Baldwin County, Alabama

Baldwin County is a county located in the southwestern part of the U.S. state of Alabama, on the Gulf coast. According to the 2019 estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau, the population is approximately 223,234.[3] The county seat is Bay Minette. The county is named in honor of Senator Abraham Baldwin, though he never lived in what is now Alabama.

Baldwin County
U.S. county
The Baldwin County Courthouse in Bay Minette
Seal
Location within the U.S. state of Alabama
Alabama's location within the U.S.
Coordinates: 30°43′59″N 87°43′13″W
Country United States
State Alabama
FoundedDecember 21[1], 1809[1]
Named forAbraham Baldwin
SeatBay Minette
Largest cityDaphne
Area
 • Total2,027 sq mi (5,250 km2)
 • Land1,590 sq mi (4,100 km2)
 • Water437 sq mi (1,130 km2)  21.6%
Population
 (2010)
 • Total182,265
 • Estimate 
(2019)
223,234
 • Density137/sq mi (53/km2)
Time zoneUTC−6 (Central)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−5 (CDT)
Congressional district1st
Websitewww.co.baldwin.al.us
 
  • County Number 05 on Alabama Licence Plates

The U.S. federal government designates Baldwin County as the Daphne-Fairhope-Foley, AL Metropolitan Statistical Area.

It is the largest county in Alabama by area and is located on the eastern side of Mobile Bay. Part of its western border with Mobile County is formed by the Spanish River, a brackish distributary river.

History

Baldwin County was established on December 21, 1809,[1] ten years before Alabama became a state. Previously, the county had been a part of the Mississippi Territory until 1817, when the area was included in the separate Alabama Territory. Statehood was gained by Alabama in 1819.[4]

There have been numerous border changes to the county as population grew and other counties were formed. Numerous armies have invaded during the Revolutionary War, War of 1812, and Civil War.[5]

In the first days of Baldwin County, the town of McIntosh Bluff on the Tombigbee River was the county seat. (It is now included in Mobile County, west of Baldwin County.) The county seat was transferred to the town of Blakeley in 1820, and then to the city of Daphne in 1868. In 1900, by an act of the legislature of Alabama, the county seat was authorized for relocation to the city of Bay Minette; however, the city of Daphne resisted this relocation.

To achieve the relocation, the men of Bay Minette devised a scheme. They fabricated a murder to lure the Sheriff and his deputy out of the city of Daphne. While the law was chasing down the fictitious killer during the late hours, the group of Bay Minette men stealthily traveled the seventeen miles (27 km) to Daphne, stole the Baldwin County Courthouse records, and delivered them to the city of Bay Minette, where Baldwin County's county seat remains. A New Deal mural, completed by WPA artists during the Great Depression, depicts these events. It hangs in the Bay Minette United States Post Office.[6]

Due to its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico, Baldwin County frequently endures tropical weather systems, including hurricanes. Since the late 20th century, the county was declared a disaster area in September 1979 due to damage from Hurricane Frederic,[7] in July 1997 due to Hurricane Danny,[8] in September 1998 from Hurricane Georges,[9] in September 2004 due to damage from Hurricane Ivan,[10] and again in August 2005 due to damage from Hurricane Katrina.[11]

2016 flag controversy

Baldwin County attracted national attention after the 2016 Orlando nightclub shooting as the only county in the United States to refuse to lower its flags to half-staff. Both President Obama and Alabama Governor Robert Bentley had ordered all flags to be lowered immediately following the attack, which was believed to have specifically targeted the LGBTQ community. Citing the U.S. Flag Code, Baldwin County Commissioner Tucker Dorsey stated that while his "heart certainly goes out to the victims and their families," the incident "doesn't meet the test of the reason for the flag to be lowered."[12]

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 2,027 square miles (5,250 km2), of which 1,590 square miles (4,100 km2) is land and 437 square miles (1,130 km2) (21.6%) is water.[13][2] It is the largest county by area in Alabama and the 12th-largest county east of the Mississippi River. It is larger than the US state of Rhode Island.

Baldwin County's beaches

Adjacent counties

Environmental recognition

Two separate areas in Baldwin County have been designated as "Outstanding Alabama Water" by the Alabama Environmental Management Commission, which oversees the Alabama Department of Environmental Management. As of April 2007, only two other areas in Alabama have received what is the "highest environmental status" in the state. A portion of Wolf Bay and 42 miles (68 km) of the Tensaw River in northern Baldwin County have received the designation. Officials believe the "pristine water" will become an important eco-tourism destination.[14]

National protected area

Transportation

Major highways

Airports

There are numerous private airports and heliports in Baldwin County. Considerable military airspace overlies much of the county and adjacent bay and coastal waters.

Commercial, scheduled service is from Mobile Regional Airport, Mobile Downtown Airport, or Pensacola International Airport.

