Madison County is a
countyA county is a land area of local government within a country. A county may have cities and towns within its area. Originally, in continental Europe, a county was the land under the jurisdiction of a count .Counts are called earls in post-Celtic Britain, Ireland and France—the term is from Old...
of the
U.S. stateA U.S. state is any one of 50 federated states of the United States of America that share sovereignty with the federal government . Because of this shared sovereignty, an American is a citizen both of the federal entity and of his or her state of domicile...
of
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...
, and is a major part of the
Huntsville-Decatur Combined Statistical AreaThe Huntsville-Decatur Combined Statistical Area is the most populated sub-region of North Alabama, and is the second fastest growing region in the State of Alabama, with 510,088 living within the CSA...
. The county is named in honor of
James MadisonJames Madison was an American politician and political philosopher who served as the fourth President of the United States , and was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States....
, fourth President of the United States of America, and the first to visit the state of
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...
. According to the Census' 2008 estimate, the population was 319,510. Its
county seatA county seat is a term for an administrative center for a county or civil parish, primarily used in the United States. In the Northeast United States, the statutory term often is shire town, but colloquially county seat is the term in use there...
is
HuntsvilleHuntsville is a city, centrally located in the northern most part of the U.S. state of Alabama. It is located in Madison county and extends west into neighboring Limestone county. Huntsville is the county seat of Madison county, and the fourth largest city in Alabama. The 2000 census estimated...
. Madison County covers parts of the former
Decatur CountyDecatur County, Alabama is a former county of the state of Alabama, United States. Its name is in honor of Commodore Stephen Decatur of the United States Navy. Its county seat was Woodville.- History :Decatur County was established on December 7, 1821...
.
Madison County was established on December 13, 1808 by the governor of the Mississippi territory.
Madison County is a
countyA county is a land area of local government within a country. A county may have cities and towns within its area. Originally, in continental Europe, a county was the land under the jurisdiction of a count .Counts are called earls in post-Celtic Britain, Ireland and France—the term is from Old...
of the
U.S. stateA U.S. state is any one of 50 federated states of the United States of America that share sovereignty with the federal government . Because of this shared sovereignty, an American is a citizen both of the federal entity and of his or her state of domicile...
of
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...
, and is a major part of the
Huntsville-Decatur Combined Statistical AreaThe Huntsville-Decatur Combined Statistical Area is the most populated sub-region of North Alabama, and is the second fastest growing region in the State of Alabama, with 510,088 living within the CSA...
. The county is named in honor of
James MadisonJames Madison was an American politician and political philosopher who served as the fourth President of the United States , and was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States....
, fourth President of the United States of America, and the first to visit the state of
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...
. According to the Census' 2008 estimate, the population was 319,510. Its
county seatA county seat is a term for an administrative center for a county or civil parish, primarily used in the United States. In the Northeast United States, the statutory term often is shire town, but colloquially county seat is the term in use there...
is
HuntsvilleHuntsville is a city, centrally located in the northern most part of the U.S. state of Alabama. It is located in Madison county and extends west into neighboring Limestone county. Huntsville is the county seat of Madison county, and the fourth largest city in Alabama. The 2000 census estimated...
. Madison County covers parts of the former
Decatur CountyDecatur County, Alabama is a former county of the state of Alabama, United States. Its name is in honor of Commodore Stephen Decatur of the United States Navy. Its county seat was Woodville.- History :Decatur County was established on December 7, 1821...
.
History
Madison County was established on December 13, 1808 by the governor of the Mississippi territory. Madison County is recognized as the "birthplace" of
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...
, which was founded there on December 14, 1819. For much of the county's history, the economy revolved mainly around agriculture. Madison County was one of the largest
cottonCotton is a soft, staple fiber that grows in a form known as a boll around the seeds of the cotton plant, a shrub native to tropical and subtropical regions around the world, including the Americas, India and Africa. The fiber most often is spun into yarn or thread and used to make a soft,...
