Jump to content

Rainbow City, Alabama: Difference between revisions

Coordinates: 33°56′38″N 86°03′42″W / 33.943964°N 86.061546°W / 33.943964; -86.061546
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous edit
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
m Added a reference to a historical figure in the town's history.
Tags: Visual edit Mobile edit Mobile web edit
Added transportation
 
(37 intermediate revisions by 26 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
⚫
{{Other places|Rainbow City (disambiguation){{!}}Rainbow City}}
{{short description|City in Alabama, United States}}
{{short description|City in Alabama, United States}}
⚫
{{Other places|Rainbow City (disambiguation){{!}}Rainbow City}}
{{Use American English|date=September 2024}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2024}}
{{Infobox settlement
{{Infobox settlement
|name = Rainbow City, Alabama
|name = Rainbow City, Alabama
|official_name = City of Rainbow City
|official_name = City of Rainbow City
|settlement_type = [[City]]
|settlement_type = City
|image_skyline =
|image_skyline =
|imagesize =
|imagesize =
|image_caption =
|image_caption =
|image_flag = Flag of Rainbow City, Alabama.png
|image_seal =
|image_seal =
|image_blank_emblem = Logo of Rainbow City, Alabama.png
|blank_emblem_type = Logo
|image_map = File:Etowah County Alabama Incorporated and Unincorporated areas Rainbow City Highlighted 0163288.svg
|image_map = File:Etowah County Alabama Incorporated and Unincorporated areas Rainbow City Highlighted 0163288.svg
|mapsize = 250px
|mapsize = 250px
|map_caption = Location of Rainbow City in Etowah County, Alabama.
|map_caption = Location of Rainbow City in Etowah County, Alabama
|subdivision_type = [[List of sovereign states|Country]]
|subdivision_type = Country
|subdivision_type1 = [[U.S. state|State]]
|subdivision_type1 = State
|subdivision_type2 = [[List of counties in Alabama|County]]
|subdivision_type2 = [[List of counties in Alabama|County]]
|subdivision_name = United States
|subdivision_name = United States
Line 23: Line 28:
|established_date =
|established_date =
|area_magnitude =
|area_magnitude =
|area_total_km2 = 67.20
|area_total_km2 = 67.13
|area_total_sq_mi = 25.95
|area_total_sq_mi = 25.92
|area_land_km2 = 66.32
|area_land_km2 = 66.25
|area_land_sq_mi = 25.61
|area_land_sq_mi = 25.58
|area_water_km2 = 0.88
|area_water_km2 = 0.88
|area_water_sq_mi = 0.34
|area_water_sq_mi = 0.34
|elevation_ft = 568
|elevation_footnotes = <ref name=gnis/>
|elevation_m = 173
|elevation_ft = 518
|population_as_of = [[2010 United States Census|2010]]
|population_as_of = [[2020 United States Census|2020]]
|population_footnotes =
|population_footnotes =
|population_total = 9602
|population_total = 10191
|population_metro =
|population_metro =
|population_density_km2 = 144.92
|population_density_km2 = 153.83
|population_density_sq_mi = 375.33
|population_density_sq_mi = 398.41
|timezone = [[Central Time Zone (North America)|Central (CST)]]
|timezone = [[Central Time Zone (North America)|Central (CST)]]
|utc_offset = -6
|utc_offset = -6
Line 48: Line 53:
|blank_info = 01-63288
|blank_info = 01-63288
|blank1_name = [[Geographic Names Information System|GNIS]] feature ID
|blank1_name = [[Geographic Names Information System|GNIS]] feature ID
|blank1_info = 0153101
|blank1_info = 2404588<ref name=gnis>{{GNIS|2404588}}</ref>
|footnotes =
|footnotes =
|website = {{URL|www.rbcalabama.com}}
|website = {{URL|www.rbcalabama.com}}
|pop_est_as_of = 2019
|pop_est_as_of =
|pop_est_footnotes = <ref name="USCensusEst2019"/>
|pop_est_footnotes =
|population_est = 9611
|population_est =
|unit_pref = Imperial
|unit_pref = Imperial
|area_footnotes = <ref name="CenPopGazetteer2019">{{cite web|title=2019 U.S. Gazetteer Files|url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/2019_Gazetteer/2019_gaz_place_01.txt|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=June 29, 2020}}</ref>
|area_footnotes = <ref name="CenPopGazetteer2020">{{cite web|title=2020 U.S. Gazetteer Files|url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/2020_Gazetteer/2020_gaz_place_01.txt|publisher=United States Census Bureau|accessdate=October 29, 2021}}</ref>
}}
}}
'''Rainbow City''' is a city in [[Etowah County, Alabama|Etowah County]], [[Alabama]], United States. It incorporated in 1950.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.encyclopediaofalabama.org/article/h-3220|title=Rainbow City|website=Encyclopedia of Alabama}}</ref> The population was 9,602 at the 2010 census.<ref name="Census 2010">{{cite web| url=http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_SF1/G001/1600000US0163288| title=Geographic Identifiers: 2010 Demographic Profile Data (G001): Rainbow City city, Alabama| publisher=U.S. Census Bureau| work=American Factfinder| access-date=January 22, 2016| archive-url=https://archive.today/20200213055842/http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_SF1/G001/1600000US0163288| archive-date=February 13, 2020| url-status=dead}}</ref> It is part of the [[Gadsden Metropolitan Statistical Area]]. It is home to one of the world's most notorious gangsters, Thomas "Codeine Fiend" Yohe. Thomas was tragically killed in a boating accident on April 20, 2020
'''Rainbow City''' is a city in [[Etowah County, Alabama|Etowah County]], Alabama, United States. It incorporated in 1950.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.encyclopediaofalabama.org/article/h-3220|title=Rainbow City|website=Encyclopedia of Alabama}}</ref> The population was 9,602 at the 2010 census.<ref name="Census 2010">{{cite web| url=http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_SF1/G001/1600000US0163288| title=Geographic Identifiers: 2010 Demographic Profile Data (G001): Rainbow City city, Alabama| publisher=U.S. Census Bureau| work=American Factfinder| access-date=January 22, 2016| archive-url=https://archive.today/20200213055842/http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_SF1/G001/1600000US0163288| archive-date=February 13, 2020| url-status=dead}}</ref> It is part of the [[Gadsden Metropolitan Statistical Area]].


