kids encyclopedia robot

Geneva, Alabama facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Quick facts for kids
Geneva
The Geneva County Courthouse in Geneva
The Geneva County Courthouse in Geneva
Motto(s): 
"Where the Rivers Meet"
Location of Geneva in Geneva County, Alabama.
Location of Geneva in Geneva County, Alabama.
Country United States
State Alabama
County Geneva
Area
 • Total 16.07 sq mi (41.62 km2)
 • Land 15.88 sq mi (41.13 km2)
 • Water 0.19 sq mi (0.49 km2)
Elevation
95 ft (29 m)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total 4,245
 • Density 267.28/sq mi (103.20/km2)
Time zone UTC-6 (Central (CST))
 • Summer (DST) UTC-5 (CDT)
ZIP code
36340
Area code(s) 334
FIPS code 01-29464
GNIS feature ID 0118889

Geneva is a city in and the county seat of Geneva County, Alabama, United States. It was incorporated in 1875. It is part of the Dothan, Alabama Metropolitan Statistical Area. Since 1940, it has been the largest city of Geneva County, and had a population of 4,452 as of the 2010 census.

History

In late December 1862, the stern-wheel steamship Bloomer was in port on the Choctawhatchee River in Geneva. She was captured by a group of Union troops from the 91st New York Volunteers led by Lieutenant James H. Stewart. The Bloomer was then taken to Pensacola, Florida.

Geography

Geneva is located south of the center of Geneva County at 31°2′17″N 85°52′36″W / 31.03806°N 85.87667°W / 31.03806; -85.87667 (31.038181, -85.876677), at the confluence of the Pea River with the Choctawhatchee River. Alabama State Route 52 passes through the city north of downtown, leading northeast 11 miles (18 km) to Hartford and northwest 12 miles (19 km) to Samson. Dothan is 34 miles (55 km) to the northeast via Route 52. Alabama State Route 27 passes through the center of Geneva, leading north 22 miles (35 km) to Enterprise and southwest 5 miles (8 km) to the Florida border.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 16.1 square miles (41.6 km2), of which 15.9 square miles (41.1 km2) is land and 0.2 square miles (0.5 km2), or 1.17%, is water. The Choctawhatchee River forms the eastern border of the city, flowing south to Choctawhatchee Bay in Florida, which enters the Gulf of Mexico at Destin.

Demographics

Historical population
Census Pop.
1870 126
1890 637
1900 1,032 62.0%
1910 969 −6.1%
1920 1,581 63.2%
1930 1,593 0.8%
1940 2,803 76.0%
1950 3,579 27.7%
1960 3,840 7.3%
1970 4,398 14.5%
1980 4,866 10.6%
1990 4,681 −3.8%
2000 4,388 −6.3%
2010 4,452 1.5%
2020 4,245 −4.6%
U.S. Decennial Census
2013 Estimate

2010 census

At the 2010 census there were 4,452 people, 1,826 households, and 1,204 families living in the city. The population density was 294.8 people per square mile (113/km2). There were 2,090 housing units at an average density of 141 per square mile (54/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 83.2% White, 14.0% Black or African American, 0.4% Native American, 0.4% Asian, 0.0% Pacific Islander, 0.5% from other races, and 1.5% from two or more races. 1.8% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. Of the 1,826 households 23.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.2% were married couples living together, 15.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.1% were non-families. 31.5% of households were one person and 15.5% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.36 and the average family size was 2.94.

The age distribution was 21.4% under the age of 18, 8.0% from 18 to 24, 22.1% from 25 to 44, 28.1% from 45 to 64, and 20.3 who were 65 or older. The median age was 43.6 years. For every 100 females, there were 90.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 96.1 males.

2020 census

Geneva racial composition
Race Num. Perc.
White (non-Hispanic) 3,248 76.51%
Black or African American (non-Hispanic) 600 14.13%
Native American 32 0.75%
Asian 34 0.8%
Other/Mixed 217 5.11%
Hispanic or Latino 114 2.69%

As of the 2020 United States census, there were 4,245 people, 1,800 households, and 1,007 families residing in the city.

Landscape

Constitution Oak in Geneva, Alabama
Constitution Oak, a live oak at the river junction in Geneva. It is believed to be among the largest and oldest live oaks in the state.

Geneva is settled on the junction of the Choctawhatchee River and Pea River. The Choctawhatchee River runs all the way to the Choctawhatchee Bay at Freeport, Florida, which flows into the Gulf of Mexico. Because of this, Geneva was a busy trading center for steam-powered riverboats in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Culture

Every year in April, Geneva holds a River Festival, which brings in hundreds of people from all over the country to the small town. The River Festival is held on the junction of the two rivers, at Robert Fowler Park, and has many competitive events, such as a 5 miles (8 km) road race, greasy pole climb, canoe race, and tug-of-war.

Climate

The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Geneva has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps.



Education

Geneva has the James A. Mulkey Elementary School, Geneva Middle School, and Geneva High School located within its city limits.

Notable people

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Geneva (Alabama) para niños

kids search engine
Geneva, Alabama Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.