Marvel, Alabama facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Marvel, Alabama
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The old Marvel Water Tower, photographed in 1993
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 Marvel, Alabama
Location in Alabama
Marvel, Alabama
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Alabama |
| County | Bibb |
| Elevation | 522 ft (159 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| Area code(s) | 205, 659 |
| GNIS feature ID | 122348 |
Marvel is a small place in Bibb County, Alabama, United States. It is called an unincorporated community, which means it doesn't have its own local government like a city or town. Instead, it is part of the larger county.
Contents
The Story of Marvel
How Marvel Got Its Name
The community of Marvel was named by Elizabeth Roden. She was the wife of the person who ran the mines there. She chose the name to honor a famous poet named Andrew Marvell.
The Founder of Marvel
Marvel was started by a businessman named Benjamin F. Roden. He was the person who created the Roden Coal Company. Mr. Roden was very important in helping the nearby city of Birmingham grow quickly. He owned a grocery store in Birmingham. He also set up the very first street car system there. Benjamin F. Roden even founded another city called Avondale.
Mining in Marvel
The Roden Coal Company had two coal mines operating in Marvel. Coal mining was a big industry in this area. The company also ran a store in the community. This store sold many different things, including candy, medicines, and tobacco.
In October 1916, a serious accident happened at the mines. This tragic event resulted in the loss of 19 miners' lives.
Marvel's Post Office
Marvel also had its own post office for many years. It was open from 1907 until 1973. This means people in Marvel could send and receive mail right in their own community for over 60 years.
