Dora, Alabama Facts for Kids

The first people to settle in the Dora area arrived in the early 1830s. These early settlers included James M. Davis, Ezekiel Morgan, and Cole Smith. More families moved here later in the 1830s.

In 1886, a railroad called the Kansas City, Memphis and Birmingham Railroad built tracks through the settlement. They named their train station "Sharon." Two coal companies, Magella Coal Company and Horse Creek Coal and Coke Company, started operating nearby.

By 1890, the area was known as Horse Creek. It officially became a town in 1897. Around 1900, many coal mines were active in the area. The town had a school, churches, businesses, and doctors. In 1906, the town's name was changed to Dora.

Recently, in 2023, Dora grew bigger by adding a large piece of land. This new land connects Dora directly to Interstate 22 at exit 78. This is the first time Dora has had direct access to an interstate highway. New developments are being built in this area.

The population of Dora was 2,297 people in 2020. This was an increase from 2,024 people in 2010.

Dora's Geography

Dora is located in Walker County, Alabama. The U.S. Census Bureau says the city covers about 7.5 square miles (19.4 square kilometers). All of this area is land.

Population Facts

Historical population
Census	Pop.	%±
1900	385	—
1910	916	137.9%
1920	1,117	21.9%
1930	1,143	2.3%
1940	1,032	−9.7%
1950	984	−4.7%
1960	1,776	80.5%
1970	1,862	4.8%
1980	2,327	25.0%
1990	2,214	−4.9%
2000	2,413	9.0%
2010	2,025	−16.1%
2020	2,297	13.4%
U.S. Decennial Census 2013 Estimate

In 2010, Dora had 2,025 people living in the city. There were 820 households, which are groups of people living together. About 27% of these households had children under 18. The average household had 2.47 people.

By 2020, the population of Dora grew to 2,297 people. There were 901 households in the city.

Dora is home to Dora High School. Students from elementary and middle schools in Sumiton also attend. The high school's mascot is the bulldog. It is part of the Walker County Board of Education.

City Government

The current Mayor of Dora is Hezekiah Walker.

The city council holds meetings twice a month. These meetings happen on the second and fourth Thursday of each month at 6 PM. Everyone is welcome to attend these meetings.

Schools in Dora

Dora High School (located at 330 Glenn C Gant Cir, Dora, AL 35062)

Parks and Fun Activities

Dora has a city park located behind city hall. It offers many fun things to do:

Tennis, pickleball, and basketball courts
A walking track
A playground with covered picnic areas
Batting cages
Three baseball fields of different sizes

The park also gives easy access to a public pond. You can also reach the Horse Creek Walking Trail from the park. The park's address is 1485 Sharon Blvd, Dora AL, 35062.

Dora also has the Horse Creek Golf Course. This is an 18-hole golf course that opened in September 2000. In 2017, a new clubhouse was built. It has a large space for events, a golf shop, and a snack bar. The golf course is at 1745 Hwy 78, Dora AL, 35062.

The Horse Creek Walking Trail is a paved path that is 2.5 miles long. It is also lighted, so you can use it even when it's dark. This trail is great for walking or cycling. It starts at the Horse Creek Golf Course and ends at the City of Lights Dream Center.

Police Department

The Dora Police Department provides police protection 24 hours a day. There are seven full-time police officers. Jared Hall has been the chief of police since 2015. The police department and city jail are located at city hall (1485 Sharon Blvd, Dora AL, 35062).

Fire Department

Dora Fire and Rescue is a volunteer fire department. This means its firefighters volunteer their time to help the community. The chief of the fire department is Adrean Booth. The fire department is also located at city hall (1485 Sharon Blvd, Dora AL, 35062).

Famous People from Dora

Ivy Andrews, a former professional baseball pitcher
Terry Fell, a country music singer
Sybil Gibson, a talented painter
Howard Goodman (gospel singer), a gospel music singer
Chavis Williams, a former linebacker for the Baltimore Ravens football team

Dora, Alabama facts for kids

Contents

History of Dora