Shannon, Alabama facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Shannon, Alabama
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![]() Shannon Post Office
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Country | United States |
State | Alabama |
County | Jefferson |
Elevation | 646 ft (197 m) |
Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
• Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
ZIP code |
35142
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Area code(s) | 205, 659 |
GNIS feature ID | 126626 |
Shannon is a small place in Alabama, United States. It is known as an unincorporated community. This means it's a group of homes and businesses that isn't officially a town or city.
Shannon is located in Jefferson County, Alabama. It sits between two larger cities: Birmingham and Hoover. The community was named after John James Shannon, who worked as a mine operator. A post office first opened in Shannon in the year 1915.
Contents
What is an Unincorporated Community?
An unincorporated community is a place where people live together. However, it does not have its own local government. This means it's not officially a city or town. Instead, it is usually part of a larger county.
How Unincorporated Communities Work
- No Local Mayor: These communities do not have their own mayor or city council.
- County Services: Services like police, fire, and roads are managed by the county government.
- Shared Identity: People in these areas often share a name and a sense of community.
Where is Shannon Located?
Shannon is found in the central part of Alabama. It is specifically located in Jefferson County. This county is one of the most populated in the state.
Nearby Cities and Landmarks
- Birmingham: This is the largest city in Alabama. It is located to the northeast of Shannon.
- Hoover: A growing city, Hoover is situated to the southeast of Shannon.
- Elevation: Shannon sits at an elevation of about 646 feet (197 meters) above sea level.
History of Shannon
The community of Shannon has a simple but interesting history. It was named after a person who was important to the area's development.
The Name's Origin
Shannon was named after John James Shannon. He was a person who operated mines in the region. Mines were very important for jobs and the economy in the past.
The Post Office
A key part of any community is its post office. The Shannon Post Office first opened its doors in 1915. This made it easier for people to send and receive mail.