 and 13.5% of those age 65 or over.

2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 1,048 people, 494 households, and 305 families residing in the town.

Notable people

 * Pete Coachman, former Major League Baseball player (California Angels)
 * Emmett Ripley Cox, Senior Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit
 * Curtis McGriff, former defensive lineman for the New York Giants of the National Football League
 * Katherine Reid, born in Cottonwood in about 1901, performed stage shows as the Lady Alligator Wrestler in the 1930s before retiring. But in 1968, at age 67, she came out of retirement to appear on Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In.

title: Cottonwood, Alabama


text:
Cowarts, Alabama

Cowarts is a town in Houston County, Alabama, United States. The town incorporated in August 1961. It is part of the Dothan, Alabama Metropolitan Statistical Area. At the 2010 census the population was 1,871, up from 1,546 in 2000.

Geography
Cowarts is located in north-central Houston County at 31.19944°N, -85.30639°W (31.199575, -85.306272). It is bordered to the north and west by the city of Dothan and to the southeast by the town of Avon. A small part of the northern border of Cowarts is with the town of Webb.

U.S. Route 84 passes through the southern part of the town, leading west 6 mi to the center of Dothan and southeast 48 mi to Bainbridge, Georgia.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Cowarts has a total area of 18.9 km2, of which 18.8 km2 are land and 0.1 sqkm, or 0.58%, are water.

2000 census
At the 2000 census there were 1,546 people, 603 households, and 469 families in the town. The population density was 213.6 PD/sqmi. There were 684 housing units at an average density of 94.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 84.93% White, 12.35% Black or African American, 0.65% Native American, 0.39% Asian, 0.39% from other races, and 1.29% from two or more races. 0.52% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. Of the 603 households 32.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.9% were married couples living together, 15.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 22.1% were non-families. 18.6% of households were one person and 6.8% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.56 and the average family size was 2.90.

The age distribution was 24.7% under the age of 18, 8.8% from 18 to 24, 28.1% from 25 to 44, 27.5% from 45 to 64, and 10.9% 65 or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 92.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.6 males.

The median household income was $36,688 and the median family income was $41,198. Males had a median income of $28,281 versus $19,464 for females. The per capita income for the town was $17,793. About 10.3% of families and 13.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 16.7% of those under age 18 and 18.0% of those age 65 or over.

2010 census
At the 2010 census there were 1,871 people, 734 households, and 557 families in the town. The population density was 259.9 PD/sqmi. There were 814 housing units at an average density of 113.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 80.8% White, 14.6% Black or African American, 0.7% Native American, 0.1% Asian, 0.6% from other races, and 3.2% from two or more races. 1.7% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. Of the 734 households 29.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.2% were married couples living together, 13.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 24.1% were non-families. 21.1% of households were one person and 8.2% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.55 and the average family size was 2.92.

The age distribution was 24.3% under the age of 18, 6.5% from 18 to 24, 25.9% from 25 to 44, 29.2% from 45 to 64, and 14.2% 65 or older. The median age was 40.1 years. For every 100 females, there were 94.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.4 males.

The median household income was $36,014 and the median family income was $47,625. Males had a median income of $42,016 versus $29,450 for females. The per capita income for the town was $19,808. About 10.4% of families and 14.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 22.8% of those under age 18 and 17.3% of those age 65 or over.

2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 1,930 people, 734 households, and 568 families residing in the town.

title: Cowarts, Alabama


text:
Gordon, Alabama

Gordon is a town in Houston County, Alabama, United States. It was incorporated in February 1872. It is part of the Dothan, Alabama Metropolitan Statistical Area. At the 2010 census the population was 332, down from 408 in 2000.

Geography
Gordon is located in eastern Houston County at 31.14306°N, -85.09611°W (31.143171, -85.096114). It is bordered to the northeast by the Chattahoochee River, which forms the Alabama–Georgia border, and to the south by U.S. Route 84. US 84 leads west 19 mi to Dothan and southeast 36 mi to Bainbridge, Georgia. Alabama State Route 95 passes through the north and east sides of Gordon, leading north 12 mi to Columbia and south 11 mi to the Florida state line.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Gordon has a total area of 8.3 km2, all land.

2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 294 people, 113 households, and 68 families residing in the town.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 408 people, 144 households, and 108 families residing in the town. The population density was 125.8 PD/sqmi. There were 165 housing units at an average density of 50.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 74.02% Black or African American, 23.04% White, 0.74% Native American, 0.25% Asian, 0.25% from other races, and 1.72% from two or more races. 1.47% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 144 households, out of which 41.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.2% were married couples living together, 22.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 25.0% were non-families. 25.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.83 and the average family size was 3.33.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 33.8% under the age of 18, 7.4% from 18 to 24, 22.5% from 25 to 44, 24.0% from 45 to 64, and 12.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females, there were 84.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 78.8 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $16,917, and the median income for a family was $17,708. Males had a median income of $25,625 versus $15,536 for females. The per capita income for the town was $6,795. About 30.3% of families and 39.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 48.9% of those under age 18 and 19.4% of those age 65 or over.

Gallery
Below are photographs taken in Gordon as part of the Historic American Buildings Survey:

title: Gordon, Alabama


text:
Kinsey, Alabama

Kinsey is a town in Houston County, Alabama, United States. It was initially located and incorporated in Henry County in February 1893. In 1903, it was redrawn into newly created Houston County and was later reincorporated in August 1957. It is part of the Dothan, Alabama Metropolitan Statistical Area. At the 2010 census the population was 2,198, up from 1,796 in 2000.

History
Kinsey was named for an early postmaster, Eliza Kinsey.

Geography
Kinsey is located in northern Houston County at 31.29167°N, -85.34556°W (31.291688, -85.345487). It is bordered to the south and west by the city of Dothan, to the southeast by the town of Webb, and to the north by the city of Headland in Henry County.

