Geneva, Alabama facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Geneva
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The Geneva County Courthouse in Geneva
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| Motto(s):
"Where the Rivers Meet"
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Location of Geneva in Geneva County, Alabama.
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| 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)
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| • 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
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| Area code(s) | 334 | |
| FIPS code | 01-29464 | |
| GNIS feature ID | 0118889 | |
| Website | https://www.genevaal.gov/ | |
Geneva is a city in Geneva County, Alabama, United States. It is also the main city, known as the county seat, for Geneva County. The city became official in 1875.
Geneva is part of the larger Dothan Metropolitan Area. Since 1940, it has been the biggest city in Geneva County. In 2020, about 4,245 people lived there.
Contents
History of Geneva
In December 1862, during the American Civil War, a steamship called the Bloomer was docked in Geneva. It was on the Choctawhatchee River. A group of Union soldiers captured the ship. They were led by Lieutenant James H. Stewart. The Bloomer was then taken to Pensacola, Florida.
Geography of Geneva
Geneva is located in the southern part of Geneva County. It sits where two rivers, the Pea River and the Choctawhatchee River, meet. You can find it at coordinates 31°2′17″N 85°52′36″W / 31.03806°N 85.87667°W.
Alabama State Route 52 goes through the city, just north of downtown. This road leads northeast about 11 miles (18 km) to Hartford. It also goes northwest about 12 miles (19 km) to Samson. The city of Dothan is about 34 miles (55 km) northeast on Route 52.
Alabama State Route 27 passes right through the center of Geneva. It goes north about 22 miles (35 km) to Enterprise. It also goes southwest about 5 miles (8 km) to the Florida border.
The U.S. Census Bureau says Geneva covers about 16.1 square miles (41.6 km2) of land and water. Most of this, about 15.9 square miles (41.1 km2), is land. The rest, about 0.2 square miles (0.5 km2), is water. The Choctawhatchee River forms the eastern edge of the city. This river flows south into Choctawhatchee Bay in Florida. From there, it reaches the Gulf of Mexico near Destin.
Population Changes in Geneva
| Historical population | |||
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| 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 |
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The population of Geneva has changed over many years. In 1870, only 126 people lived here. By 1940, the population grew to 2,803. The highest population was in 1980 with 4,866 people. In 2020, the city had 4,245 residents.
Natural Landscape
Geneva is located where the Choctawhatchee River and Pea River meet. The Choctawhatchee River flows all the way to the Choctawhatchee Bay in Florida. This bay then connects to the Gulf of Mexico.
Because of its location on these rivers, Geneva was an important trading hub. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, steam-powered riverboats used to travel here. They brought goods for trade, making Geneva a busy place.
Local Culture and Events
Every April, Geneva hosts a special event called the River Festival. This festival brings many people from all over the country to the town. The River Festival takes place at Robert Fowler Park, where the two rivers meet.
The festival has many fun and challenging events. These include a 5 miles (8 km) road race, a greasy pole climb, and a canoe race. There is also a tug-of-war competition.
Local Media
Geneva has a local newspaper called the Geneva County Reaper. It was published from 1901 until 2024.
Education in Geneva
Students in Geneva attend schools within the city limits. These schools include James A. Mulkey Elementary School. There is also Geneva Middle School for older students. Finally, students attend Geneva High School.
Famous People from Geneva
- Elizabeth B. Andrews: She was a former U.S. Representative. She was the first woman to represent Alabama in the United States House of Representatives.
- Siran Stacy: He was a professional football player. He played as a running back in the NFL.
Climate in Geneva
The weather in Geneva is known for its hot and humid summers. The winters are usually mild to cool. This type of weather is called a humid subtropical climate. On climate maps, it is often shown as "Cfa".
See also
In Spanish: Geneva (Alabama) para niños
