Brownville, Alabama facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Brownville, Alabama
|
|
|---|---|
 Brownville, Alabama
Location in Alabama
|
|
| Country | United States |
| State | Alabama |
| County | Tuscaloosa |
| Elevation | 259 ft (79 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| Area code(s) | 205, 659 |
| GNIS feature ID | 115026 |
Brownville is a fascinating ghost town that used to be in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama, in the United States. A ghost town is a place where people once lived and worked, but it is now mostly empty. Brownville was also known by other names like Brownsville, Hog Eye, Red Valley, and Sulpher Springs during its history.
Contents
Discovering Brownville: A Ghost Town's Story
Brownville has a unique history, especially because it changed its name several times. Each name tells a little bit about what the community was like at different points in time.
How Brownville Got Its Many Names
The community started with one name and changed it multiple times. This shows how places can evolve and adapt over the years.
Early Beginnings: Sulpher Springs
The very first name for this community was Sulpher Springs. This name came from the mineral springs nearby. Mineral springs are natural springs where the water contains special minerals, which people sometimes believed had health benefits.
From Hog Eye to Red Valley
Later, the community became known as Hog Eye. This unusual name was given because the town was quite small. After that, it was called Red Valley. This name came about because many of the houses in the community were painted red, making them stand out in the landscape.
The Final Name: Brownville and Its Industries
Finally, the community was named Brownville. This name was chosen to honor a person named W. P. Brown, who was likely an important figure in the area. Brownville was also home to two important businesses: the Brown Lumber Company and the Brown Wood Preserving Company. These companies probably played a big role in the town's economy, dealing with wood and timber.
The Post Office: A Sign of Life
A post office is often a sign that a community is active and growing. Brownville had its own post office, which operated under the name Brownville from 1926 to 1966. After that, it continued to serve the area as the Brownville Rural Station from 1966 until 1972. The closing of the post office often marks a time when a town starts to decline and eventually becomes a ghost town.