U.S. Route 431 passes through the western part of Kinsey, leading north 21 mi to Abbeville and southwest 7 mi to Dothan.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Kinsey has a total area of 31.3 km2, all land.

2000 census
At the 2000 census there were 1,796 people in 687 households, including 509 families, in the town. The population density was 148.4 PD/sqmi. There were 768 housing units at an average density of 63.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 58.07% White, 40.48% Black or African American, 0.33% Asian, 0.06% Pacific Islander, 0.56% from other races, and 0.50% from two or more races. 1.22% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. Of the 687 households 42.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.8% were married couples living together, 19.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 25.8% were non-families. 22.9% of households were one person and 7.4% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.61 and the average family size was 3.07.

The age distribution was 32.2% under the age of 18, 8.6% from 18 to 24, 32.3% from 25 to 44, 18.0% from 45 to 64, and 8.8% 65 or older. The median age was 31 years. For every 100 females, there were 86.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 83.3 males.

The median household income was $27,578 and the median family income was $33,950. Males had a median income of $25,669 versus $20,227 for females. The per capita income for the town was $14,196. About 20.3% of families and 21.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 29.0% of those under age 18 and 17.8% of those age 65 or over.

2010 census
At the 2010 census there were 2,198 people in 810 households, including 598 families, in the town. The population density was 181.7 PD/sqmi. There were 899 housing units at an average density of 74.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 49.9% White, 46.0% Black or African American, 0.1% Asian, 0.0% Pacific Islander, 2.1% from other races, and 1.5% from two or more races. 4.0% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. Of the 810 households 37.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.8% were married couples living together, 21.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.2% were non-families. 22.8% of households were one person and 6.0% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.71 and the average family size was 3.18.

The age distribution was 30.2% under the age of 18, 9.1% from 18 to 24, 28.5% from 25 to 44, 22.6% from 45 to 64, and 9.7% 65 or older. The median age was 32.4 years. For every 100 females, there were 95.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.4 males.

The median household income was $33,516 and the median family income was $34,643. Males had a median income of $29,429 versus $22,339 for females. The per capita income for the town was $17,145. About 20.3% of families and 23.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 40.2% of those under age 18 and 10.7% of those age 65 or over.

2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 2,203 people, 796 households, and 519 families residing in the town.

title: Kinsey, Alabama


text:
Madrid, Alabama

Madrid is a town in Houston County, Alabama, United States. It is part of the Dothan, Alabama Metropolitan Statistical Area. At the 2010 census the population was 350, up from 303 in 2000.

History
In 1905, A. B. Steele began to build the Bay Line Railroad from Panama City, Florida to Dothan, Alabama. The Geneva Lumber Company also surveyed a country road from Cottonwood, Alabama to intersect the railroad.

In 1905, Ed Watford, a resident of Houston County, bought 180 acres at the intersection, intending for it to become a town.

At the same time, land speculator J. B. Dell and his partner W. C. Fenn, prominent people in Houston County, bought 80 acres east of Watford's property. They were able to record the acreage at the courthouse as the town of "Madrid" before Watford could. Consequently, Watford's property became known as "Watford's Addition". Madrid was named after Madrid, Spain, but Dell decided to pronounce it differently with emphasis on the "Mad".

Watford, Dell, and Fenn all had their acres surveyed and then divided into lots. However, Dell and Fenn threw a big celebration for their public action, throwing a barbecue and hiring a brass brand. This enticed many buyers to come. Watford was successful in selling his 40 acres, and Dell and Fenn were able to sell most of their 80 acres.

After the auction, Madrid started to become a prosperous town. A ready market existed in the town for timber, turpentine, and cotton. Many buildings, including stores and churches, began to be built in the town. Madrid also had a cotton oil mill and gin.

In 1912, Mayor Ed Watford founded the Bank of Madrid. The bank survived for 12 years before being closed in 1924.

After a prosperous beginning, Madrid's population began to precipitously decline when the boll weevil started attacking cotton crops and timber supplies were exhausted.

Geography
Madrid is located in southwestern Houston County at 31.03494°N, -85.39722°W. U.S. Route 231 passes through the west side of the town, leading north 13 mi to Dothan and south 18 mi to Cottondale, Florida.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 5.0 km2, all land.

2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 265 people, 117 households, and 78 families residing in the town.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 303 people, 119 households, and 89 families residing in the town. The population density was 156.1 PD/sqmi. There were 134 housing units at an average density of 69.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 82.84% White, 16.17% Black or African American, 0.33% Asian, and 0.66% from two or more races.

There were 119 households, out of which 42.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.5% were married couples living together, 10.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 24.4% were non-families. 20.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.55 and the average family size was 2.96.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 29.4% under the age of 18, 6.6% from 18 to 24, 33.0% from 25 to 44, 19.1% from 45 to 64, and 11.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females, there were 85.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 86.1 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $14,943, and the median income for a family was $21,563. Males had a median income of $25,000 versus $16,563 for females. The per capita income for the town was $10,409. About 18.1% of families and 30.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 31.6% of those under the age of eighteen and 51.5% of those 65 or over.

title: Madrid, Alabama


text:
Rehobeth, Alabama

Rehobeth is a town in Houston County, Alabama, United States. Rehobeth, originally named Sanders, began as a crossroads community in the 1890s; however, it was not until 1996, that the town was incorporated. Rehobeth is part of the Dothan Metropolitan Statistical Area. At the time of the 2010 census, the population was 1,297, up from 993 at the 2000 census.

Geography
Rehobeth is located in western Houston County at the geographic coordinates of 31.12296°N, -85.45271°W (31.12296, -85.45271 decimal degrees). It is bordered to the north by the city of Dothan and to the northwest by the town of Taylor.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Rehobeth has a total area of 19.7 sqkm, of which 0.08 sqkm, or 0.41%, is water.