==History==
==History==
⚫
This city was named after [[U.S. Highway 411]], called Rainbow Drive, which runs through the middle of the city.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=sqYfAAAAIBAJ&sjid=d9YEAAAAIBAJ&pg=1642%2C3237680 | title=Names often lend special air to places | work=[[Gadsden Times]] | date=June 17, 1984 | access-date=May 20, 2015 | author=Smith, Katie | pages=B1}}</ref>
{{more citations needed|section|date=May 2015}}
⚫
This city was named after [[U.S. Highway 411]], called Rainbow Drive, which runs through the middle of the city.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=sqYfAAAAIBAJ&sjid=d9YEAAAAIBAJ&pg=1642%2C3237680 | title=Names often lend special air to places | work=[[Gadsden Times]] | date=June 17, 1984 | access-date=20 May 2015 | author=Smith, Katie | pages=B1}}</ref> Some of the older citizens say it was named after the US [[42nd Infantry Division (United States)|42nd Infantry Division]], known as the "Rainbow Division".


As early as 1818, families from [[the Carolinas]] and [[Georgia (U.S. state)|Georgia]] began to migrate to the area and homestead land near the [[Coosa River]]. [[Hernando de Soto]]'s troops were the first visitors to the area in 1540, and today a bridge stands where the Pensacola Trading Path crossed the Coosa River. A paved highway now traces the trail that was cut from [[Nashville, Tennessee|Nashville]] to Horseshoe Bend by [[Andrew Jackson]] on his way to fight the [[Muscogee|Creek]] [[Native Americans in the United States|Native Americans]] in what is now known as the [[Battle of Horseshoe Bend (1814)|Battle of Horseshoe Bend]].
[[Hernando de Soto]]'s troops were the first visitors to the area in 1540. In 1818, families from [[the Carolinas]] and [[Georgia (U.S. state)|Georgia]] began to migrate to the area and homestead land near the [[Coosa River]], calling the area "Coosa Bend". This area was later called "Morgan's Cross Road", located at the intersection of the Gadsden-Ashville Road and Gilbert's Ferry Road.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=History |url=https://www.rbcalabama.com/history/ |access-date=March 26, 2022 |website=City of Rainbow City |language=en-US}}</ref>


⚫
John Sheffield Jones, the grandson of an original settler, donated $1,000 and the land for the construction of the first John S. Jones Elementary School. This school later burned to the ground; a new elementary school was built and serves the Rainbow City area today.<ref name=":0" />
Originally called "Coosa Bend", the area was later called "Morgan's Cross Road". It was located at the intersection of the Gadsden-Ashville Road and Gilbert's Ferry Road. The land was passed from Edmond Jones to his son Clayton, who never married. When he died, the land passed to his sister, Luvica Morgan, who was also the wife of William Morgan.


