Sheffield, Alabama facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sheffield, Alabama
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Sheffield Downtown Commercial Historic District
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| Nickname(s):
"Center of the Shoals", "Sheffvegas", "Sheffghanistan"
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Location of Sheffield, Alabama
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| Country | United States |
| State | Alabama |
| County | Colbert |
| Founded | 1885 |
| Incorporated | February 17, 1885 |
| Founded by | Alfred Huger Moses |
| Named for | Sheffield, Yorkshire, England |
| Government | |
| • Type | Mayor–Council |
| Area | |
| • City | 7.108 sq mi (18.410 km2) |
| • Land | 6.989 sq mi (18.102 km2) |
| • Water | 0.119 sq mi (0.308 km2) |
| Elevation | 486 ft (148 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • City | 9,403 |
| • Estimate
(2023)
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9,307 |
| • Density | 1,331.77/sq mi (514.20/km2) |
| • Urban | 78,925 |
| • Metro | 155,175 |
| Time zone | UTC−6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−5 (CDT) |
| ZIP Code |
35660
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| Area code(s) | 256 and 938 |
| FIPS code | 01-69648 |
| GNIS feature ID | 2405452 |
| Sales tax | 9.5% |
Sheffield is a city in Colbert County, Alabama, in the United States. It is part of the larger Florence-Muscle Shoals area. In 2020, about 9,403 people lived there.
Sheffield is known for being the hometown of several famous people. These include musician Arthur Alexander, French horn player Willie Ruff, and important political figures like former U.S. Senators Fred Thompson and Howell Heflin, and current U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell. Because of these senators, Sheffield is sometimes called "the City of Senators." Even Colonel Sanders, who started KFC, worked in Sheffield for a short time in 1907.
The city is also home to the famous Muscle Shoals Sound Studio. Many popular musicians recorded their hit songs there. Sheffield also has the historic Helen Keller Hospital, which was built in 1921. It was renamed in 1979 after Helen Keller, whose birthplace is very close by in Tuscumbia.
Contents
Where is Sheffield Located?
Sheffield is in the eastern part of Colbert County, Alabama. It sits on the south bank of the Tennessee River.
The city is next to Tuscumbia to the south and Muscle Shoals to the southeast. Across the river to the north is the city of Florence.
Sheffield covers about 7.1 square miles (18.4 square kilometers). Most of this area is land, with a small part being water.
A Place in History: The Trail of Tears
Sheffield was a stopping point on the Trail of Tears. This was a sad time when many Native American tribes were forced to move from their homes. They traveled by riverboat and barge on the Tennessee River from places like Sheffield. Today, you can find a park and boat launch at the Spring Creek area, which was one of these embarkation sites.
Alabama's Oldest Bridge Site
Sheffield is also home to the oldest bridge site in Alabama. This place, now called the "Old Railroad Bridge," has been a bridge location since the early 1800s.
What is Sheffield's Economy Like?
Sheffield has a history of important industries and music.
Aluminum Production
In 1940, the Reynolds Metals Company opened its first aluminum factory in Sheffield. This was a big deal because it helped the country make more aircraft during wartime.
Music Industry Hub
Sheffield became famous in the music world because of Muscle Shoals Sound Studios. This studio was first located at 3614 Jackson Highway and later moved to 1000 Alabama Avenue. Many legendary musicians recorded their biggest hits here.
Some of the famous artists who recorded in Sheffield include Cher, The Rolling Stones, The Osmonds, Aretha Franklin, Bob Seger, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Simon & Garfunkel, and The Staple Singers. This small studio is still well-known and respected in the music industry.
Who Lives in Sheffield?
Sheffield is home to a diverse group of people. The city's population was 9,403 in 2020.
Population Changes Over Time
The number of people living in Sheffield has changed over the years. Here's a quick look at the population from past censuses:
- 1890: 2,731 people
- 1920: 6,682 people
- 1950: 10,767 people
- 1970: 13,115 people
- 2000: 9,652 people
- 2020: 9,403 people
Life in Sheffield Today
In 2023, there were about 4,386 households in Sheffield. On average, about 2 people live in each home. The average household income was around $42,097.
About 25.7% of the people in Sheffield live below the poverty line. About 54.5% of the population is employed. Many adults in Sheffield have a high school diploma (87.7%), and 15.9% have a college degree or higher.
The average age of people in Sheffield is about 40.1 years old.
Different Backgrounds in Sheffield
People in Sheffield come from many different backgrounds. The main reported ancestries include English.
The city's population includes:
- White residents
- Black or African American residents
- Native American residents
- Asian residents
- People of two or more races
- Hispanic or Latino residents (who can be of any race)
How Do People Get Around in Sheffield?
Sheffield does not have a public bus system with fixed routes. However, there is a service called NACOLG Transit. This is a dial-a-ride service, which means you can call to arrange a ride when you need one.
Famous People from Sheffield
Many talented and important people have come from Sheffield:
- Arthur Alexander – A country and soul music singer and songwriter.
- Gary Baker – A songwriter famous for the song "I Swear."
- Donna Godchaux – A musician.
- Howell Heflin – A former U.S. Senator from Alabama.
- David Hood – A musician.
- Jimmy Johnson – A guitarist for the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section.
- Adam Lazzara – The lead singer for the band Taking Back Sunday.
- Mitch McConnell – A current U.S. Senator from Kentucky and a former Senate Majority Leader.
- Alfred Huger Moses – The founder and first mayor of Sheffield.
- Willie Ruff – A French horn and double bass player.
- Fred Thompson – An actor and former U.S. Senator from Tennessee.
See also
In Spanish: Sheffield (Alabama) para niños
