Daphne is a city in
Baldwin CountyBaldwin County is a county of the U.S. state of Alabama. It is named in honor of Abraham Baldwin, a member of the United States Senate who never actually lived in what would become Alabama. As of 2000 the population is 140,415 . The estimated 2006 population from the U.S. Census Bureau is 169,162....
,
AlabamaAlabama is a state located in the southeastern region of the United States of America. It is bordered by Tennessee to the north, Georgia to the east, Florida and the Gulf of Mexico to the south, and Mississippi to the west. Alabama ranks 30th in total land area and ranks second in the size of its...
, on the eastern shoreline of
Mobile BayMobile Bay is an inlet of the Gulf of Mexico, lying within the state of Alabama in the United States. Its mouth is formed by the Fort Morgan Peninsula on the eastern side and Dauphin Island, a barrier island on the western side. The Mobile River and Tensaw River empty into the northern end of the...
. The city is located just off I-10, 11 miles east of
MobileMobile is the third most populous city in the Southern U.S. state of Alabama and is the county seat of Mobile County. It is located on the Mobile River and the central Gulf Coast of the United States. The population within the city limits was 198,915 during the 2000 census...
and 150 miles southwest of the state capital of
MontgomeryMontgomery is the capital, second most populous city, and the fourth most populous metropolitan area in the Southern U.S. state of Alabama, and is the county seat of Montgomery County. It is located southeast of the center of the state, in the Gulf Coastal Plain. The city population was 201,568...
. The 2000 census lists the population of the city as 16,581 making Daphne the most populous city in Baldwin County. The city estimates its present population at approximately 18,000 in 2008. It is a principal city of the Daphne–
FairhopeFairhope is a city in Baldwin County, Alabama, on a sloping plateau, along the cliffs and shoreline of Mobile Bay. The 2000 census lists the population of the city as 12,480....
–
FoleyFoley is a city in Baldwin County, Alabama, United States.The 2000 census lists the population of the city as 7,590.Foley is a principal city of the Daphne–Fairhope–Foley Micropolitan Statistical Area, which includes all of Baldwin County....
Micropolitan Statistical Area, which includes all of Baldwin County.
The inhabited history of what is now called Daphne dates at least to the Paleo-Indian period and Native American tribes around 9,000 BC. Modern day Daphne is a thriving suburb of nearby Mobile with all the expected amenities of 21st century life.
Geography
Daphne is located at 30°37'52.640" North, 87°53'11.184" West (30.631289, -87.886440). It is one of three cities that are collectively known as
Eastern ShoreEastern Shore is a colloquial term referring to the geographic eastern shoreline of Mobile Bay in southwest Alabama. It extends from just north of Interstate 10 to the southeastern end of the bay near Weeks Bay. Since there is no official boundary set for the "Eastern Shore" its usage is subject to...
by locals. They are
Spanish FortSpanish Fort is a city in Baldwin County, Alabama, United States, located on the eastern shore of Mobile Bay. The 2000 census lists the population of the city as 5,423. It is part of the Daphne–Fairhope–Foley Micropolitan Statistical Area....
to the north, Daphne in the center and
FairhopeFairhope is a city in Baldwin County, Alabama, on a sloping plateau, along the cliffs and shoreline of Mobile Bay. The 2000 census lists the population of the city as 12,480....
to the south.
The topography of Daphne is generally consistent from a gently sloping sea level on the west to low rolling hills further east. Generally, the entire city lies no more than 150 above sea level.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 14.1 square miles (36.5 km²), of which, 13.5 square miles (34.9 km²) of it is land and 0.6 square miles (1.6 km²) of it (4.47%) is water.
Nearby communities include:
FairhopeFairhope is a city in Baldwin County, Alabama, on a sloping plateau, along the cliffs and shoreline of Mobile Bay. The 2000 census lists the population of the city as 12,480....
,
LoxleyLoxley is a town in Baldwin County, Alabama, United States. As of the 2000 census, the population of the town is 1,348. It is part of the Daphne–Fairhope–Foley Micropolitan Statistical Area.-Geography:...
,
MobileMobile is the third most populous city in the Southern U.S. state of Alabama and is the county seat of Mobile County. It is located on the Mobile River and the central Gulf Coast of the United States. The population within the city limits was 198,915 during the 2000 census...
,
Point ClearPoint Clear is an unincorporated census-designated place in Baldwin County, Alabama, United States. As of the 2000 census, the population was 1,876. It is part of the Daphne–Fairhope–Foley Micropolitan Statistical Area.-Geography:...
,
RobertsdaleRobertsdale is a city in Baldwin County, Alabama, United States. At the 2000 census the population was 3,782. It is part of the Daphne–Fairhope–Foley Micropolitan Statistical Area.-History:...
