Brewton, Alabama

History

In May 1861, the city of Brewton began as a train station under Edmund Troupe Bruton. The settlement was originally known as Newport when barges made runs to and from Pensacola, Florida on Murder Creek and Burnt Corn Creek before the installation of rail.

During the Civil War rail lines were severed, and small lumber mills were damaged or destroyed. However, after the war those who returned or arrived rebuilt the Brewton economy, began a school, and established small businesses. Into the 1870s a new European demand for lumber opened the way for creation of numerous timber and lumber operations. The Conecuh-Escambia river system became a timber artery to the Gulf.

Brewton became a town on February 13, 1885 and later became the seat of Escambia County, Alabama.

Brewton was known in past times as "the richest little town in the South." Brewton's high per capita income was created by a small number of "timber barons," as they are remembered, who arrived at the end of the last century to cut pine and stayed to build extraordinary homes along Belleville and Evergreen avenues. These families include the McMillans and the Millers, many of whom still reside in the town.

Over time the county erected a series of courthouses. Brewton developed an education system that included public and private institutions, including Jefferson Davis Community College and T. R. Miller High School, named for Thomas Richard Miller, a local timber baron and town father who contributed money toward the building and opening of the school.

Geography

Brewton is located at 31°7′4″N 87°4′16″W (31.117706, -87.071164).

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 11.5 square miles (30 km²), of which 11.3 square miles (29 km²) is land and 0.1 square miles (0.26 km²) (1.22%) is water.

Climate

Climate is characterized by relatively high temperatures and evenly distributed precipitation throughout the year. The Köppen Climate Classification sub-type for this climate is "Cfa" (Humid Subtropical Climate). The hottest temperature ever recorded in the city was 109 °F (43 °C) on June 18, 1933, and the coldest temperature ever recorded was 3 °F (−16 °C) on January 21, 1985.

Demographics

As of the census of 2000, there were 5,498 people, 2,216 households, and 1,471 families residing in the city. The population density was 485.2 people per square mile (187.4/km²). There were 2,543 housing units at an average density of 224.4 per square mile (86.7/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 57.60% White or Caucasian, 40.23% Black or African American, 0.42% Native American, 0.49% Asian, 0.53% from other races, and 0.73% from two or more races. 1.11% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 2,216 households out of which 27.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.3% were married couples living together, 17.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.6% were non-families. 31.0% of all households were made up of individuals and 15.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.35 and the average family size was 2.95.

In the city, the population was spread out with 23.8% under the age of 18, 7.1% from 18 to 24, 24.1% from 25 to 44, 25.5% from 45 to 64, and 19.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females there were 85.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 79.1 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $34,234, and the median income for a family was $43,548. Males had a median income of $37,348 versus $20,212 for females. The per capita income for the city was $18,185. About 12.6% of families and 16.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 25.3% of those under age 18 and 18.4% of those age 65 or over.

2010 census

As of the census of 2010, there were 5,408 people, 2,171 households, and 1,412 families residing in the city. The population density was 474.9 people per square mile (182.1/km²). There were 2,522 housing units at an average density of 221.2 per square mile (84.9/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 54.1% White or Caucasian, 42.6% Black or African American, 0.7% Native American, 0.4% Asian, 1.1% from other races, and 1.0% from two or more races. 2.2% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 2,171 households out of which 25.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 41.1% were married couples living together, 19.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.0% were non-families. 32.0% of all households were made up of individuals and 16.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.36 and the average family size was 2.97.

In the city, the population was spread out with 22.7% under the age of 18, 7.8% from 18 to 24, 22.4% from 25 to 44, 27.9% from 45 to 64, and 19.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42.4 years. For every 100 females there were 86.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 96.8 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $34,390, and the median income for a family was $49,554. Males had a median income of $35,233 versus $28,879 for females. The per capita income for the city was $20,467. About 19.6% of families and 22.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 41.3% of those under age 18 and 7.9% of those age 65 or over.

Government

The city government consists of a mayor elected at-large and a five-member city council elected from districts. Brewton utilizes a city school system.

Attractions

Brewton is home to the annual Alabama Blueberry Festival, held every year in downtown Jennings Park. The city has a multitude of murals and fountains in the downtown area, accenting the city's professionally landscaped parks, including the hundred-acre E. O. Wilson Nature Adventure Park.

Two golf courses are located in the Brewton area. Dogwood Hills serves as a public park and 9-hole golf course operated by the city. The Country Club of Brewton boasts a semi-private, 18-hole golf course designed by Jerry Pate, widely known as one of the finest golf courses in South Alabama.

Culture and special events

The annual Alabama Blueberry Festival is held at Jennings Park and downtown Brewton. Prior to 2006 it was held on the campus of Jefferson Davis Community College.

The Thomas E. McMillan Museum is housed on the campus of the Jefferson Davis Community College. It was founded in 1979 to chronicle life in Escambia County, Alabama. The museum includes items from 10,000-year-old fossils, to a fireside popcorn popper and a display of cameras.

Notable people

Historic site

Brewton has one site listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Brewton Historic Commercial District.