Hamilton, Alabama

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Hamilton is a city in Marion County, Alabama, United States. At the 2000 census the population was 6,786. The city is the county seat of Marion County.

1 Geography
2 Demographics
3 Education
4 External links

[edit] Geography

Hamilton is located at 34°8′7″N, 87°59′20″W (34.135305, -87.988980)^GR1. It is situated along the Buttahatchee River.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 93.6 km² (36.1 mi²). 93.5 km² (36.1 mi²) of it is land and 0.03% is water.

[edit] Demographics

As of the census^GR2 of 2000, there were 6,786 people, 2,695 households, and 1,800 families residing in the city. The population density was 72.6/km² (188.0/mi²). There were 3,065 housing units at an average density of 32.8/km² (84.9/mi²). The racial makeup of the city was 90.41% White, 7.59% Black or African American, 0.32% Native American, 0.49% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.49% from other races, and 0.68% from two or more races. 1.71% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 2,695 households out of which 28.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.6% were married couples living together, 11.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.2% were non-families. 30.6% of all households were made up of individuals and 14.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.26 and the average family size was 2.81.

In the city the population was spread out with 19.8% under the age of 18, 8.9% from 18 to 24, 29.0% from 25 to 44, 25.9% from 45 to 64, and 16.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females there were 106.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 106.6 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $27,489, and the median income for a family was $34,485. Males had a median income of $26,362 versus $18,681 for females. The per capita income for the city was $17,505. About 12.0% of families and 17.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 23.7% of those under age 18 and 19.6% of those age 65 or over.

Hamilton is home to the Jerry Brown Arts Festival, held annually the first weekend in March. This juried, fine arts festival is named in honor of Hamilton resident and ninth-generation potter Jerry Brown. The festival, created in 2003, was established to promote artists from the local area but has now grown to be one of the most prestigious arts events in Alabama, with artists making the trek to Hamilton from throughout the Southeastern United States to participate in the festival each March.

Hamilton is the largest town in the United States that has never had a railroad.

Hamilton is famous for performing "quickie" divorces. Couples seeking a divorce would come from all over to take receive a guaranteed, one day, not hassle divorce. This practice was of course illegal and landed several prominent lawyers in hot water. The quickie divorces helped boost the economy. Celebrities such as Barbara Walters and Lucille Ball are reported to have gotten a divorce in Hamilton.