,
SilverhillSilverhill is a town in Baldwin County, Alabama, United States. As of the 2000 census, the population was 616. It is part of the Daphne–Fairhope–Foley Micropolitan Statistical Area.-History:...
,
SummerdaleSummerdale is a rural town in south-central Baldwin County, Alabama, United States. It is the site of the NOLF Summerdale Airport. At the 2000 census the population was 655. It is part of the Daphne–Fairhope–Foley Micropolitan Statistical Area.-Geography:Summerdale is located at...
,
Gulf ShoresGulf Shores is a coastal city in Baldwin County, Alabama, United States. As of the 2000 Census, the population was 5,044. However, since the year 2000, Baldwin County as a whole, has experienced rapid population growth, second only to Shelby County in Alabama....
,
Orange BeachOrange Beach is a city in Baldwin County, Alabama, United States. At the 2000 census the population was 3,784. It is part of the Daphne–Fairhope–Foley Micropolitan Statistical Area.-Geography:...
,
Bay MinetteBay Minette is a city in Baldwin County, Alabama, United States. As of the 2000 census, the population of the city was 7,820. According to the 2007 U.S. Census estimates, the city had a population of 7726. The city is the county seat of Baldwin County...
,
FoleyFoley is a city in Baldwin County, Alabama, United States.The 2000 census lists the population of the city as 7,590.Foley is a principal city of the Daphne–Fairhope–Foley Micropolitan Statistical Area, which includes all of Baldwin County....
,
Magnolia SpringsMagnolia Springs, Alabama is a town in south Baldwin County, in the Daphne–Fairhope–Foley Micropolitan Statistical Area. The town voted to incorporate in 2006.-History:...
,
ElbertaElberta is a town in Baldwin County, Alabama, United States. At the 2000 census the population was 552. It is part of the Daphne–Fairhope–Foley Micropolitan Statistical Area.-Geography:...
,
BelforestBelforest is a small, unincorporated community in Baldwin County, Alabama, United States. It is located just east of Daphne. The area provides residents a volunteer fire department and a water system....
, and
MalbisMalbis is an unincorporated settlement in Baldwin County, Alabama, United States. The community lies at the crossroads of U.S. 90 and Alabama State Route 181 just south of I-10. Portions of the settlement are today within the city limits of Daphne...
.
Demographics
As of the
censusA "census" is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population.In other words every 10 years...next one would be in 2010 The term is used mostly in connection with...
of 2000, there were 16,581 people, 6,563 households, and 4,670 families residing in the city. The
population densityPopulation density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans. It is a key term used in geography....
was 1,230.5 people per square mile (475.3/km²). There were 7,222 housing units at an average density of 536.0/sq mi (207.0/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 85.33%
WhiteRace and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the United States Census Bureau and the Federal Office of Management and Budget , are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 12.35%
BlackRace and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the United States Census Bureau and the Federal Office of Management and Budget , are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
or
African AmericanRace and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the United States Census Bureau and the Federal Office of Management and Budget , are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.30%
Native AmericanRace and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the United States Census Bureau and the Federal Office of Management and Budget , are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.61%
AsianRace and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the United States Census Bureau and the Federal Office of Management and Budget , are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.01%
Pacific IslanderRace and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the United States Census Bureau and the Federal Office of Management and Budget , are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.43% from
other racesRace and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the United States Census Bureau and the Federal Office of Management and Budget , are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 0.97% from two or more races. 1.53% of the population were
HispanicRace and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the United States Census Bureau and the Federal Office of Management and Budget , are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
or
LatinoRace and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the United States Census Bureau and the Federal Office of Management and Budget , are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
of any race.
There were 6,563 households out of which 34.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.6% were
married couplesMarriage is a social union or legal contract between individuals that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged by a variety of ways, depending on the culture or demographic...
living together, 9.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.8% were non-families. 24.6% of all households were made up of individuals and 5.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.50 and the average family size was 3.01.
In the city the population was spread out with 25.6% under the age of 18, 6.9% from 18 to 24, 31.6% from 25 to 44, 25.6% from 45 to 64, and 10.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females there were 94.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.4 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $52,603, and the median income for a family was $61,563. Males had a median income of $46,576 versus $29,052 for females. The
per capita incomePer capita income means how much each individual receives, in monetary terms, of the yearly income generated in the country. This is what each citizen is to receive if the yearly national income is divided equally among everyone. Per capita income is usually reported in units of currency per year...
for the city was $25,597. About 2.6% of families and 4.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 4.5% of those under age 18 and 7.0% of those age 65 or over.
