Elba (Alabama)
Coffee County
01-23296
Elba is a city in Coffee County in the U.S. state of Alabama with 4185 inhabitants ( 2000). The place is along with Enterprise Management seat ( county seat ) of the county.
Geography
Elba is located in the basin of the Pea River at its junction with the Whitewater Creek. Regular flooding by the river marks the city's history.
History
The first settlement took place in the 1830s, as a ferry to cross the Pea Rivers began operations. At this time the place was called Bridegeville, from 1850 onwards was the name Bentonville, based on the politician Thomas Hart Benton. After the residents had decided to rename the place, the proposals of the community members were drawn from a hat on 8 December 1851. The successful proposal " Elba " referred to the island, was banished to the Napoléon Bonaparte temporarily.
1852 Elba was selected as the county seat of Coffee County, at the same time the place from the immediate vicinity of the river was relocated to the current location. 1863 was the first public school, 1892 was the place a railway terminal, which existed until 1984.
In its history, the city was often flooded by the high waters of the Whitewater Creek and Pea River. 1865, the city was destroyed by flooding, more severe floods occurred in 1929 and 1990.
Demography
In Elba 4184 inhabitants ( 2000). The population density is 105.1 inhabitants per km ². 30.5 % of the population and 25.8 % of families in Elba living below the poverty line. The mayor is James Grimes.
Sons and daughters of the town
- Tommy Spurlin (1928-2005), rockabilly musicians
- Location in Alabama
- Location in North America
- Coffee County (Alabama )
- County Seat in Alabama