Irondale, Alabama

Irondale is a city in Jefferson County, Alabama, United States. It is a suburb of Birmingham, northeast of Homewood and Mountain Brook. At the 2010 census the population was 12,349. The setting of the book (later a film) Fried Green Tomatoes, by Irondale native Fannie Flagg, is loosely based on the town and the landmark Irondale Cafe, known as The Whistle-Stop Cafe in the book & film. Irondale is also the location of Catholic radio/television broadcaster EWTN. The city's annual Whistle-Stop Festival attracts thousands to its eclectic mix of art, food and music.

Irondale
City
The Irondale Cafe
Location of Irondale in Jefferson County, Alabama.
Coordinates: 33°31′55″N 86°41′13″W
CountryUnited States
StateAlabama
CountyJefferson
Government
 • TypeMayor-Council
 • MayorJames D. Stewart, Jr.
Area
 • Total17.62 sq mi (45.63 km2)
 • Land17.45 sq mi (45.20 km2)
 • Water0.17 sq mi (0.43 km2)
Elevation
741 ft (226 m)
Population
 (2010)
 • Total12,349
 • Estimate 
(2019)[2]
12,893
 • Density738.85/sq mi (285.27/km2)
Time zoneUTC-6 (Central (CST))
 • Summer (DST)UTC-5 (CDT)
ZIP code
35210
Area code(s)205 & 659
FIPS code01-37864
GNIS feature ID0120702
Websitecityofirondaleal.gov

History

On October 5, 1887, the people of Irondale petitioned for incorporation. The town incorporated as Irondale (after Irondale Furnace) on October 19, 1887 following a vote on October 17, 1887.[3]

The 1916 Irondale earthquake, magnitude 5.1, caused some damage in the area, and was felt in neighboring states.

In 1981, Mother Angelica founded the Eternal Word Television Network, after starting from a garage.

On August 25, 2020, Irondale voters elected James D. Stewart, Jr. as the first black mayor in the city's history.[4]

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 9.0 square miles (23 km2), of which 9.0 square miles (23 km2) is land and 0.11% is water.

Demographics
Historical population
CensusPop.%±
1900525—
19105729.0%
192080941.4%
19301,51787.5%
19401,486−2.0%
19501,87626.2%
19603,50186.6%
19703,166−9.6%
19806,510105.6%
19909,45445.2%
20009,8133.8%
201012,34925.8%
2019 (est.)12,893[2]4.4%
U.S. Decennial Census[5]

According to the 2010 census results, the population of the area was approximately 12,349 people. From 2000 to 2010, Irondale's population growth percentage was 25.8% (or from 9,813 people to 12,349 people). 23.1% of the Irondale city residents were under 18 years of age. Census 2010 race data for Irondale city include the racial breakdown percentages of 56.33% white, 35.38% black, 1.43% Asian and 7.78% Hispanic. Also, there were 5,495 housing units in Irondale city, 92.5% of which were occupied housing units.

Education

Irondale is served by Jefferson County Board of Education and is home to Shades Valley High School, Grantswood Community School, Irondale Community School, Irondale Middle School, Shades Valley Theatre Academy, Jefferson Christian Academy, and the Jefferson County International Baccalaureate School.

Notable people

References
  1. "2019 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved June 29, 2020.
  2. "Population and Housing Unit Estimates". United States Census Bureau. May 24, 2020. Retrieved May 27, 2020.
  3. http://www.encyclopediaofalabama.org/article/h-3208
  4. "2020 Irondale, AL Mayor Election Results". Bama Politics. Retrieved 2020-09-05.
  5. United States Census Bureau. "Census of Population and Housing". Archived from the original on April 26, 2015. Retrieved August 10, 2013.


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