Gainestown, Alabama facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Gainestown, Alabama
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Gainestown Methodist Church
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 Gainestown, Alabama
Location in Alabama
Gainestown, Alabama
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Alabama |
| County | Clarke |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| ZIP code |
36540
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| Area code(s) | 251 |
Gainestown is a small place in Clarke County, Alabama, United States. It's called an "unincorporated community." This means it's a group of homes and businesses that isn't officially a city or town with its own local government.
The community is located right on the Alabama River. It was named after George Strother Gaines. He was an important person who worked for the United States government. In 1809, he set up a special place called a trading post here. This was a store where people could trade goods. He traded with the Choctaw people, who were the main Native American tribe in the area.
Contents
History of Gainestown
When Was Gainestown Founded?
It's not clear exactly when Gainestown started. But by 1815, people were already calling the area Gainestown. This was after the Creek War ended. The trading post that George Strother Gaines set up closed in 1814.
How Gainestown Grew and Changed
Gainestown became a big town when river travel was very popular. Boats on the river were the main way to move goods and people. But after the American Civil War, the town slowly started to get smaller.
The 1911 Tornado
On March 26, 1911, a powerful tornado hit Gainestown. It destroyed at least 12 homes. A lot of the town was damaged too. One report from that time said that a store in Gainestown was completely ruined. Pieces of its products were found as far as 30 miles (about 48 kilometers) away in Monroe County.
Landmarks and Historic Places
Gainestown has three special places that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means they are important historical sites that are protected.
- The Gainestown Methodist Church and Cemetery
- The Gainestown Schoolhouse
- The Wilson-Finlay House
Geography
Where is Gainestown Located?
Gainestown is located at coordinates 31.44544 degrees North latitude and -87.69332 degrees West longitude. It is about 266 feet (81 meters) above sea level.
