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Irondale, Alabama facts for kids

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Irondale
The Irondale Cafe
The Irondale Cafe
Flag of Irondale
Flag
Official seal of Irondale
Seal
Location of Irondale in Jefferson County, Alabama.
Location of Irondale in Jefferson County, Alabama.
Country United States
State Alabama
County Jefferson
Government
 • Type Mayor-Council
Area
 • Total 17.48 sq mi (45.28 km2)
 • Land 17.32 sq mi (44.85 km2)
 • Water 0.17 sq mi (0.44 km2)
Elevation
925 ft (282 m)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total 13,497
 • Density 779.50/sq mi (300.96/km2)
Time zone UTC-6 (Central (CST))
 • Summer (DST) UTC-5 (CDT)
ZIP code
35210
Area code(s) 205 & 659
FIPS code 01-37864
GNIS feature ID 2404765

Irondale is a city in Jefferson County, Alabama, United States. It is a suburb of Birmingham, a larger city nearby. In 2020, about 13,497 people lived in Irondale.

The city is home to the Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN), a Catholic TV and radio broadcaster. Irondale also hosts an event called the Whistle-Stop Festival every year. This festival brings together art, food, and music for thousands of visitors.

History of Irondale

Irondale became an official town on October 19, 1887. It was named after the Irondale Furnace, an old iron-making factory.

In 1891, a famous restaurant called Golden Rule Bar-B-Q opened in Irondale. It is the oldest restaurant in Alabama.

A small earthquake happened in Irondale in 1916. It had a strength of 5.1 and caused some damage. People in nearby states could feel it too.

In 1981, a woman named Mother Angelica started the Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN). She began broadcasting from a garage in Irondale.

On August 25, 2020, the people of Irondale elected James D. Stewart, Jr. as their mayor. He was the first African American mayor in the city's history.

Geography and Location

Irondale is located in Jefferson County, Alabama. The city covers a total area of about 17.48 square miles (45.28 square kilometers). Most of this area is land, with a small part being water.

People of Irondale

Historical population
Census Pop.
1900 525
1910 572 9.0%
1920 809 41.4%
1930 1,517 87.5%
1940 1,486 −2.0%
1950 1,876 26.2%
1960 3,501 86.6%
1970 3,166 −9.6%
1980 6,510 105.6%
1990 9,454 45.2%
2000 9,813 3.8%
2010 12,349 25.8%
2020 13,497 9.3%
U.S. Decennial Census

Population in 2020

In 2020, Irondale had 13,497 residents. There were 5,161 households and 3,022 families living in the city.

Irondale racial composition
Race Num. Perc.
White (non-Hispanic) 7,183 53.22%
Black or African American (non-Hispanic) 4,032 29.87%
Native American 16 0.12%
Asian 211 1.56%
Pacific Islander 4 0.03%
Other/Mixed 486 3.6%
Hispanic or Latino 1,565 11.6%

Population in 2010

In 2010, the population of Irondale was about 12,349 people. This was a 25.8% increase from the year 2000. About 23.1% of the people living in Irondale were under 18 years old.

The racial breakdown in 2010 was about 56.33% white, 35.38% black, 1.43% Asian, and 7.78% Hispanic. There were 5,495 homes in Irondale, and most of them (92.5%) were occupied.

Education in Irondale

The schools in Irondale are part of the Jefferson County Board of Education. Some of the schools in the city include:

  • Shades Valley High School
  • Grantswood Community School
  • Irondale Community School
  • Irondale Middle School
  • Shades Valley Theatre Academy
  • Jefferson Christian Academy
  • Jefferson County International Baccalaureate School

Famous People from Irondale

  • Fannie Flagg: She is an author known for her book Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe. The Irondale Cafe was the inspiration for the cafe in her book.
  • Marion Hobby: He is a coach for the Cincinnati Bengals, a team in the National Football League. He coaches the defensive line players.

Images for kids

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Irondale (Alabama) para niños

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