Gadsden

Gadsden is a city in and the county seat of Etowah County, Alabama, United States. It is located on the Coosa River about 56 miles northeast of Birmingham, Alabama and 90 miles southwest of Chattanooga, Tennessee. As of the 2020 census, the population of the city was 33,945.

History

Gadsden was founded in 1845 by John S. Moragne and named after James Gadsden, who was the U.S. Minister to Mexico. The city played a significant role during the American Civil War and was a key site for the Confederate States of America.

Geography

Gadsden is situated in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains and is characterized by its hilly terrain and proximity to the Coosa River. The city covers a total area of 38.3 square miles, of which 37.1 square miles is land and 1.2 square miles is water.

Economy

Historically, Gadsden was a center for heavy industry, including the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company and the Republic Steel Corporation. In recent years, the city has diversified its economy to include healthcare, education, and retail sectors.

Education

Gadsden is served by the Gadsden City School District, which includes Gadsden City High School. Higher education institutions in the area include Gadsden State Community College.

Healthcare

The city is home to several healthcare facilities, including Gadsden Regional Medical Center and Riverview Regional Medical Center.

Transportation

Gadsden is accessible via Interstate 59, U.S. Route 411, and U.S. Route 431. The city also has a public transportation system operated by the Gadsden Transportation Services.

Culture and Recreation

Gadsden offers various cultural and recreational activities, including the Mary G. Hardin Center for Cultural Arts, the Imagination Place Children's Museum, and the Noccalula Falls Park. The city also hosts annual events such as the Riverfest and the First Friday celebrations.

Notable People

• Emma Sansom, a Confederate heroine during the American Civil War.
• Howard Hill, a famous archer and stuntman.

Related Pages

• Etowah County, Alabama
• Coosa River
• Gadsden City High School
• Gadsden State Community College
• Gadsden Regional Medical Center
• Riverview Regional Medical Center
• Noccalula Falls Park