-producing counties in the state of Alabama, and textile mills operated around the county.
This all changed when a group of German rocket scientists, led by
Wernher von BraunWernher Magnus Maximilian Freiherr von Braun was a German American rocket physicist and astronautics engineer, becoming one of the leading figures in the development of rocket technology in Germany and the United States...
, came to Huntsville in 1950. They developed the Mercury-Redstone Rocket, which eventually became the first vehicle to launch an American into space. Tens of thousands of jobs came to the area as a result of the "space race", and the population of Madison County rose from 72,903 in 1950 to an estimated 2005 population of 298,192.
Geography
According to the
U.S. Census BureauThe United States Census Bureau is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census. It also gathers other national demographic and economic data. As part of the United States Department of Commerce, the Census Bureau serves as the leading source of quality data about...
, the county has a total area of 2,105 km² (813 square miles). Nearly 805 square miles (2,085 km²) of it is land, and 8 square miles (21 km²) of it (0.98%) is water.
The topography in the southern and eastern portions of the county is dominated by the dissected remnants of the
Cumberland PlateauThe Cumberland Plateau is the southern part of the Appalachian Plateau. It includes much of eastern Kentucky and western West Virginia, part of Tennessee, and a small portion of northern Alabama and northwest Georgia
. The terms "Allegheny Plateau" and the "Cumberland Plateau" both refer...
, such as Keel Mountain, Monte Sano Mountain and Green Mountain. The northern and western portions of the county are flatter.
Major highways
.svg.png)
Interstate 565Interstate 565 is a 22-mile long Interstate spur that connects Interstate 65 in Decatur, Alabama with U.S. Highway 72 in Huntsville, Alabama....
U.S. Highway 72
U.S. Highway 231
U.S. Highway 431
State Route 53State Route 53 is a state highway in the U.S. state of Alabama. The majority, between Dothan and Huntsville, is signed as U.S. Highway 231 , but the two ends - south to Florida and north to I-65/US-31 near Tennessee - are independent...
State Route 255State Route 255 or SR-255 runs from I-565 to Bob Wade Lane on the north and west sides of Huntsville in Madison County, Alabama. Much of the route is a limited access highway, with the entire route planned to be limited access...
Adjacent counties
- Lincoln County, Tennessee
Lincoln County is a county located in the U.S. state of Tennessee. , the population was 31,340. Its county seat is Fayetteville. It is named for Major General Benjamin Lincoln, an officer in the American Revolutionary War.-History:...
(north)
- Franklin County, Tennessee
Franklin County is a county located in the U.S. state of Tennessee. As of 2000, the population was 39,270. The 2005 Census Estimate placed the population at 41,003...
(northeast)
- Jackson County
Jackson County is a county of the U.S. state of Alabama, and is included in the Huntsville-Decatur Metro Area. Its name is in honor of Andrew Jackson, general in the United States Army and President of the United States of America. As of 2000, the population was 53,926. Its county seat is...
(east)
- Marshall County
Marshall County is a county of the U.S. state of Alabama, and is included in the Huntsville-Decatur Combined Statistical Area. Its name is in honor of John Marshall, famous Chief Justice of the United States. As of 2000 the population was 82,231...
(southeast)
- Morgan County
Morgan County is the most populous county in the Decatur Metropolitan Area, and the second most populous county in the Huntsville-Decatur Combined Statistical Area. Its name is in honor of General Daniel Morgan of Virginia. As of 2008 the population was 115,959...
(southwest across the Tennessee River)
- Limestone County
Limestone County is a county of the U.S. state of Alabama, and is included in the Huntsville-Decatur Metro Area. Its name comes from Limestone Creek, a local stream. In 2000, the population was 65,676. In 2008, the United States Census Bureau estimated the county's population at 76,135...
(west)
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 276,700 people, 109,955 households, and 75,319 families residing in the county. 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 344 people per square mile (133/km²). There were 120,288 housing units at an average density of 149 per square mile (58/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 72.06%
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...
