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Decatur Vacations, Upscale Hotels, Historical Tours and Decatur Travel Packages


Decatur City Photo

The Decatur Metropolitan Area is a moderately urban region of North-Central Alabama. The 2004 estimate population is 149, 629, one third of which resides within the boundaries of its core city, Decatur, Alabama.

The metro area is the combined area of the City of Decatur and the surrounding areas in suburban, rural, and more developed parts of Morgan and Lawrence Counties. It is also considered to be part of the North, Northwest, and North-Central regions of Alabama.

This portion of North Alabama makes up nearly one third of the larger Huntsville-Decatur Combined Statistical Area. The metropolitan area is considered separate by the government, however, most people consider the Decatur Area part of the neighboring Huntsville Metropolitan Area, because of the short distance between them.

Decatur’s richly storied past of opportunity, prosperity, diversity and determination has shaped the city that we are today – a Grand City on a Charming Scale.

From families whose ancestors first settled this fertile river valley to newcomers who move to the area because of our progressive business environment, our City’s welcoming spirit and sense of community are what make Decatur home to a diverse group of people. Our award-winning schools and family-friendly, safe neighborhoods make Decatur a great place to raise a family. Advanced healthcare services are available here, too, including two hospitals, an oncology center, psychiatric hospital, and extensive medical specialties.

Decatur’s business climate is as progressive as it is diverse. We are home to industrial giants such as Boeing, Nucor Steel, Daikin America, and 3M as well as award-winning small retailers like Big Bob Gibson’s Barbecue and Morgan Price Candy Company.

Outdoor recreation is a year-round staple in Decatur. Folks take advantage of our location on the Tennessee River for boating, water skiing, and fishing from the first warm days of Spring through those late, lazy Fall days when the sun on the water beckons. In Decatur, one of the ways we build a strong community is providing wonderful city parks and recreation facilities. Point Mallard Park features 750 acres for recreational use with year-round activities, including the J. Gilmer Blackburn Aquatic Center, golf course, indoor ice rink, hiking/biking trails by the river, sports fields and campground. The Jack Allen Sports Complex is our new 77-acre park that provides 30 acres of laser-graded and irrigated soccer and football fields. Festivals throughout the year bring our citizens and neighbors from around the region together to celebrate with music, balloons, food and fun. Other ways to have fun in Decatur include the North Alabama Birding Trail, the Carnegie Visual Arts Center, the Princess Theatre Center for the Performing Arts, Riverwalk Marina, Wheeler Wildlife Refuge, two historic districts, and unique shopping and dining experiences.

With a rich heritage and dynamic future, Decatur will continue to pursue the economic prosperity, cultural diversity, and community spirit that make this – a Grand City on a Charming Scale.

See Alabama's largest concentration of historic Victorian homes along 116 acres in Old Decatur and Albany historic districts.

Nestled in the Tennessee River Valley, the city of Decatur boasts a rich and colorful history. Originally a river crossing for settlers west of the Appalachian Mountains, the town became known as Decatur on June 16, 1820. A few years later, in 1826, the Alabama Legislature incorporated the City of Decatur. Settlers were drawn to the community at this time by its fertile river valley soil and relatively easy river access to other cities.    

The year 1836 would prove to be a turning point in Decatur's history, since at that time it was chosen to become the eastern terminus of the first railroad line west of the Appalachian Mountains. This new outlet provided a boost to the city's economy and a rapid growth in population ensued. With two major outlets for industry - the Tennessee River and the Tuscumbia, Courtland and Decatur Railroad - Decatur became an important industrial hub in Alabama. This increased industry brought with it the need for new business, including a branch of the State Bank of Alabama, which opened its doors in 1833. Although the bank would be closed in 1842, the building in which it was housed still stands today.

The Civil War brought with it a host of changes to the city. Because of its railroad, Decatur was of strategic importance during the war and therefore changed hands several times as the opposing armies struggled to control the all-important railroad. By the war's end the city had suffered complete devastation, with all but three buildings burned to the ground.

May 1864 - Pontoon bridge crossing the Tennessee River
 
The citizens of Decatur quickly began the task of rebuilding, and by the late 1880's - after two yellow fever plagues further decimated the city - Decatur was again expanding. In 1886 the Decatur Land and Development Company decided to promote a new city to the southeast of Decatur called New Decatur. By 1887 this new city, now known as Albany, was incorporated. In 1927, Albany merged with Decatur to become a single city.

During the early 1900's Decatur was a major city in Alabama, with a population between 7,000 and 8,000. At this time, many new homes were constructed and civic improvements were made as the city focused on providing a superior quality of life for its citizens. In 1919 a livery stable was renovated to become the Princess Theater and in 1929 Decatur's first traffic lights were installed. Downtown Decatur was the place to be on weekend evenings, with movies, ice cream parlors, and live theater and musical performances all providing a social outlet.

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City of Decatur

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