Houston, Alabama facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Houston, Alabama
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 Houston, Alabama
Location in Alabama
Houston, Alabama
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Alabama |
| County | Winston |
| Elevation | 761 ft (232 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| ZIP code |
35572
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| Area code(s) | 256 and 938 |
Houston is a small, quiet place in Winston County, Alabama, United States. It's known as an unincorporated community. This means it doesn't have its own city government like a town or city would. Instead, it's managed by the county.
Houston has a cool history! It used to be the most important town in Winston County. It was the county seat from 1858 until 1884. Being the county seat means it was where the main government offices for the county were located. Today, Houston is home to a historic building called the Houston Jail, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Contents
A Look at Houston's Past
When Houston Was the County Seat
Imagine a time when Houston was the center of everything in Winston County! From 1858 to 1884, it was the county seat. This meant that important decisions for the county were made here. People would come to Houston for legal matters, to pay taxes, or to attend court.
However, in 1884, the county seat was moved to Double Springs. This often happens when a new location becomes more central or easier for people to reach. After this change, Houston became a much quieter place.
The Historic Houston Jail
One of the most interesting parts of Houston's history is its old jail. This building is made of logs and is a special landmark. It's so important that it's listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This list includes places that are worth saving because of their historical value. The log jail gives us a peek into what life was like in the county many years ago.
Where is Houston Located?
Houston is found in the state of Alabama. You can find its exact spot using coordinates: 34°08′29″N 87°15′29″W / 34.14149°N 87.25806°W. It sits at an elevation of about 761 feet (232 m) above sea level. This means it's about 761 feet higher than the ocean.
Population Over Time
| Historical population | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1880 | 103 | — | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
Houston's population was officially counted only once by the U.S. Census. In 1880, shortly before it stopped being the county seat, 103 people lived there. Since then, it hasn't been listed separately in census records. This shows how much the community changed after the county seat moved away.
