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Sawyerville, Alabama facts for kids

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Sawyerville, Alabama
Sawyerville, Alabama is located in Alabama
Sawyerville, Alabama
Sawyerville, Alabama
Location in Alabama
Sawyerville, Alabama is located in the United States
Sawyerville, Alabama
Sawyerville, Alabama
Location in the United States
Country United States
State Alabama
County Hale
Elevation
226 ft (69 m)
Population
 (2000)
 • Total 795
Time zone UTC-6 (Central (CST))
 • Summer (DST) UTC-5 (CDT)
ZIP code
36776
Area code(s) 205, 659

Sawyerville, once called Sawyers Depot, is a small community in west-central Hale County, Alabama. It is part of the larger Tuscaloosa metropolitan area. Sawyerville is not an official town with its own government. It is known as an "unincorporated community."

The name Sawyerville comes from the first postmaster of the area. This rural community grew because a railroad used to run through it. Sawyerville covers an old part of the county called Hollow Square. It also includes the abandoned town of Erie, which was once the main town of Greene County. Other nearby communities are Wedgeworth, Melton, Warrior Dam, and Mason Bend.

The area was home to several large farms, called plantations, belonging to the Pickens family. One famous person from this family was Israel Pickens, an early governor of Alabama. His younger brother, Samuel Pickens, also had a farm here called Umbria Plantation. Sadly, this old home was destroyed by fire in 1971.

Powerful Storms

Sawyerville has experienced some very strong storms. On April 27, 2011, a powerful tornado passed near the town. This tornado caused a lot of damage and traveled a long distance. It sadly led to seven deaths and injured at least 52 people.

Another strong tornado hit on March 25, 2021. This tornado also traveled a long way, passing southeast of Sawyerville. It destroyed or badly damaged many buildings and trees. Thirteen people were injured during this storm. It was the seventh longest tornado path in Alabama's history.

Most recently, on February 3, 2022, another tornado caused heavy damage right in Sawyerville. One person died, and eight others were injured.

Who Lives Here?

In the year 2000, about 795 people lived in Sawyerville. By 2017, this number was estimated to be around 500 residents. Most of the people living in Sawyerville are African American, making up about 88.5% of the population. About 11.1% are Caucasian, 1.0% are Hispanic, and a small number are of mixed race or other backgrounds.

Famous People from Sawyerville

  • Charles McGruder: A person who was enslaved in the past.
  • Curtis Travis: A person born in Sawyerville who became a member of the Alabama House of Representatives. This is a group of people who help make laws for the state of Alabama.
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