2010 census
As of the 2010 census, there were 1,297 people in 485 households, including 388 families, in the town. The population density was 205.9 PD/sqmi. There were 528 housing units at an average density of 83.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 95.9% White, 1.5% Black or African American, 0.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% Asian, 0.8% some other race, and 0.9% two or more races. Two-and-a-half percent of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

Of the 485 households 35.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 66.0% were married couples living together, 8.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 20.0% were non-families. 17.7% of households were one person and 7.6% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.67 and the average family size was 3.02.

The age distribution was 26.2% under the age of 18, 7.6% from 18 to 24, 26.9% from 25 to 44, 27.2% from 45 to 64, and 12.1% 65 or older. The median age was 37.3 years. For every 100 females, there were 93.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 98.5 males.

The median household income was $51,328 and the median family income was $55,156. Males had a median income of $37,647 versus $31,898 for females. The per capita income for the town was $20,195. About 7.3% of families and 9.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 11.2% of those under age 18 and 20.0% of those age 65 or over.

2000 census
As enumerated in the census of 2000, there were 993 people in 375 households, including 292 families, in the town. The population density was 158.6 PD/sqmi. There were 399 housing units at an average density of 63.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 96.68% White, 0.81% Black or African American, 0.40% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.10% Asian, 0.40% some other race, and 1.61% two or more races. 1.51% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

Of the 375 households 38.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 61.3% were married couples living together, 12.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 22.1% were non-families. 20.3% of households were one person and 8.5% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.65 and the average family size was 3.04.

The age distribution was 27.5% under the age of 18, 8.9% from 18 to 24, 30.0% from 25 to 44, 21.9% from 45 to 64, and 11.8% 65 or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 96.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.0 males.

The median household income was $34,267 and the median family income was $39,625. Males had a median income of $31,513 versus $21,518 for females. The per capita income for the town was $17,149. About 12.6% of families and 14.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 20.5% of those under age 18 and 13.9% of those age 65 or over.

2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 1,791 people, 611 households, and 486 families residing in the town.

title: Rehobeth, Alabama


text:
Carl XVI Gustaf

Carl XVI Gustaf (Carl Gustaf Folke Hubertus; born 30 April 1946) is King of Sweden.

Carl Gustaf was born during the reign of his paternal great-grandfather, King Gustaf V. He is the youngest child and only son of Prince Gustaf Adolf, Duke of Västerbotten, and Princess Sibylla of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha. His father died in January 1947 in an airplane crash in Denmark when Carl Gustaf was nine months old. Carl Gustaf became crown prince and heir apparent to the Swedish throne at the age of four when his grandfather Gustaf VI Adolf acceded to the throne in 1950.

Carl Gustaf acceded to the throne upon his grandfather's death on 15 September 1973. Shortly after he became king, the new 1974 Instrument of Government took effect, formally stripping the monarchy of its remaining executive powers. As a result, Carl Gustaf no longer performs many of the duties normally accorded to a head of state in parliamentary regimes, such as the formal appointment of the prime minister, signing legislation into law, and being commander-in-chief of the nation's military. The new instrument explicitly limited the king to ceremonial and representative functions, while he retained the right to be regularly informed of affairs of state. As head of the House of Bernadotte, Carl Gustaf has also been able to make a number of decisions about the titles and positions of its members.

In June 1976, Carl Gustaf married Silvia Sommerlath. They have three children: Victoria, Carl Philip, and Madeleine. The King's heir apparent, after passage on 1 January 1980 of a new law establishing absolute primogeniture, is his eldest child, Crown Princess Victoria. Before the passage of that law, Victoria's younger brother, Carl Philip, was briefly the heir apparent, as of his birth in May 1979. Carl XVI Gustaf is the longest-reigning monarch in Swedish history, having surpassed King Magnus IV's reign of 44 years and 222 days on 26 April 2018.

Early life
Carl Gustaf was born on 30 April 1946 at 10:20 in Haga Palace in Solna, Stockholm County. He was the youngest of five children and the only son of Sweden's Prince Gustaf Adolf and Princess Sibylla. He was christened at the Royal Chapel on 7 June 1946 by the Archbishop of Uppsala, Erling Eidem.

Carl Gustaf was baptised in Charles XI's baptismal font, which stood on Gustav III's carpet; he lay in Charles XI's cradle with Oscar II's crown beside him. The same christening gown in white linen batiste which the prince carried had been worn by his father in 1906 and would later be worn by his three children. His godparents were the Crown Prince and Crown Princess of Denmark (his paternal uncle and aunt), the Crown Prince of Norway, Princess Juliana of the Netherlands, the King of Sweden (his paternal great-grandfather), the Hereditary Prince of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha (his maternal uncle), the Crown Prince and Crown Princess of Sweden (his paternal grandfather and step-grandmother), and Count Folke and Countess Maria Bernadotte of Wisborg.

Prince Carl Gustaf was also given the title of the Duke of Jämtland. His father, Prince Gustaf Adolf, Duke of Västerbotten, was killed in an airplane crash on 26 January 1947 at Copenhagen Airport. His father's death had left the nine-month-old prince second in line for the throne, behind his grandfather, then Crown Prince Gustaf Adolf. When his paternal great-grandfather, Gustaf V died in 1950, the four-year-old prince became the heir apparent of Sweden.

Carl Gustaf was seven years old before he was told about his father's death. He expressed his feelings about growing up without knowing his father in a speech in 2005.

