Arkwright, Alabama facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Arkwright, Alabama
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 Arkwright, Alabama
Location in Alabama
Arkwright, Alabama
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Alabama |
| County | Shelby |
| Elevation | 459 ft (140 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| Area codes | 205, 659 |
| GNIS feature ID | 156003 |
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Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage
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| Official name: Arkwright Heritage Area | |
| Designated | August 25, 2011 |
Arkwright was a small community in Shelby County, Alabama, United States. It was not officially a town or city. This area is now part of the nearby city of Vincent. Arkwright was located close to the Coosa River.
History of Arkwright
Arkwright started in 1907. It was named after Preston Stanley Arkwright. He was important because he helped start and lead the Georgia Railway and Power Company. He also worked for the Atlanta, Birmingham and Atlantic Railway.
What Arkwright Had
At one time, Arkwright was a busy place. It had a train station where people could get on and off trains. There was also a post office for sending letters and packages. The community had a bank, a cotton gin (a machine that separates cotton fibers from seeds), and a gristmill (for grinding grain). People could buy things at the general store and furniture store. There was even a school for children.
Why Arkwright Changed
The post office in Arkwright was open from 1909 to 1926. But things started to change in 1924. The railroad company raised the train tracks. This meant they no longer needed the train station. After this, fewer people lived in Arkwright. The post office closed soon after.
Arkwright's Legacy
Even though Arkwright is no longer a separate community, its history is remembered. The Arkwright Baptist Church is still there. Also, the Arkwright Heritage Area was created. This area includes several old buildings and cemeteries. Both the church and the heritage area were added to the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage in 2011. This means they are important historical places in Alabama.
