Gurley, Alabama facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Gurley, Alabama
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Aerial view of Gurley
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Location of Gurley in Madison County, Alabama.
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| Country | United States | ||
| State | Alabama | ||
| County | Madison | ||
| Area | |||
| • Total | 3.55 sq mi (9.20 km2) | ||
| • Land | 3.55 sq mi (9.19 km2) | ||
| • Water | 0 sq mi (0.00 km2) | ||
| Elevation | 965 ft (294 m) | ||
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 816 | ||
| • Density | 229.9/sq mi (88.75/km2) | ||
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) | ||
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) | ||
| ZIP code |
35748
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| Area code(s) | 256 | ||
| FIPS code | 01-32440 | ||
| GNIS feature ID | 2406631 | ||
Gurley is a small town located in Madison County, Alabama, in the United States. It is part of the larger Huntsville-Decatur Combined Statistical Area. In 2020, the town had a population of 816 people.
Contents
History of Gurley, Alabama
The Gurley family settled in this area in 1817, giving the community its name. The town slowly grew around a stop for trains on the Memphis & Charleston Railroad. Trains would stop here to get water and coal. This stop was first known as "Gurley's Tank."
In 1866, a post office opened in the community. The name was then changed to "Gurleysville." Later, it was shortened back to just Gurley. The town officially became a town (was "incorporated") in 1891. At that time, about 250 people lived there.
Soon after, Gurley's population grew to 1,000 people. However, in 1923, a big fire almost destroyed the main business area. People formed a "bucket brigade" to fight the fire. They only managed to save two businesses. Today, most of the town is part of the Gurley Historic District. This district was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2004. This means it's a special place recognized for its history.
Geography and Location
Gurley is located in the eastern part of Madison County. You can find it along U.S. Route 72. The city of Huntsville is about 16 miles (26 km) to the west. Scottsboro is about 26 miles (42 km) to the east.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Gurley covers a total area of about 3.55 square miles (9.2 square kilometers). All of this area is land.
Population and People
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1890 | 570 | — | |
| 1900 | 831 | 45.8% | |
| 1910 | 750 | −9.7% | |
| 1920 | 727 | −3.1% | |
| 1930 | 581 | −20.1% | |
| 1970 | 647 | — | |
| 1980 | 735 | 13.6% | |
| 1990 | 1,007 | 37.0% | |
| 2000 | 876 | −13.0% | |
| 2010 | 801 | −8.6% | |
| 2020 | 816 | 1.9% | |
| 2024 (est.) | 833 | 4.0% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census 2013 Estimate |
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The U.S. Census counts the population of towns every ten years. Gurley was not listed in the census from 1940 to 1970. This might have been because it was no longer officially a town during that time. It was reincorporated sometime in the 1960s. In 2024, Gurley had an estimated population of 833 people.
Gurley's Population in 2020
| Race | Num. | Perc. |
|---|---|---|
| White (non-Hispanic) | 636 | 77.94% |
| Black or African American (non-Hispanic) | 71 | 8.7% |
| Native American | 9 | 1.1% |
| Asian | 8 | 0.98% |
| Other/Mixed | 76 | 9.31% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 16 | 1.96% |
The 2020 United States census showed that 816 people lived in Gurley. These people lived in 253 households, and 153 of those households were families.
Public Services in Gurley
Since Gurley is an official town, it has its own important public services. These include a police department to keep people safe and a fire department to respond to emergencies. The town also manages a small sewer system for its residents.
Education System
Schools in Gurley are part of the Madison County School System. There is one school within the town limits called Madison County Elementary. This school teaches students from kindergarten through 8th grade. It is located in the building that used to be Madison County High School. A new Madison County High School was built nearby in 1999.
Community Groups
Gurley has several community groups where people can join together. These include:
- A Masonic Lodge (Gurley Lodge #521 F & AM)
- A Lions Club
- A Lioness Club
- A Founders Club
These groups often do good work for the community and provide a way for people to connect.
Notable People from Gurley
Some well-known people have come from Gurley, Alabama:
- Graham Ashcraft, a professional baseball player
- Clement Claiborne Clay, a United States senator and a Confederate States senator
- Lena Styles, a professional baseball player
- Jordan Chunn, a professional football player
See also
In Spanish: Gurley (Alabama) para niños