Youth and education

Carl Gustaf's earliest education was received privately at the Royal Palace. He was then sent to Broms school, and then on to Sigtuna boarding school. After graduating from high school in 1966, Carl Gustaf completed two-and-a-half years of education in the Swedish Army, the Royal Swedish Navy, and the Swedish Air Force. During the winter 1966–1967, he took part in a round-the-world voyage with the mine-laying vessel Älvsnabben. The Crown Prince received his commission as an officer in all three services in 1968, eventually rising to the rank of captain (in the army and air force) and lieutenant (in the navy), before his accession to the throne. He also completed his academic studies in history, sociology, political science, tax law, and economics at Uppsala University and later economics at Stockholm University.

To prepare for his role as the head of state, Crown Prince Carl Gustaf followed a broad program of studies on the court system, social organisations and institutions, trade unions, and employers' associations. In addition, he closely studied the affairs of the Riksdag, Government, and Ministry for Foreign Affairs. The Crown Prince also spent time at the Swedish Mission to the United Nations and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), worked at a bank in London and at the Swedish Embassy there, at the Swedish Chamber of Commerce in France, and at the Alfa Laval Company factory in France. In 1970, he represented the King at the head of the Swedish delegation to the World Exposition in Osaka, Japan. Since his youth the present monarch has been a strong supporter of the Scout Movement in Sweden.

Carl Gustaf has dyslexia, as do his daughter Crown Princess Victoria and his son Prince Carl Philip.

Reign
On 15 September 1973, Carl Gustaf became King of Sweden upon the death of his grandfather, Gustaf VI Adolf. On 19 September, he took the required regal assurance (Konungaförsäkran) during an extraordinary meeting of the cabinet. Afterwards, he appeared before the parliament, diplomatic corps, court, etc. in the Hall of State at the Royal Palace where he was enthroned on the Silver Throne and gave a speech. Both the cabinet meeting and ceremony at the Hall were broadcast live on television. Following the ceremonies, he appeared on the balcony to acknowledge gathered crowds. At the cabinet meeting, the King declared that his regnal name would be Carl XVI Gustaf, King of Sweden. He adopted "For Sweden – With the times" as his personal motto (För Sverige – i tiden).

He is the foremost representative of Sweden and pays state visits abroad and receives those to Sweden, he opens the annual session of the Riksdag, chairs the Special Council held during a change of Government (skifteskonselj), holds regular Information Councils with the Prime Minister and the Cabinet (informationskonselj), chairs the meetings of the Advisory Council on Foreign Affairs (Utrikesnämnden), and receives Letters of Credence of foreign ambassadors to Sweden and signs those of Sweden to foreign nations. As a figurehead, he also voluntarily abstains from voting in Swedish elections.

King Carl Gustaf holds the highest ranks in the three branches of the Swedish Armed Forces; this is due to the fact that he was, as stipulated by § 14 of the 1809 Instrument of Government in effect at the time of his accession to the throne in 1973, the Commander-in-Chief (Högste Befälhavare; not to be confused with the military professional holding the position of Supreme Commander) and therefore he was promoted ex officio from his earlier ranks of captain (Army & Air Force) and lieutenant (Navy), to general and admiral. Under the provisions of the Instrument of Government of 1974, which became effective on 1 January 1975, the King no longer holds this constitutionally-mandated position, but he kept his ranks à la suite since he no longer has any military command authority, except over His Majesty's Military Staff.

Worldwide, Carl XVI Gustaf is probably best known as the presenter of the Nobel Prizes each year; the first Nobel laureate who received the prize from his hands was Leo Esaki. He also hands over the Polar Music Prize. The King holds honorary doctoral degrees from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, the Stockholm School of Economics and from the Åbo Akademi University in Finland.

Carl Gustaf has made a number of controversial statements considered political. In his critique of Norwegian Prime Minister Gro Harlem Brundtland and her Norwegian seal hunt policy, he questioned whether someone who could not take care of the seal problem really could take care of the Norwegian people. In 2004, after a state visit to Brunei, he praised Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah and called Brunei a really open country, despite Brunei's controversial human rights history. In 2023 Carl Gustaf said that while he understands that Brunei has a non-democratic form of government it is still an open country. Both statements made public support for the monarchy reach the lowest numbers in many years. Public trust increased, however, after the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami where many Swedes died. The Swedish prime minister Göran Persson then failed to carry out his constitutional obligation to inform the king on matters of state which resulted in criticism of the government. During a memorial ceremony held at Stockholm City Hall on 10 January 2005 the king gave a highly praised speech which restored support of the monarchy.

Carl Gustaf has claimed to have played an important part in solving a diplomatic crisis with Saudi Arabia in 2015. This crisis began when Foreign Minister Margot Wallström criticized Saudi Arabia's form of government and human-rights situation. As a response the Saudi Arabian Ambassador to Sweden was recalled and a military co-operation agreement between the two nations was ended. The Swedish government then reportedly asked for the king's help in solving the crisis. He then wrote a letter to the Saudi Arabian king and shortly thereafter diplomatic relations went back to normal. Carl Gustaf's role in solving the crisis, and his statement regarding said role during which he claimed to have "good relations" with the Saudi King have both received criticism.

The King's Golden Jubilee was celebrated in 2023. The celebrations included tours of all of Sweden's 21 counties, a jubilee banquet at the Royal Palace and a carriage procession through the streets of Stockholm. Leading up to that year and including it, beginning already in 2018, some of the most serious criticism ever published took place about Carl Gustaf and the way his monarchy has developed. Support for the monarchy overall remained strong in the Swedish public, however, in large part due to the popularity of Crown Princess Victoria.

