Semmes, Alabama facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Semmes, Alabama
Flag Seal
Location in Mobile County, Alabama
Country	United States
State	Alabama
County	Mobile
Area
• Total	14.63 sq mi (37.89 km2)
• Land	14.60 sq mi (37.80 km2)
• Water	0.04 sq mi (0.09 km2)
Elevation	217 ft (66 m)
Population  (2020)
• Total	4,941
• Density	338.52/sq mi (130.71/km2)
Time zone	UTC-6 (CST)
• Summer (DST)	UTC-5 (CDT)
ZIP code	36575
Area code(s)	251
FIPS code	01-69240

Semmes is a city in western Mobile County, Alabama. It is part of the larger Mobile metropolitan area. Semmes became an official city in 2011. In 2020, about 4,941 people lived there.

History of Semmes

The community of Semmes got its name from Admiral Raphael Semmes. He was an officer in the United States Navy and later in the Confederate States Navy during the American Civil War.

How Semmes Became a City

In 2010, a group called "Friends of Semmes" wanted their community to become an official city. They gave a petition to a judge in Mobile County. The judge then set a date for people to vote on whether Semmes should become a city.

The vote happened on August 17, 2010. Most people, about 74%, voted "yes" to make Semmes a city. Some people were concerned about the proposed city borders. They felt the lines were drawn in a way that left out some parts of the community from voting.

After the vote was confirmed, a count of the people living in the new city was done. This count finished in April 2011. On May 2, 2011, Semmes was officially declared a city!

The first election for city leaders happened on June 28, 2011. People voted for a mayor and five city council members. Only one person, Judy Hale, ran for mayor, so she became the first mayor without an election. The same happened for the five city council seats. The first council members were Jerry Shirey, Dave Baker, Mary Calhoun, Phillip Dodd, and Teresa Bonner. They started their jobs on June 6, 2011.

Mayor Brandon B. Van Hook

The current mayor of Semmes is Brandon Van Hook. He owns a local business. He was elected in August 2020. He took over from Mayor David Baker.

Plans for the Future of Semmes

The leaders who helped Semmes become a city have plans for its future. They want to add more nearby areas to the city. This would help Semmes grow even bigger.

Geography of Semmes

Semmes is located in the western part of Mobile County. It is about 217 feet (66 meters) above sea level. The city is about 11 miles west of Prichard, Alabama. It is also about 15 miles northwest of downtown Mobile, Alabama.

U.S. Route 98 is the main road that goes through Semmes. This highway goes southeast into Mobile. It also goes northwest to Hattiesburg, Mississippi, which is about 77 miles away.

The city of Semmes covers a total area of about 14.6 square miles (37.8 square kilometers). Most of this area is land. Only a very small part, about 0.04 square miles (0.09 square kilometers), is water.

Climate in Semmes

Semmes is located on the central Gulf Coast. This means it has a subtropical climate. The winters are usually warm and wet. The summers are very hot and very humid.

Semmes can also be affected by hurricanes. These powerful storms often hit the Gulf Coast area.

Population in Semmes

Who Lives in Semmes?

The 2020 United States census counted 4,941 people living in Semmes. There were 2,243 households and 1,446 families in the city.

Here's a look at the different groups of people living in Semmes in 2020:

Education in Semmes

Semmes is part of the Mobile County Public Schools system. This means the schools in Semmes are managed by the county.

Schools for Kids and Teens

• High School:

* Mary G. Montgomery High School (for grades 9-12)

• Middle School:

* Semmes Middle School (for grades 6-8)

• Elementary Schools: (all for grades K-5)

* Semmes Elementary * Allentown Elementary

There are also some elementary schools serving areas near Semmes:

• Elsie Collier Elementary School
• Tanner Williams Elementary School
• Turner Elementary

There is one private school in Semmes:

• Semmes First Baptist School

Colleges and Universities Near Semmes

Semmes is close to several colleges and universities where students can continue their education:

• Bishop State Community College
• Faulkner University, Mobile Campus
• Spring Hill College
• University of Mobile
• University of South Alabama

Parks and Fun Places in Semmes

Semmes Community Park

The first community park in Semmes opened on February 3, 2007. It is a large park, about 10,400 square feet (966 square meters). The park was built next to the Semmes Community Center.

Semmes Heritage Park

The Semmes School is very special because it is the oldest school in Alabama that has been used continuously. It is recognized as an Alabama Historical Landmark.

In 1994, a group of volunteers, including former students and teachers, worked together. They formed a group called "Alumni & Friends of Semmes School, Inc." Their goal was to save the old 1902 one-room Semmes School. The Mobile County School Board had planned to tear it down. The group convinced the School Board to let them keep the school. They moved it back to its original spot.

Volunteers and donations helped restore the school to look like it did in 1902. It was finished in 1998. Today, volunteers still help run the school. It offers a hands-on experience of what school was like in the 1900s.

There is also Malone Chapel at the park. It is a copy of an old church called Mt. Pleasant Church that used to be in that exact spot. The chapel can be rented for weddings and other special events. The money earned helps pay for the park's costs.

Famous People from Semmes

• Jake Peavy, a professional baseball pitcher in Major League Baseball (MLB).
• Ralph Staten, a professional football player in the National Football League (NFL).

Images for kids

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  Flag of Semmes

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  Seal of Semmes

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  Map showing Semmes in Mobile County

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  Mayor Brandon B. Van Hook