Piedmont, Alabama
Encyclopedia : P : PI : PIE : Piedmont, Alabama
Piedmont is a small, rural town in Calhoun County, Alabama, United States. At the 2000 census the population was 5,120. Many surrounding communities utilize the 36272 ZIP code as part of or the entirety of their postal routes, including Spring Garden, Rock Run, Knighten's Crossroads and Nance's Creek. The current mayor is Charlie Fagan, a local business owner who defeated all his election 2000 challengers with more than a 60% margin, eliminating the need for a runoff in a race with more than six candidates. He ran unopposed in 2004.
Noteworthy Facts
An F4 tornado hit Goshen United Methodist Church located here on March 27, 1994, killing more than twenty people and severely damaging or demolishing two other area churches and many homes in the town and neighboring communities.Medal of Honor Winners From Piedmont.
The 'Conscientios Objector' Feb. 7, 1919 - March 23 2006 Desmond Doss, the 'Conscientios Objector' made Piedmont his home. He was a medal of honor winner who in world war II, refused to carry a weapon. During the battles of Quam, Lyte, and Okanawa, he was the most heroic medic ever known. Even as a child, he respected God and life. He walked 6 miles each way on numerous occasions to give blood for an injured person - as a child.
In one battle, Desmond requested time to read his bible, delaying the entire battle... Permission however, was granted because the fighting men feared going into battle without Desmond at their side. Men who had once cursed him and ridiculed him for his refusal to carry a weapon, but now many of them owed life and limb to Desmond's courage.
You can learn more at www.DesmondDoss.com. [link] - Praise God and country. This man is a real hero. Praise God, for Desmond.
Piedmont is also the hometown of Ronnie Chandler, the first person sentenced to die under the federal drug kingpin law. That sentence was commuted to life in prison by former President Bill Clinton at the end of his second and final term in office.
Author Rick Bragg is another former resident of the area, having spent most of his childhood in surrounding communities. Reporter Bragg gained national attention in 2003 when his use of interns rocked an already scandal-covered New York Times newsroom. Bragg is the author of several well-known books such as Ava's Man and All Over But the Shoutin', both books detailing his family life and his life in the area.
The City of Piedmont can be found online at [piedmontcity.org].
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 25.3 km² (9.8 mi²). None of the area is covered with water.
Demographics
As of the census[Geographic references#2GR2] of 2000, there were 5,120 people, 2,221 households, and 1,481 families residing in the city. The population density was 202.8/km² (524.9/mi²). There were 2,495 housing units at an average density of 98.8/km² (255.8/mi²). The racial makeup of the city was 88.77% White, 9.38% Black or African American, 0.10% Native American, 0.08% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.43% from other races, and 1.23% from two or more races. 1.00% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.There were 2,221 households out of which 26.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.5% were married couples living together, 14.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.3% were non-families. 30.5% of all households were made up of individuals and 16.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.30 and the average family size was 2.86.
In the city the population was spread out with 22.2% under the age of 18, 8.4% from 18 to 24, 26.6% from 25 to 44, 23.9% from 45 to 64, and 18.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females there were 84.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 80.4 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $24,893, and the median income for a family was $32,163. Males had a median income of $27,274 versus $20,000 for females. The per capita income for the city was $14,220. About 17.8% of families and 22.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 34.5% of those under age 18 and 13.9% of those age 65 or over.
External links
- http://www.GetCalhoun.com is the website of Calhoun County, Alabama where Ohatchee resides.
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