Personal interests and views

The king is passionate about the environment, technology, agriculture, trade, and industry. Like many members of the Swedish royal family, he has a keen interest in automobiles. He owns several Porsche 911s, a car model which is said to be a particular favourite of his, as well as a vintage Volvo PV444, a Ferrari 456M GT, an AC Cobra and other cars. The first pictures taken of him and his future wife were of them sitting in his Porsche 911. In the summer of 2005 he was involved in a traffic accident in Norrköping. The accident was described as a "fender bender", with no serious personal injuries claimed. Nevertheless, the incident caused national headlines. The king and queen of Sweden frequently travel to the Summer and Winter Olympic Games, including in 2014, 2016 and 2018.

In December 2020, the king said Sweden's approach to dealing with COVID-19 had failed. Prime Minister Stefan Löfven said that "the fact that so many have died can't be considered as anything other than a failure".

Scouting
The King is the honorary chairman of the World Scout Foundation, and often participates in Scout activities both in Sweden and abroad. He regularly visits World Scout Jamborees, for instance the 1979 Dalajamb World Jamboree International Encampment hosted by Sweden, the 2002 World Jamboree held in Sattahip, Thailand, and the 100th Anniversary of World Scouting 2007 World Jamboree held in Hylands Park, England. He also attended the 1981 National Scout Jamboree in Virginia, United States, and was awarded the Bronze Wolf, the only distinction of the World Organization of the Scout Movement, awarded by the World Scout Committee for exceptional services to world Scouting, in 1982. He also attended the 22nd World Scout Jamboree. He gave a speech on 6 August 2011 at the closing ceremony with more than 40,000 people watching. The band Europe also performed for him singing "The Final Countdown". King Carl Gustaf made an appearance at the 2013 Boy Scouts of America National Jamboree in West Virginia.

Use of remaining power
So empowered as head of the House of Bernadotte, King Carl Gustaf since he was enthroned in 1973 has made a number of personal decisions regarding the titles and positions of relatives and family members, including the demotion of a sister, elevation of several commoners to royalty, rebuff of an elderly uncle's wishes and the creation of new Swedish titles and duchies.
 * 1974: his sister Christina married a non-royal Swedish man and Carl Gustaf followed the example which his grandfather and predecessor had set for two of Christina's older sisters with like marriages, so Christina was removed from the Royal House, no longer a Royal Highness and was given the courtesy title Princess Christina, Mrs. Magnuson (a special non-royal, non-noble style first invented in 1953 by King Haakon VII of Norway for his granddaughter Ragnhild).
 * 1976: his own choice, taking advantage of his constitutional prerogative as king when he married a non-royal German-Brazilian woman, saw her created Her Majesty Queen Silvia of Sweden.
 * 1976: his paternal uncle Bertil (later that year) married the non-royal British woman who had lived with Bertil for decades, and (with Bertil's titles) Carl Gustaf created her a Royal Highness Princess of Sweden and Duchess of Halland.
 * 1977: his daughter Victoria was born, and in 1980, Carl Gustaf created her Duchess of Västergötland (which has had duchesses before).
 * 1979: his son Carl Philip was born, and Carl Gustaf created him Duke of Värmland (which has had dukes before).
 * 1982: his daughter Madeleine was born, and Carl Gustaf created a new duchy for her as Duchess of Hälsingland and Gästrikland.
 * 1983: his paternal uncle Sigvard, since 1934 no longer Prince of Sweden because of a non-royal marriage to a German woman, supported by legal experts announced his own title as Prince Sigvard Bernadotte, 18 years later clearly citing a great-uncle Prince Oscar Bernadotte's title as his main precedent; however, Sigvard died in 2002 with Carl Gustaf never having responded to his uncle's statement, and with the Royal Court of Sweden consistently refusing to honor it.
 * 2003: his paternal grandfather's first cousin Carl died, and Carl Gustaf formally recognized his Belgian title by allowing Prince Carl Bernadotte on the gravestone at the Royal Cemetery which is owned by the king; in 2014 he did the same there, allowing Carl's widow's name as Princess Kristine Bernadotte when she died.
 * 2010: his daughter Victoria married a non-royal Swede whom Carl Gustaf created a Royal Highness Prince of Sweden and (with her title) Duke of Västergötland.
 * 2012: his granddaughter Estelle was born and created Duchess of Östergötland (which has had duchesses before).
 * 2013: his daughter Madeleine married a non-royal British American who declined Swedish citizenship, and Carl Gustaf gave him the special courtesy title of Herr (with a capital h).
 * 2014: his granddaughter Leonore was born and created Duchess of Gotland (which also previously has been a duchy).
 * 2015: his son Carl Philip married a non-royal Swede whom Carl Gustaf created a Royal Highness Princess of Sweden and (with the son's title) Duchess of Värmland.
 * 2015: his grandson Nicolas was born, and Carl Gustaf created a new duchy for him as Duke of Ångermanland.
 * 2016: his grandson Oscar was born and created Duke of Scania (which has had dukes before).
 * 2016: his grandson Alexander was born (later that year) and created Duke of Södermanland (which has had dukes before).
 * 2017: his grandson Gabriel was born and created Duke of Dalarna (which has had dukes before).
 * 2018: his granddaughter Adrienne was born, and Carl Gustaf created a new duchy for her as Duchess of Blekinge.
 * 2019: Carl Gustaf issued a statement rescinding the royal status of his grandchildren Leonore, Nicolas, Alexander, Gabriel and Adrienne in an effort to more strictly associate Swedish royalty to the office of the head of state; the five are still to be styled as princes/princesses and dukes/duchesses of their provinces, and they remain in the line of succession to the throne.
 * 2021: his grandson Julian was born and created Duke of Halland (which has had dukes before) with the same standing of 2019 as his brothers.