History
The history of Daphne predates recorded history and shares much in common with other southeastern towns and cities. From
Native AmericanNative Americans in the United States is the phrase that describes indigenous peoples from North America now encompassed by the continental United States, including parts of Alaska and the island state of Hawaii. They comprise a large number of distinct tribes, states, and ethnic groups, many of...
, to the Spanish, French and British, the city has seen a lengthy parade of historic influences which gives Daphne it's present character.
Daphne is also known as the “Jubilee City.” A
Jubilee in Mobile BayJubilee is the name used locally for a natural phenomenon that occurs sporadically on the shores of Mobile Bay, a large body of water on Alabama's Gulf Coast. During a jubilee many species of crab and shrimp, as well as flounder, eels, and other demersal fish will leave deeper waters and swarm—in...
occurs when crab,
shrimpShrimp are swimming, decapod crustaceans classified in the infraorder Caridea, found widely around the world in both fresh and salt water. Adult shrimp are filter feeding benthic animals living close to the bottom. They can live in schools and can swim rapidly backwards. Shrimp are an important...
, and other sea life from the waters of
Mobile BayMobile Bay is an inlet of the Gulf of Mexico, lying within the state of Alabama in the United States. Its mouth is formed by the Fort Morgan Peninsula on the eastern side and Dauphin Island, a barrier island on the western side. The Mobile River and Tensaw River empty into the northern end of the...
are suddenly found washed ashore along the coastline. Biologists believe the phenomenon is due to a possible decrease in water oxygen levels which force the fish to the surface.
Native American history
Early settlers to the region were hunter-gather tribes similar to those in North Alabama. Small clans worked together to acquire food and to provide for the families. These groups enjoyed an economy based upon hunting and scavaging. As time passed, the tribal production of weapons and pottery became more advanced. During the late Woodland stage Native Americans began to practice more elaborate ritual services. Although no burial grounds are known in Daphne, they are scattered throughout nearby Baldwin County. By 1500, the zenith of Native American culture in South Alabama, it is estimated that a community of about 5,000 lived within 50 miles of the seacoast. These peoples were among the first who met Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto in 1540. From this meeting forward, the original settlers faced a disaster from which they did not recover.
European exploration and settlement
The first European settlers to the area of Daphne came in 1540 and the period of Spanish Exploration. Prior to that time the region was populated by a variety of Native American tribes. In 1763, the community of Daphne was established and was known simply as “the Village.” The town of Daphne was officially established, although unincorporated, in April of 1874 when the Post Office for Daphne was opened. The town was named the county seat of
Baldwin County, AlabamaBaldwin County is a county of the U.S. state of Alabama. It is named in honor of Abraham Baldwin, a member of the United States Senate who never actually lived in what would become Alabama. As of 2000 the population is 140,415 . The estimated 2006 population from the U.S. Census Bureau is 169,162....
, in 1868 after the previous county seat, Blakely, was destroyed in the
Civil WarThe American Civil War , also known as the War Between the States and several other names, was a civil war in the United States of America. Eleven Southern slave states declared their secession from the United States and formed the Confederate States of America...
.
Modern History
Daphne remained the county seat until a legislative act of 1900, when the county seat was moved to
Bay MinetteBay Minette is a city in Baldwin County, Alabama, United States. As of the 2000 census, the population of the city was 7,820. According to the 2007 U.S. Census estimates, the city had a population of 7726. The city is the county seat of Baldwin County...
. Daphne residents resisted the change and would not allow the county records to be removed. Those records were stolen in a late night raid and moved to Bay Minette.
On July 8, 1927, Daphne was incorporated with a request for incorporation signed by 41 landowners. On September 19, 1927, the town held its first election. The first Mayor was James M. Voltz. An attempt in 1946 to revoke incorporation by unhappy residents failed.
In February, 2008, Daphne became the last of the large cities in Baldwin County to enact a public smoking ban. After contentious council meetings, the ban was passed while exempting bars, private clubs and up to 30% of rooms in a hotel.
Government
Daphne is incorporated in
Baldwin County, AlabamaBaldwin County is a county of the U.S. state of Alabama. It is named in honor of Abraham Baldwin, a member of the United States Senate who never actually lived in what would become Alabama. As of 2000 the population is 140,415 . The estimated 2006 population from the U.S. Census Bureau is 169,162....
. It is governed by a mayor and city council, both of which are elected by popular vote every four years. A semi-autonomous Utilities Board and Zoning Commission support the governance of the city.
Mayor
Daphne’s current mayor is Fred Small, who is presently in his second term. Small, who serves as a full-time mayor, is also a local businessman.
City Council
A seven member city council serves the city of Daphne. Council Members are selected within districts. The council is presently composed of the following:
Bailey Yelding, Jr., District One
Cathy Barnette, District Two
John L. Lake, District Three
Greg W. Burnam, District Four
Ron Scott, District Five
Open, District Six
August Palumbo, District Seven
Education
Public schools in Daphne are part of the Baldwin County Public Schools system. Three elementary schools, a middle school, and a high school serve the Daphne area.