Demographics
Historical population
CensusPop.%±
18101,427—
18201,71320.0%
18302,32435.7%
18402,95127.0%
18504,41449.6%
18607,53070.6%
18706,004−20.3%
18808,60343.3%
18908,9413.9%
190013,19447.6%
191018,17837.8%
192020,73014.0%
193028,28936.5%
194032,32414.3%
195040,99726.8%
196049,08819.7%
197059,38221.0%
198078,55632.3%
199098,28025.1%
2000140,41542.9%
2010182,26529.8%
2019 (est.)223,234[15]22.5%
U.S. Decennial Census[16]
1790–1960[17] 1900–1990[18]
1990–2000[19] 2010–2018[3]

2010

Whereas according to the 2010 United States Census Bureau:

As of the census of 2010, there were 182,265 people, 73,180 households, and 51,151 families residing in the county. The population density was 110 people per square mile (40/km2). There were 104,061 housing units at an average density of 54 per square mile (23/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 85.7% White, 9.4% Black or African American, 0.7% Native American, 0.7% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 2.0% from other races, and 1.5% from two or more races. 4.4% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 73,180 households, out of which 28.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.5% were married couples living together, 11.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.1% were non-families. 25.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.46 and the average family size was 2.93.

In the county, the population was spread out, with 23% under the age of 18, 10.6% from 18 to 24, 24.4% from 25 to 44, 28.3% from 45 to 64, and 16.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41.1 years. For every 100 females, there were 95.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.46 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $40,250, and the median income for a family was $47,028. Males had a median income of $34,507 versus $23,069 for females. The per capita income for the county was $20,826. 10.10% of the population and 7.60% of families were below the poverty line. 13.10% of those under the age of 18 and 8.90% of those 65 and older were living below the poverty line.

According to the 2000 census, 21.4% were of American, 12.5% English, 11.4% German and 9.9% Irish ancestry.

In 2000, the largest denominational groups were Evangelical Protestants (with 38,670 adherents) and Mainline Protestants (with 16,399 adherents).[20] The largest religious bodies were the Southern Baptist Convention (with 27,789 members) and the Catholic Church (with 10,482 members).[20]

Education

The Baldwin County Board of Education / Baldwin County Public Schools oversees most public education in the county.

There are Catholic elementary schools in the county, including Christ the King (Daphne), St. Patrick (Robertsdale) and St. Benedict (Elberta). Beginning in 2016 there is also a Catholic high school, St. Michael Catholic High School, located just east of Fairhope.

Government

Baldwin County was one of the earliest counties in Alabama where the old-line Southern Democrats began splitting their tickets, and today is one of the most solidly Republican counties in Alabama. No Republican has failed to win a majority in the county since 1968, when it was easily carried by Democrat George Wallace.

Presidential elections results
Baldwin County vote
by party in presidential elections [21]
Year GOP Dem Others
2020 76.2% 83,544 22.4% 24,578 1.4% 1,557
2016 76.6% 72,883 19.4% 18,458 4.0% 3,855
2012 77.2% 66,016 21.6% 18,424 1.2% 1,051
2008 75.3% 61,271 23.8% 19,386 0.9% 756
2004 76.4% 52,971 22.5% 15,599 1.1% 750
2000 72.4% 40,872 24.8% 13,997 2.8% 1,611
1996 62.6% 29,487 27.1% 12,776 10.3% 4,856
1992 56.5% 26,270 26.2% 12,195 17.3% 8,011
1988 72.8% 25,933 26.0% 9,271 1.1% 391
1984 75.5% 24,964’’ 22.0% 7,272 2.4% 809
1980 65.8% 18,652 29.8% 8,448 4.5% 1,253
1976 57.7% 13,256 40.0% 9,191 4.0% 3,855
1972 82.2% 15,104 15.9% 2,923 1.2% 1,051
1968 11.7% 2,154 9.9% 1,821 78.4% 14,167
1964 81.1% 10,870 18.9% 2,530
1960 45.2% 4,812 53.1% 5,647 1.7% 177
1956 51.0% 4,293 46.1% 3,878 2.9% 244
1952 48.0% 3,179 51.2% 3,386 0.8% 52
1948 22.3% 767 77.7% 2,678
1944 25.5% 695 73.4% 2,002 1.1% 30
1940 17.6% 617 76.6% 2,681 5.8% 203
1936 14.6% 434 78.8% 2,338 6.6% 195
1932 19.6% 544 75.5% 2,098 5.0% 138
1928 51.1% 1,388 48.4% 1,317 0.5% 14
1924 27.8% 549 51.7% 1,023 20.5% 406
1920 28.7% 556 63.5% 1,230 7.8% 151
1916 19.0% 216 67.2% 766 13.9% 158
1912 4.0% 37 67.3% 623 28.7% 266
1908 17.1% 109 68.7% 439 14.2% 91
1904 20.5% 126 73.9% 454 5.5% 34
1900 43.0% 396 48.2% 444 8.7% 81
1896 34.2% 404 61.4% 726 4.3% 51
1892 27.6% 382 65.9% 912 6.3% 88
1888 43.0% 547 56.9% 724 0.0% 0