Marriage and family
The King married Silvia Sommerlath, whose father was German and whose mother was Brazilian, and who had grown up in both countries. They met at the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich, where she was an interpreter and host. The wedding was held on 19 June 1976 at Stockholm Cathedral, the ceremony performed by the Archbishop of Uppsala, Olof Sundby. The wedding was preceded the previous evening by a Royal Variety Performance, at which, among other performances, the Swedish musical group ABBA gave one of the first performances of "Dancing Queen", as a tribute to Sweden's future queen. The King and his family moved to Drottningholm Palace west of Stockholm in 1980. He and the Queen have maintained their business offices at the Royal Palace of Stockholm.

King Carl Gustaf and Queen Silvia have three children and eight grandchildren:
 * Crown Princess Victoria, Duchess of Västergötland (born 14 July 1977), who is married to Daniel Westling and has two children
 * Prince Carl Philip, Duke of Värmland (born 13 May 1979), who is married to Sofia Hellqvist and has three children
 * Princess Madeleine, Duchess of Hälsingland and Gästrikland (born 10 June 1982), who is married to Christopher O'Neill and has three children

Prince Carl Philip was born the heir apparent. However, a constitutional reform, which was already under way at the time of his birth, made his elder sister, Victoria, the heir apparent and Crown Princess of Sweden on 1 January 1980, according to the principles of absolute primogeniture, which Sweden was the first recognised monarchy to adopt. King Carl Gustaf objected after the reform, not to the succession by females but to the fact that his son lost the position and title which he had had since birth.

Health
In February 2023, Carl Gustaf underwent "a surgical intervention with catheter technology in the heart area."

Titles, styles, honours and arms
Gustaf VI Adolf was the last king to use the style "by the Grace of God, of the Swedes, Goths and Wends King" (med Guds Nåde Sveriges, Götes och Wendes Konung; Dei Gratia Suecorum, Gothorum et Vandalorum Rex). This title had been in use since its adoption by Gustav I in 1523. Carl XVI Gustaf instead chose the simpler "King of Sweden" (Sveriges Konung), thereby ending a centuries-old tradition.

Regnal name
There have not been sixteen kings of Sweden named Carl/Charles. The numeral stems from an erroneous genealogy that includes fictitious kings, created by 16th-century writer Johannes Magnus.

Arms
On his creation as Duke of Jämtland, Carl XVI Gustaf was granted an achievement of arms which featured the arms of Jämtland in base (these arms can be seen on his stallplate as knight of the Danish Order of the Elephant at Frederiksborg Palace). Since his accession to the throne, he has used the greater coat of arms of Sweden although he is still associated with the ducal title of Jämtland he held as a prince.

National

 * 🇸🇪 Sweden: Recipient of the 90th Birthday Medal of King Gustaf V
 * 🇸🇪 Sweden: Recipient of the 85th Birthday Medal of King Gustaf VI Adolf
 * 🇸🇪 Sweden: Recipient of the Wedding Medal of Crown Princess Victoria to Daniel Westling

Foreign

 * 🇦🇷 Argentina: Grand Cross with Collar of the Order of the Liberator General San Martín (1998)
 * 🇦🇹 Austria: Grand Star of the Order of Honour for Services to the Republic of Austria, Special Class (1967)
 * 🇧🇪 Belgium: Grand Cordon of the Order of Leopold (1977)
 * 🇧🇷 Brazil: Grand Collar of the Order of the Southern Cross (2007)
 * Brunei: Recipient of the Royal Family Order of the Crown of Brunei (2004)
 * 🇧🇬 Bulgaria: Sash of the Order of Stara Planina
 * 🇨🇱 Chile: Collar of the Order of Merit
 * 🇭🇷 Croatia: Grand Cross of the Grand Order of King Tomislav (2013)
 * 🇩🇰 Denmark:
 * Knight with Collar of the Order of the Elephant (12 January 1965)
 * Grand Commander of the Order of the Dannebrog (1975)
 * 🇪🇬 Egypt: Grand Cross with Collar of the Order of the Nile
 * 🇪🇪 Estonia:
 * Grand Cross with Collar of the Order of the Cross of Terra Mariana (1995)
 * Grand Cross with Collar of the Order of the White Star (2011)
 * 🇫🇮 Finland: Grand Cross with Collar of the Order of the White Rose (1974)
 * 🇫🇷 France: Grand Cross of the Order of the Legion of Honour
 * 🇩🇪 Germany:
 * Grand Cross Special Class of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany
 * Ducal Family of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha: Knight Grand Cross of the Ducal Royal Saxe-Ernestine Saxe-Coburg and Gotha House Order
 * 🇬🇷 Greece: Grand Cross of the Order of the Redeemer
 * Holy See: Knight with the Collar of the Order of Pope Pius IX
 * 🇭🇺 Hungary: Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Hungary
 * 🇮🇸 Iceland: Grand Cross with Collar of the Order of the Falcon
 * 🇮🇩 Indonesia: Star of the Republic of Indonesia, 1st Class (2017)
 * 🇮🇹 Italy: Grand Cross with Collar of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic (1991)
 * 🇯🇵 Japan: Collar of the Order of the Chrysanthemum
 * 🇯🇴 Jordan: Grand Cordon with Collar of the Order of al-Hussein bin Ali
 * 🇱🇻 Latvia:
 * Grand Cross with Chain of the Order of the Three Stars (1995)
 * Grand Cross of the Order of Viesturs
 * 🇱🇹 Lithuania: Grand Cross with Golden Chain of the Order of Vytautas the Great (1995)
 * 🇱🇺 Luxembourg: Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Gold Lion of the House of Nassau
 * 🇲🇾 Malaysia: Honorary Recipient of the Order of the Crown of the Realm (1996)
 * 🇲🇽 Mexico: Collar of the Order of the Aztec Eagle (2004)
 * 🇳🇱 Netherlands:
 * Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Netherlands Lion
 * Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the House of Orange
 * Commander of the Order of the Golden Ark
 * 🇳🇴 Norway: Knight Grand Cross with Collar of the Order of St. Olav (1974)
 * 🇵🇱 Poland: Knight of the Order of the White Eagle
 * 🇵🇹 Portugal:
 * Grand Collar of the Order of Saint James of the Sword
 * Grand Cross with Collar of the Order of Prince Henry (1987)
 * 🇷🇴 Romania: Grand Cross with Collar of the Order of the Star of Romania (2003)
 * 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia: Grand Cross with Collar of the Order of Abdulaziz al Saud
 * 🇸🇰 Slovakia: First Class of the Order of the White Double Cross
 * 🇸🇮 Slovenia: Recipient of the Decoration for Exceptional Merits
 * 🇿🇦 South Africa: Grand Cross with Collar of the Order of Good Hope (1997)
 * 🇰🇷 South Korea: Recipient of the Grand Order of Mugunghwa (2012)
 * 🇪🇸 Spain:
 * 1,183rd Knight of the Order of the Golden Fleece (1983)
 * Knight of the Collar of the Royal and Distinguished Spanish Order of Charles III
 * 🇹🇭 Thailand:
 * Knight of the Order of the Rajamitrabhorn (2003)
 * Knight of the Order of Ramkeerati (2008)
 * 🇹🇳 Tunisia: Grand Cordon of the Order of the Republic
 * 🇹🇷 Turkey: Collar of the Order of the State of Republic of Turkey (2013)
 * 🇺🇦 Ukraine:
 * Member of the Order of Liberty (2008)
 * Grand Cross with Collar of the Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise
 * Grand Officer of the Order of Merit, 1st Class
 * 🇬🇧 United Kingdom:
 * Stranger Knight Companion of the Most Noble Order of the Garter (963rd member since the order's inception; 1983)
 * Recipient of the Royal Victorian Chain (8 July 1975)
 * Yugoslavia: Order of the Yugoslav Great Star (1976)