High schools
- Daphne High School
Daphne High School is a secondary school located in Daphne, Alabama. The school, which serves grades 9-12, is a part of the Baldwin County Public Schools district. Students at the school live in the city of Daphne and its surrounding unincorporated areas and the city of Loxley...
(9-12)
- Bayside Academy(Private School) (K-12)
Middle schools
- Daphne Middle School
Daphne Middle School serves children in the 7th, and 8th grades in Daphne, Alabama. The school is part of the Baldwin County, Alabama school system. The school mascot is the Trojans. The school's principal is James Oliphant. The school's colors are purple and gold. Daphne Middle School is...
(6-8)
- Bayside Academy(Private School) (K-12)
- Christ the King Catholic School(Private School) (K-8)
Primary schools
- Daphne East Elementary School (K-6)
- Daphne Elementary School North Campus (K-3)
- W.J. Caroll Intermediate School (Daphne South) (4-6)
- Bayside Academy(Private School)(K-12)
- Christ the King Catholic School(Private School) (K-8)
Higher education
- The United States Sports Academy
The United States Sports Academy is a specialized university located in Daphne, Alabama, that offers degree and non-degree programs in sports instruction and sports research....
is an independent, non-profit, special mission school of sport offering sport-specific residential and online distance learning programs to students, teachers, and administrators around the world. In addition, it houses the American Sport Art Museum and Archives.
- Huntingdon College
Huntingdon College, founded in 1854, is a coeducational liberal arts college in Montgomery, Alabama. Affiliated with the United Methodist Church, the college is known for its business and science programs...
has a comprehensive graduate school in Daphne that focuses in business and professional graduate programs.
Recreation
Daphne is served by six public parks, which include the following:
- Trione Park is a large multifield sports complex.
- Lott Park is an older, multi-field baseball, basketball, and tennis park.
- Centennial Park is a small children's play park.
- May Day Park includes a large playground for young children, a boat launch into Mobile Bay and a pier.
- Bayfront Park is a small drive up park that fronts on the bay and includes an elevated hall for parties and receptions, business meetings, etc. Gator Alley Boardwalk winds through the estuary
An estuary is a semi-enclosed coastal body of water with one or more rivers or streams flowing into it, and with a free connection to the open sea. Estuaries are thus subject to both marine influences, such as tides, waves, and the influx of saline water; and riverine influences, such as flows of...
and ends at a small pier. Also located on this park is the Richard Scardimalia Pavilion where weddings are also performed.
- Village Point Park Preserve is the largest park in Daphne and was once referred to as Jackson Oak Park. It is an estuary
An estuary is a semi-enclosed coastal body of water with one or more rivers or streams flowing into it, and with a free connection to the open sea. Estuaries are thus subject to both marine influences, such as tides, waves, and the influx of saline water; and riverine influences, such as flows of...
for wildlife. A historic cemetery is also located on the property.
The
Daphne Civic CenterThe Daphne Civic Center is a multipurpose convention and performing arts center located in Daphne, Alabama, USA . The Center features of exhibit and meeting space in the main exhibit hall, which also features a 37-by-70-foot permanent stage. For concerts, the exhibit hall can seat 1,700; for...
is a city-owned facility used to host a variety of recurring and specials events for the community. Constructed at a cost of $6 million, it opened to the public in December 1999.
Notable residents
- Kenny King
Kenny King is a Canadian football defensive tackle free agent. He was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the fifth round of the 2003 NFL Draft. He played college football at Alabama....
, a football playerFootball player, may refer to:*One who plays American football or Canadian football*A footballer*A soccer player...
- Jeremy Clark, a football player
Football player, may refer to:*One who plays American football or Canadian football*A footballer*A soccer player...
for the New York GiantsThe New York Giants are a professional American football team based in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The team plays its home games at Giants Stadium, which also serves as its headquarters, and trains at an adjacent practice facility within the Meadowlands Sports Complex...
- Courtney Duncan
Courtney Duncan , is a retired Major League Baseball player who played pitcher from -. He would play for the Chicago Cubs....
, a major league baseballMajor League Baseball is the highest level of play in North American professional baseball. Specifically, Major League Baseball refers to the organization that operates the National League and the American League, by means of a joint organizational structure that has developed gradually between...
player.
- Pat White, college football player (West Virginia Univerisity Mountaineers), 2007 Heisman Trophy
The Heisman Memorial Trophy Award , named after the former college football coach John Heisman, is awarded annually by the Heisman Trophy Trust to the most outstanding player in collegiate football...
finalist.
External links