Hackleburg, Alabama facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Hackleburg, Alabama
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Main Street
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Location in Marion County, Alabama
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| Country | United States |
| State | Alabama |
| County | Marion |
| Area | |
| • Total | 15.29 sq mi (39.6 km2) |
| • Land | 15.28 sq mi (39.6 km2) |
| • Water | 0.01 sq mi (0.03 km2) |
| Elevation | 938 ft (286 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 1,425 |
| • Density | 93.29/sq mi (36.02/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| ZIP code |
35564
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| Area code(s) | 205, 659 |
| FIPS code | 01-32560 |
| GNIS feature ID | 0119530 |
Hackleburg is a small town in Marion County, Alabama, United States. It officially became a town on August 23, 1909. In 2020, about 1,425 people lived there. This was a slight decrease from 1,516 residents in 2010.
Contents
Hackleburg's Early History
Hackleburg started growing in the early 1800s. It was a stopping point along Jackson's Military Road. The town got its name from sheep herders. They traveled through the area on their way to sell sheep in Tuscumbia.
The sheep often ran into a thorny plant called "hack burrs." These plants were dangerous for sheep and ruined their wool. A post office opened in Hackleburg in 1885.
The town officially became a town in 1909. This happened after a new train line was built through the area. Hackleburg is the highest point on the train route that connects Miami, Florida, to Chicago, Illinois. It is about 931 feet above sea level.
The 2011 Tornado
On April 27, 2011, Hackleburg was hit by a very strong tornado. This tornado was part of a huge storm system called the 2011 Super Outbreak. It caused a lot of damage to the town.
Sadly, eighteen people in Hackleburg lost their lives in the storm. A few days later, the Red Cross reported that 75 percent of the town was destroyed. Many people worked hard to rebuild their homes and businesses.
Where is Hackleburg Located?
Hackleburg is in the northern part of Marion County, Alabama. It is located at 34°16′17″N 87°49′51″W / 34.27139°N 87.83083°W. Two main roads, U.S. Route 43 and Alabama State Route 172, meet in the center of town.
US 43 connects Hackleburg to Russellville, which is about 18 miles north. It also connects to Hamilton, the county seat of Marion County, about 14 miles southwest.
Dismals Canyon, a special natural area, is about 4 miles northeast of Hackleburg. The town covers about 15.3 square miles of land. Only a tiny part, about 0.01 square miles, is water.
The center of Hackleburg sits on a watershed. This means that rain falling on one side of town flows north toward Bear Creek. Bear Creek eventually joins the Tennessee River. Rain falling on the other side flows south into the Tombigbee River basin.
Hackleburg's Population Changes
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1910 | 286 | — | |
| 1920 | 376 | 31.5% | |
| 1930 | 628 | 67.0% | |
| 1940 | 492 | −21.7% | |
| 1950 | 534 | 8.5% | |
| 1960 | 527 | −1.3% | |
| 1970 | 726 | 37.8% | |
| 1980 | 883 | 21.6% | |
| 1990 | 1,161 | 31.5% | |
| 2000 | 1,527 | 31.5% | |
| 2010 | 1,516 | −0.7% | |
| 2020 | 1,425 | −6.0% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
The population of Hackleburg has changed over the years. In 1910, there were 286 people. The population grew to 1,527 in 2000. By 2020, it was 1,425.
Who Lives in Hackleburg?
In 2020, there were 1,425 people living in Hackleburg. There were 536 households and 344 families. Most residents, about 92.28%, were White. Other groups included Black or African American, Native American, and Asian people. About 3.65% of the population was Hispanic or Latino.
Education in Hackleburg
Hackleburg is part of the Marion County Schools district. The local schools are Hackleburg Elementary and Hackleburg High School. Their mascot is the Panther, and their school colors are Black and Gold.
The original school buildings were destroyed by the 2011 tornado. The Marion County Board of Education built a new school complex. This new K-12 school opened for students in the 2015–2016 school year.
Sports and Athletics
Hackleburg High School has had success in sports. The baseball team finished as runners-up in the Alabama High School Athletic Association state tournament in 2003 and 2004. In 2007, the Hackleburg High School baseball team won the 1A State Championship. This was the first state championship in the school's history.
In December 2009, the High School football team also did very well. They were 1A State runners-up in the AHSAA football championship. They lost to the Brantley Bulldogs in the final game.
Famous People from Hackleburg
- Sonny James – A famous country music singer who is in the Country Music Hall of Fame.
- Charles Moore – A photojournalist known for his pictures during the Civil Rights Movement.
- Gary Palmer – A politician who serves as a congressman.
See also
In Spanish: Hackleburg para niños