Foreign

 * United Nations Peace Medal (1976)
 * World Organization of the Scout Movement: Bronze Wolf Award (1982)
 * 🇯🇵 Japan: Golden Pheasant Award of the Scout Association of Japan (1980)
 * 🇵🇭 Philippines: Mount Makiling Award

Honorary military positions

 * Honorary Admiral, British Royal Navy (seniority: 25 June 1975)

title: Carl XVI Gustaf


text:
Webb, Alabama

Webb is a town in Houston County, Alabama, United States. It is named for plantation owner B. F. Webb, who settled in the area around 1890. The town was incorporated in 1903. It is part of the Dothan, Alabama Metropolitan Statistical Area. As of the 2010 census, the population was 1,430, up from 1,298 in 2000.

Geography
Webb is located in northern Houston County at 31.26028°N, -85.28361°W (31.260358, -85.283533). It is bordered to the northwest by the town of Kinsey, to the west by the city of Dothan, and at its southern tip by the town of Cowarts.

Alabama State Route 52 passes through Webb, leading west 7 mi into Dothan and east 10 mi to Columbia at the Georgia border.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the town of Webb has a total area of 29.5 km2, all land.

2000 census
At the 2000 census there were 1,298 people, 491 households, and 375 families in the town. The population density was 110.6 PD/sqmi. There were 523 housing units at an average density of 44.6 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 79.20% White, 19.65% Black or African American, 0.31% Native American, and 0.85% from two or more races. 1.00% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. Of the 491 households 38.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 61.9% were married couples living together, 11.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 23.6% were non-families. 22.6% of households were one person and 8.6% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.63 and the average family size was 3.06.

The age distribution was 28.1% under the age of 18, 8.1% from 18 to 24, 29.7% from 25 to 44, 23.7% from 45 to 64, and 10.5% 65 or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females, there were 92.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.9 males.

The median household income was $31,364 and the median family income was $36,667. Males had a median income of $32,656 versus $19,479 for females. The per capita income for the town was $15,150. About 13.7% of families and 17.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 22.4% of those under age 18 and 16.9% of those age 65 or over.

2010 census
At the 2010 census there were 1,430 people, 544 households, and 391 families in the town. The population density was 122.2 PD/sqmi. There were 616 housing units at an average density of 52.6 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 74.8% White, 18.7% Black or African American, 0.7% Native American, and 1.5% from two or more races. 6.2% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. Of the 544 households 28.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.0% were married couples living together, 14.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.1% were non-families. 22.1% of households were one person and 7.9% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.60 and the average family size was 3.05.

The age distribution was 24.0% under the age of 18, 8.0% from 18 to 24, 27.6% from 25 to 44, 26.9% from 45 to 64, and 13.6% 65 or older. The median age was 39.1 years. For every 100 females, there were 98.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 98.4 males.

The median household income was $34,650 and the median family income was $38,352. Males had a median income of $32,847 versus $18,938 for females. The per capita income for the town was $15,124. About 13.2% of families and 15.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 20.2% of those under age 18 and 13.7% of those age 65 or over.

2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 1,270 people, 481 households, and 330 families residing in the town.

title: Webb, Alabama


text:
Bridgeport, Alabama

Bridgeport is a city in Jackson County, Alabama, United States. At the time of 2020 census the population was 2,264, down from 2,418 in 2010. Bridgeport is included in the Chattanooga-Cleveland-Dalton, TN-GA-AL Combined Statistical Area.

History
Bridgeport developed after the 1840s, when European Americans established a riverboat landing here along the Tennessee River. This landing was a place for local farmers to trade their crops for other goods. Within a few years, a small hamlet known as "Jonesville" had developed around the landing, and included a trading post, gristmill, warehouses, and several saloons. The Jonesville post office opened in 1852.

