Bolivar, Alabama facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Bolivar, Alabama
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Country | United States |
State | Alabama |
County | Jackson |
Elevation | 623 ft (190 m) |
Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
• Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
Area code(s) | 256 |
GNIS feature ID | 163926 |
Bolivar, also known as Widows, is a small community in northern Jackson County, Alabama, United States. It is an unincorporated community, which means it doesn't have its own local government like a city or town.
You can find Bolivar on Alabama State Route 277. It's located about halfway between the towns of Bridgeport and Stevenson.
This community was originally called New Bolivar. Many people moved here from an older community, also named Bolivar, after a railroad was built through the area in 1854. The old community eventually faded away, and New Bolivar never grew very large. On maps from the 1880s, New Bolivar was located where the former North Jackson Hospital now stands on Alabama Highway 277.
A Look Back: Bolivar's History
How Bolivar Got Its Name
The community was named to honor Simón Bolívar. He was a very important leader in South America. Simón Bolívar helped several countries, like Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia, gain their independence from Spanish rule. He is often called "The Liberator" for his role in these movements.
The Bolivar Post Office
For many years, Bolivar had its own post office. It first opened in 1835. The post office served the community for a long time, helping people send and receive letters and packages. It finally closed its doors in 1904.