The county is governed by a four-member county commission, elected from single-member districts. A sheriff, coroner, and revenue commissioner are elected in at-large positions countywide. The sheriff of Baldwin County is Hoss Mack (R).[22]

The commissioners are as follows:

District 1: James E. Ball (R)

District 2: Joseph Davis III (R)

District 3: Billie Jo Underwood (R)

District 4: Charles F. Gruber (R)

The coroner is Brian Pierce (R) and the district attorney is Robert Wilters (R).

Regions

Communities
The water tower in central Foley

Cities

Towns

Census-designated place

Unincorporated areas

Ghost town

Secession proposal

Perdido County, Alabama would contain northern Baldwin County, divided by a straight line extending westward from the northwestern tip of Florida, and western Escambia County, west of Big Escambia Creek. (The Flomaton area is excluded via a prominent power line easement, from Big Escambia Creek to the Florida state line.) The southwestern tip of Conecuh County, also west of Big Escambia Creek, may be included as well. The headwaters of the Perdido River rise near the center of this proposed county. The Perdido County seat would be Atmore. The county has been proposed by city of Atmore backers, who believe that their growing city of over 11,000 residents should be a county seat. Furthermore, county backers believe that Atmore belongs in the Mobile-Daphne-Fairhope metropolitan combined statistical area, which would become much more likely within its own exurban-leaning county. Brewton would remain the county seat of rural-leaning Escambia County. In addition to the incorporated city of Atmore, Perdido County would include the unincorporated communities of Blacksher, Canoe, Freemanville, Huxford, Nokomis, Perdido and Tensaw.

See also

References
  1. A Digest of the Laws of the State of Alabama: Containing the Statutes and Resolutions in Force at the end of the General Assembly in January, 1823. Published by Ginn & Curtis, J. & J. Harper, Printers, New-York, 1828. Title 10. Chapter III. Pages 81-82. An Act to divide Washington County, and for other purposes therein mentioned.--Passed December 21, 1809.
  2. "2019 Gazetteer Files for Counties: Alabama" (text). United States Census Bureau. Retrieved 2020-06-09.
  3. "State & County QuickFacts". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 21, 2013. Retrieved May 16, 2019.
  4. "Various Historical Compilations about Baldwin County, Alabama". Baldwin County, Alabama. Archived from the original on August 28, 2007. Retrieved May 25, 2007.
  5. "ADAH Historical Markers—Baldwin County: A County Older than the State". Texts of historical markers placed by Alabama Historical Society. Alabama Department of Archives & History. Archived from the original on January 7, 2008. Retrieved October 29, 2007.
  6. "History-Compilations". Co.baldwin.al.us. Archived from the original on July 16, 2011. Retrieved July 22, 2010.
  7. "Alabama Disaster History". FEMA website. Archived from the original on July 2, 2007. Retrieved June 22, 2007.
  8. "Special Title I Assistance to Victims in Presidentially Declared Major Disaster Areas - Alabama, Vermont, Washington State and Michigan". hudclips.org. Archived from the original on September 26, 2007. Retrieved June 22, 2007.
  9. "Designated Counties for Alabama Hurricane Georges". FEMA website. Retrieved 2007-06-22.
  10. "Designated Counties for Hurricane Ivan". FEMA website. Retrieved 2007-06-22.
  11. "Alabama Hurricane Katrina". FEMA website. Archived from the original on July 1, 2007. Retrieved June 22, 2007.
  12. Deena Zaru. "Alabama county refuses to lower flag to honor Orlando victims". CNN. Retrieved June 17, 2016.
  13. "2010 Census Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. August 22, 2012. Retrieved August 22, 2015.
  14. Gary Busby, "Wolf Bay Listed as Outstanding Alabama Water", The Mobile Register, Baldwin Register, April 24, 2007, page 1
  15. "Population and Housing Unit Estimates". Retrieved May 16, 2019.
  16. "U.S. Decennial Census". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on April 26, 2015. Retrieved May 15, 2014.
  17. "Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library. Retrieved May 15, 2014.
  18. "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved May 15, 2014.
  19. "Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. Retrieved May 15, 2014.
  20. "County Membership Reports". thearda.com. Archived from the original on 12 July 2011. Retrieved August 22, 2011.
  21. "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections". Retrieved November 15, 2016.
  22. "Association". Alabama Sheriffs. Retrieved July 22, 2010.

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