Fluctuating river levels made riverboat trade unreliable, and area merchants began campaigning for railroad access in the late 1840s. The first rail line reached Jonesville in 1852. A railroad bridge over the Tennessee River was completed in 1854, connecting the city with Chattanooga, Tennessee. In recognition of this accomplishment, the name of the city was changed to "Bridgeport." Construction of a second rail line connecting Bridgeport with Jasper, Tennessee, to the north, began in 1860, but was not completed until after the Civil War.

Because of its location on both a rail line and the Tennessee River, Bridgeport was a strategic site during the Civil War. The rail bridge at Bridgeport was among those targeted by the East Tennessee bridge-burning conspiracy in November 1861. Although this attempt failed, the bridge would be burned twice during the course of the war.

Bridgeport was the site of numerous skirmishes across 1862 and 1863 when Union General Ormsby Mitchel seized control of the city, and numerous other small actions over the following year as Confederate forces attempted to regain control of the area. The city was burned by Confederate troops under General Braxton Bragg in the Summer of 1863, but it was reoccupied by Union forces. In the latter part of the war, Bridgeport was the site of a major Union shipyard that built gunboats and transports for the Union Army. The USS Chattanooga was built here; it became a vital part of the famous "Cracker Line," which broke the Confederates' siege of Chattanooga in November 1863.

In the early 1880s, brothers Frank and Walter Kilpatrick, investors from New York, along with their father, Edward, established a lumber company in Bridgeport. Believing the city's location and resources had extraordinary potential for development, the Kilpatricks began buying up land in the area. Other investors became interested in the city, and in 1889 the Bridgeport Land and Development Company was incorporated. This company bought up land and laid out a new grid pattern for the city, which incorporated in 1891.

Frank Kilpatrick, who became the city's mayor, built a series of imposing Queen Anne-style houses on the street now known as Kilpatrick Row. Several factories, including a pipe works, stove works, rail car works, and planing mill, were built along the river. The rapid development of Bridgeport came to an abrupt end, however, with the onset of the financial Panic of 1893. Investors withdrew from the area, and the Bridgeport Land and Improvement Company went out of business.

Frank Kilpatrick returned to Bridgeport in 1895, and managed to lure some industry to the city. The Mission Revival-style Bridgeport Depot was completed in 1917, and two hosiery mills were operating in the city by the 1920s. The construction of the nearby Widows Creek Power Plant by the Tennessee Valley Authority in the 1950s brought a small housing boom to the city.

On January 22, 1999, at 10:02 A.M, three people were killed, at least eight more were critically injured, and three buildings were leveled when a gas pipeline exploded in downtown Bridgeport. Earlier that morning, between 8:15 and 9:15 A.M, the line was damaged when workers digging a trench with a backhoe pulled the line, causing two leaks. Gas filled a building and came in contact with the pilot light of a gas heater, causing the explosion.

Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 3.2 sqmi, of which 3.1 sqmi is land and 0.1 sqmi (4.00%) is water. The city is situated along the western bank of the Tennessee River, at river mile 410. This section of the river is part of Guntersville Lake, which is created by Guntersville Dam about 60 miles downstream from Bridgeport. The Cumberland Plateau rises prominently to the northwest, and the plateau's southern extension, Sand Mountain, rises across the river to the east. U.S. Route 72 connects Bridgeport with South Pittsburg across the Tennessee state line to the north, and Stevenson to the southwest.

Russell Cave National Monument is located close to Bridgeport.

Climate
The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Bridgeport has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps.

2000 census
At the 2000 census there were 2,728 people in 1,159 households, including 793 families, in the city. The population density was 875.4 PD/sqmi. There were 1,290 housing units at an average density of 414.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 87.76% White, 8.03% Black or African American, 1.43% Native American, 0.11% Asian, 0.37% from other races, and 2.31% from two or more races. 1.32% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

Of the 1,159 households 29.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.7% were married couples living together, 13.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.5% were non-families. 29.5% of households were one person and 13.1% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.35 and the average family size was 2.88.

The age distribution was 24.0% under the age of 18, 8.4% from 18 to 24, 27.1% from 25 to 44, 24.9% from 45 to 64, and 15.5% 65 or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 90.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 86.3 males.

The median household income was $28,981 and the median family income was $33,712. Males had a median income of $30,685 versus $19,583 for females. The per capita income for the city was $15,779. About 9.5% of families and 13.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 17.4% of those under age 18 and 23.8% of those age 65 or over.

2010 census
At the 2010 census there were 2,418 people in 1,012 households, including 686 families, in the city. The population density was 755.6 PD/sqmi. There were 1,159 housing units at an average density of 362.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 84.0% White, 8.6% Black or African American, 1.9% Native American, 0.2% Asian, 1.2% from other races, and 4.1% from two or more races. 1.7% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. Of the 1,012 households 26.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.0% were married couples living together, 15.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.2% were non-families. 27.9% of households were one person and 13.1% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.39 and the average family size was 2.89.

The age distribution was 23.9% under the age of 18, 7.8% from 18 to 24, 23.1% from 25 to 44, 28.9% from 45 to 64, and 16.4% 65 or older. The median age was 40.5 years. For every 100 females, there were 95.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.3 males.

The median household income was $36,282 and the median family income was $43,239. Males had a median income of $44,188 versus $28,944 for females. The per capita income for the city was $19,048. About 14.0% of families and 16.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 32.1% of those under age 18 and 4.6% of those age 65 or over.

2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 2,264 people, 1,031 households, and 586 families residing in the city.

Culture
The Bridgeport Depot Museum is home to railroad memorabilia as well as a range of local artifacts. The museum, operated by the Bridgeport Area Historical Association, is located on the site of the town's fourth railroad depot, which was constructed in 1917.

Every April, Bridgeport hosts a reenactment of the Siege of Bridgeport.

title: Bridgeport, Alabama