, 22.78%
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...
, 0.77%
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...
, 1.86%
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...
, 0.06%
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...
, 0.59% 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 1.89% from two or more races. Nearly 1.89% 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 109,955 households, out of which 33.00% had children under the age of 18 living with them; 53.40% 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, 11.80% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.50% were non-families. Nearly 27.20% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.40% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.45, and the average family size was 3.00.
In the county, the population was spread out with 25.60% under the age of 18, 9.40% from 18 to 24, 31.50% from 25 to 44, 22.70% from 45 to 64, and 10.80% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 95.30 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.10 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $44,704, and the median income for a family was $54,360. Males had a median income of $40,779 versus $26,534 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 county was $23,091. About 8.10% of families and 10.50% of the population were below the poverty line, including 14.10% of those under age 18 and 9.60% of those age 65 or over.
Education
The
Madison County School System runs public schools throughout the unincorporated areas of the county and the incorporated and unincorporated communities of
GurleyGurley is a town in Madison County, Alabama, United States, and is included in the Huntsville-Decatur Combined Statistical Area. As of the 2000 census, the population of the town is 876.-History:...
,
New HopeNew Hope is a city in Madison County, Alabama, United States, and is included in the Huntsville-Decatur Combined Statistical Area. As of the 2000 census, the population is 2,539....
,
MeridianvilleMeridianville is an unincorporated community and census-designated place in Madison County, Alabama, United States, and is included in the Huntsville-Decatur Combined Statistical Area. As of the 2000 census, the population of the community is 4,117....
,
Hazel GreenHazel Green is an unincorporated community and census-designated place in Madison County, Alabama, United States, and is included in the Huntsville-Decatur Combined Statistical Area. As of the 2000 census, the population of the community is 3,805.-History:...
,
ToneyToney is an unincorporated community in the northwestern part of Madison County, Alabama, United States. A part of the Huntsville-Decatur Combined Statistical Area, it is located at an elevation of 827 feet .-Public services:...
,
MonroviaMonrovia is an unincorporated community in Madison County, Alabama, United States. It is bordered on the south by the city of Madison, on the southeast by the city of Huntsville, on the west by Limestone County and on the north by the community of Harvest....
,
New MarketNew Market is a census-designated place in Madison County, Alabama, United States, and is included in the Huntsville-Decatur Combined Statistical Area. As of the 2000 census, the population of the CDP is 1,864...
, and
Owens Cross RoadsOwens Cross Roads is a town in Madison County, Alabama, United States, and is included in the Huntsville-Decatur Combined Statistical Area. As of the 2000 census, the population of the town is 1,124.-Geography:...
. The system runs 14 elementary schools, 4 middle schools, 5 high schools and a ninth grade school, and a career/technical center.
High schools in the Madison County School System are:
- Buckhorn High School (New Market, Alabama)
Buckhorn High School is located in New Market in northern Madison County, Alabama. A National Blue Ribbon School, it is known for its baseball, basketball, football, band and softball teams as well as a high grading average. It is located at the site of the American Civil War Battle of Buckhorn...
- Hazel Green High School
Hazel Green High School is located in Hazel Green in north Madison County, Alabama, USA. It is operated by the Madison County Board of Education. HGHS currently has over 1,200 enrolled students in grades 9-12, making it a 6A school.-Building:...
- Madison County (in Gurley)
- New Hope High School
New Hope High School may refer to:* New Hope High School - New Hope, Alabama* New Hope High School - Columbus, Mississippi* New Hope High School - Leander, Texas...
- Sparkman High (in Harvest)
There are a number of private schools serving Madison County. These include Madison Academy, Westminster Christian Academy, Faith Christian Academy, and several others.
Municipalities and census-designated places
- Gurley
Gurley is a town in Madison County, Alabama, United States, and is included in the Huntsville-Decatur Combined Statistical Area. As of the 2000 census, the population of the town is 876.-History:...
