Gilbertown, Alabama facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Gilbertown, Alabama
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Location of Gilbertown in Choctaw County, Alabama.
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| Country | United States |
| State | Alabama |
| County | Choctaw |
| Area | |
| • Total | 10.52 sq mi (27.24 km2) |
| • Land | 10.52 sq mi (27.24 km2) |
| • Water | 0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2) |
| Elevation | 89 ft (27 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 739 |
| • Density | 70.27/sq mi (27.13/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| ZIP code |
36908
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| Area code(s) | 251 |
| FIPS code | 01-29704 |
| GNIS feature ID | 2406569 |
| Website | https://www.gilbertown.org/ |
Gilbertown is a small town located in Choctaw County, Alabama, in the United States. According to the 2020 census, about 739 people live there. It's known for being the place where Alabama's first oil well was drilled!
Contents
Where is Gilbertown Located?
Gilbertown is found in the southern part of Choctaw County. It covers a total area of about 2.0 square kilometers (which is about 0.77 square miles), and all of this area is land.
How Many People Live in Gilbertown?
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1920 | 229 | — | |
| 1950 | 413 | — | |
| 1960 | 270 | −34.6% | |
| 1970 | 207 | −23.3% | |
| 1980 | 218 | 5.3% | |
| 1990 | 235 | 7.8% | |
| 2000 | 187 | −20.4% | |
| 2010 | 215 | 15.0% | |
| 2020 | 739 | 243.7% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census 2013 Estimate |
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Population Details from 2000
Back in the year 2000, there were 187 people living in Gilbertown. These people lived in 90 different homes, and 54 of those were families. The town had about 233 people per square mile.
Most of the people in Gilbertown were White (86.63%). About 10.70% were Black or African American, and a small number were Native American or from two or more races.
Age Groups in Gilbertown
In 2000, the population was spread out by age:
- About 18.7% of the people were under 18 years old.
- About 5.9% were between 18 and 24 years old.
- About 26.7% were between 25 and 44 years old.
- About 30.5% were between 45 and 64 years old.
- About 18.2% were 65 years old or older.
The average age in the town was 43 years.
Income and Poverty in 2000
In 2000, the average income for a household in Gilbertown was $27,917. For families, the average income was $44,167. About 23.1% of all the people in Gilbertown lived below the poverty line. This included 38.6% of children under 18 and 19.4% of people aged 65 or older.
First Oil Well in Alabama
Gilbertown is famous for being the location of Alabama's very first oil well! The first permit to drill for oil in Alabama was given to the Hunt Oil Company on January 2, 1944. This well was called the A. R. Jackson Well No. 1.
Drilling started on January 10, 1944. About a month later, they found oil in a type of rock called chalk, about 2,580 feet deep. This was a big moment for Alabama's history!
What is the Climate Like?
Gilbertown has a humid subtropical climate. This means it has hot and humid summers. The winters are usually mild to cool. This type of climate is often called "Cfa" on climate maps.
Who Are Some Famous People from Gilbertown?
Gilbertown has been home to several notable people:
- Angela Quentina Arnold (known as AQA) is a professional wrestler. She is signed to AEW.
- Gary Banks graduated from Southern Choctaw High School in 2000. He used to play baseball for the Chicago Cubs minor league team. He also played football as a wide receiver for the San Diego Chargers.
- Jeff Branson was a baseball infielder for teams like the Cincinnati Reds. He also worked as a hitting coach for the Pittsburgh Pirates.
- Spencer Johnson played professional football. He was a defensive tackle for the Minnesota Vikings and Buffalo Bills.
- Paul Ruffin was the first African American to become a senior research scientist in the civilian U.S. Army.
Local Events
Gilbertown hosts the Choctaw County Heritage Festival. This event usually happens between May 30 and June 3 each year.
See also
In Spanish: Gilbertown para niños
