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 town in Madison County, Alabama, United States, and is included in the Huntsville-Decatur Combined Statistical Area. As of the 2020 census, the population of the town was 816.
Contents
History
The community takes its name from the Gurley family, who settled in the area in 1817. The town gradually formed around a water and coaling stop of the Memphis & Charleston Railroad and was originally known as "Gurley's Tank". In 1866, the post office opened, and the name was changed to "Gurleysville"; it was later shortened back to Gurley. Gurley was incorporated in 1891 with 250 residents. Soon after, the population peaked at 1,000. The business district was nearly destroyed by fire in 1923, when a bucket brigade was able to save only two businesses. Most of the town is now included in the Gurley Historic District, which was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2004.
Geography
Gurley is located in eastern Madison County at 34°42′1″N 86°22′35″W / 34.70028°N 86.37639°W (34.700164, −86.376469), along U.S. Route 72. Huntsville is 16 miles (26 km) to the west, and Scottsboro is 26 miles (42 km) to the east.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Gurley has a total area of 3.6 square miles (9.2 km2), all land.
Demographics
| 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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Note: From the 1940 Census until 1970, Gurley ceased to appear on the census rolls. This was likely due to either disincorporation or loss/lapse of its charter in the 1930s. At some point in the 1960s, it was reincorporated. Gurley had a estimated population of 833 people in 2024.
2020 census
| 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% |
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 816 people, 253 households, and 153 families residing in the town.
Public services
As an incorporated town, Gurley has its own police and fire departments. The city also maintains a small sewer system.
Education
Education in Gurley is run by the Madison County School System. Only one K–8 school (Madison County Elementary) operates within the city limits, in the building formerly occupied by Madison County High School. A new Madison County High School was built a few miles west of the town on US 72 in 1999.
Fraternal
Gurley has its own Masonic Lodge (Gurley Lodge #521 F & AM), a Lions Club, a Lioness Club, and a Founders Club.
Notable people
- Graham Ashcraft, professional baseball player
- Clement Claiborne Clay, United States senator and Confederate States senator
- Lena Styles, professional baseball player
- Jordan Chunn, professional football player
See also
In Spanish: Gurley (Alabama) para niños
