Irondale, Alabama

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Irondale
The Irondale Cafe
The Irondale Cafe
Location of Irondale in Jefferson County, Alabama.
Location of Irondale in Jefferson County, Alabama.
Coordinates: 33°31′55″N 86°41′13″W / 33.53194°N 86.68694°W / 33.53194; -86.68694
CountryUnited States
StateAlabama
CountyJefferson
Government
 • TypeMayor-Council
 • MayorCharles Moore
Area
 • Total17.48 sq mi (45.3 km2)
 • Land17.32 sq mi (44.9 km2)
 • Water0.17 sq mi (0.4 km2)
Elevation
741 ft (226 m)
Population
 (2010)
 • Total12,349
 • Estimate 
(2019)[2]
12,893
 • Density710/sq mi (270/km2)
Time zoneUTC-6 (Central (CST))
 • Summer (DST)UTC-5 (CDT)
ZIP code
35210
Area code(s)205 & 659
FIPS code01-37864
GNIS feature ID0120702
Websitecityofirondaleal.gov

Irondale is a city in Jefferson County, Alabama, United States. It is a suburb of Birmingham, northeast of Homewood and Mountain Brook. At the 2010 census the population was 12,349. The setting of the book (later a film) Fried Green Tomatoes, by Irondale native Fannie Flagg, is loosely based on the town and the landmark Irondale Cafe, known as The Whistle-Stop Cafe in the book & film. Irondale is also the location of Catholic radio/television broadcaster EWTN. The city's annual Whistle-Stop Festival attracts thousands to its eclectic mix of art, food and music.

History[edit]

On October 5, 1887, the people of Irondale petitioned for incorporation. The town incorporated as Irondale (after Irondale Furnace) on October 19, 1887 following a vote on October 17, 1887.[3]

The 1916 Irondale earthquake, magnitude 5.1, caused some damage in the area, and was felt in neighboring states.

In 1981, Mother Angelica founded the Eternal Word Television Network, after starting from a garage.

Geography[edit]

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 9.0 square miles (23 km2), of which 9.0 square miles (23 km2) is land and 0.11% is water.

Demographics[edit]

Historical population
Census Pop.
1900525
19105729.0%
192080941.4%
19301,51787.5%
19401,486−2.0%
19501,87626.2%
19603,50186.6%
19703,166−9.6%
19806,510105.6%
19909,45445.2%
20009,8133.8%
201012,34925.8%
Est. 201912,893[2]4.4%
U.S. Decennial Census[4]

According to the 2010 census results, the population of the area was approximately 12,349 people. From 2000 to 2010, Irondale's population growth percentage was 25.8% (or from 9,813 people to 12,349 people). 23.1% of the Irondale city residents were under 18 years of age. Census 2010 race data for Irondale city include the racial breakdown percentages of 56.33% white, 35.38% black, 1.43% Asian and 7.78% Hispanic. Also, there were 5,495 housing units in Irondale city, 92.5% of which were occupied housing units.

Education[edit]

Irondale is served by Jefferson County Board of Education and is home to Shades Valley High School, Grantswood Community School, Irondale Community School, Irondale Middle School, Shades Valley Theatre Academy, Jefferson Christian Academy, and the Jefferson County International Baccalaureate School.

Notable people[edit]

Gallery[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "2018 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved June 4, 2019.
  2. ^ a b "Population and Housing Unit Estimates". Retrieved May 21, 2020.
  3. ^ http://www.encyclopediaofalabama.org/article/h-3208
  4. ^ United States Census Bureau. "Census of Population and Housing". Archived from the original on April 26, 2015. Retrieved August 10, 2013.

External links[edit]