- Harvest
Harvest is an unincorporated community and census-designated place in the northwestern part of Madison County, Alabama, United States, and is included in the Huntsville-Decatur Combined Statistical Area. As of the 2000 census, the population of the community is 3,054.- History :Harvest was part of...
- Hazel Green
Hazel Green is an unincorporated community and census-designated place in Madison County, Alabama, United States, and is included in the Huntsville-Decatur Combined Statistical Area. As of the 2000 census, the population of the community is 3,805.-History:...
- Huntsville
Huntsville is a city, centrally located in the northern most part of the U.S. state of Alabama. It is located in Madison county and extends west into neighboring Limestone county. Huntsville is the county seat of Madison county, and the fourth largest city in Alabama. The 2000 census estimated...
(part - part of Huntsville is in Limestone CountyLimestone County is a county of the U.S. state of Alabama, and is included in the Huntsville-Decatur Metro Area. Its name comes from Limestone Creek, a local stream. In 2000, the population was 65,676. In 2008, the United States Census Bureau estimated the county's population at 76,135...
)
- Madison
Madison is a city in Limestone and Madison Counties in the U.S. state of Alabama, and is included in the Huntsville-Decatur Combined Statistical Area. As of the 2006 Census Bureau estimates, the population of the city was 36,824. The current mayor is Paul Finley.-History:Madison's first resident...
(part - part of Madison is in Limestone CountyLimestone County is a county of the U.S. state of Alabama, and is included in the Huntsville-Decatur Metro Area. Its name comes from Limestone Creek, a local stream. In 2000, the population was 65,676. In 2008, the United States Census Bureau estimated the county's population at 76,135...
)
- Meridianville
Meridianville is an unincorporated community and census-designated place in Madison County, Alabama, United States, and is included in the Huntsville-Decatur Combined Statistical Area. As of the 2000 census, the population of the community is 4,117....
- Moores Mill
Moores Mill is a census-designated place in Madison County, Alabama, United States, and is included in the Huntsville-Decatur Combined Statistical Area. The population was 5,178 at the 2000 census.-Geography:...
- New Hope
New Hope is a city in Madison County, Alabama, United States, and is included in the Huntsville-Decatur Combined Statistical Area. As of the 2000 census, the population is 2,539....
- New Market
New Market is a census-designated place in Madison County, Alabama, United States, and is included in the Huntsville-Decatur Combined Statistical Area. As of the 2000 census, the population of the CDP is 1,864...
- Owens Cross Roads
Owens Cross Roads is a town in Madison County, Alabama, United States, and is included in the Huntsville-Decatur Combined Statistical Area. As of the 2000 census, the population of the town is 1,124.-Geography:...
- Redstone Arsenal
Redstone Arsenal is a U.S. Army post and a census-designated place located next to the city of Huntsville in Madison County, Alabama, United States and is part of the Huntsville-Decatur Combined Statistical Area. The primary tenant organizations are the United States Army Aviation and Missile...
- Triana
Triana is a town located on the southern county line of Madison County, Alabama, United States, and is included in the Huntsville-Decatur Combined Statistical Area. As of the 2000 census, the population of the town is 458.-Geography:...
- Toney
Toney is an unincorporated community in the northwestern part of Madison County, Alabama, United States. A part of the Huntsville-Decatur Combined Statistical Area, it is located at an elevation of 827 feet .-Public services:...
Places of Interest
Madison County is home to Monte Sano State Park, the U.S. Space and Rocket Center and part of the Flint River. It also contains Hampton Cove Golf Course, part of the
Robert Trent Jones Golf TrailThe Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail is a collection of championship caliber golf courses, designed by Robert Trent Jones, Sr., distributed across the state of Alabama, as part of investments by the Retirement Systems of Alabama. The Trail started with 378 holes at eight sites throughout the state,...
.
External links