⚫
On April 2, 1831, a church was organized at the Harmony Meeting House. A few years later, the first [[Baptist]] association was organized. Harmony was one of the first five members in the association. The adjoining cemetery, Old Harmony Cemetery, has been declared a historic landmark.<ref name=":0" />
⚫
Knowing the importance of education, John Sheffield Jones, the grandson of Edmond Jones, an original settler, donated $1,000 and the land for the construction of the first John S. Jones Elementary School. Later, John S. Jones burned to the ground and a new elementary school was built and serves the Rainbow City area today.

⚫
On Saturday, April 2, 1831, a church was organized at the Harmony Meeting House. Thomas Morgan served as the first pastor. A few years later, the first [[Baptist]] association was organized by Rev. John Gilliland. Harmony was one of the first five members in the association. The adjoining cemetery, Old Harmony Cemetery, has been declared a historic landmark. This cemetery has black and white slaves buried in it, Native Americans, single and double interment, and most of the tombstones have poems and writings on them. They say one man is buried crosswise because he lived crosswise with the world.


==Education==
==Education==
{{unreferenced section|date=January 2023}}
The city is served by the Etowah County Board of Education. The city has one public elementary school, and shares a middle and high school with neighboring Southside. There is also a private school for the city, Westbrook Christian School. Westbrook is a 3k-12 school.
The city is served by the Etowah County Board of Education. The city has one public elementary school, and shares a middle and high school with neighboring Southside. There is also a private school for the city.


John S. Jones is one of several elementary schools in the area. It houses grades K-5.
===John S. Jones Elementary===
John S. Jones Elementary has been awarded an "A" on the state report card for the last two years. John S. Jones Elementary was awarded the National Blue Ribbon School Award in 2001 and in 2020. John S. Jones is also a CLAS Banner School of Distinction and A Bicentennial School. Students can join various school clubs and activities. The school started a recycling program to promote it throughout the community. The mission of John S. Jones Elementary is to develop competent, respectful, and resourceful students who pursue life-long learning. We will accomplish this by providing a comprehensive, challenging, and diverse curriculum taught by enthusiastic, dedicated professionals in a safe, healthy, child-centered environment. [https://www.ecboe.org/news/what_s_new/j_s_j_receives_bicentennial_legacy_commendation JSJ Commendation]

===Rainbow Middle School===
Rainbow Middle School is the shared middle school for the area of Southside and Rainbow City. It houses grades 6-8. The mission of Rainbow Middle School is to assure the development of successful, caring, responsible students by providing a nurturing learning environment.


===Southside High School===
===Southside High School===
Southside is the shared high school for the area of Southside and Rainbow City. It houses grades 9-12. The Southside mascot is a Panther. The mission of Southside High School is to make certain that each student realizes his or her own unique potential. We strive to provide progressive instruction and a broad curriculum to ensure that all students meet state standards and are prepared for future challenges.
Southside is the shared high school for the area of Southside and Rainbow City. It houses grades 9–12.


=== Westbrook Christian School ===
Westbrook is a private school that houses grades PreK-12.


==Geography==
==Geography==
Rainbow City is located in southern Etowah County at {{coord|33|56|38|N|86|3|42|W|type:city}} (33.943964, -86.061546).<ref name="GR1">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/geographies/reference-files/time-series/geo/gazetteer-files.html|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=2011-04-23|date=2011-02-12|title=US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990}}</ref> It is bordered to the northeast by [[Gadsden, Alabama|Gadsden]], the [[county seat]], to the southeast by the [[Coosa River]], across which is the city of [[Southside, Alabama|Southside]], and to the southwest, across Little Canoe Creek, by the town of [[Steele, Alabama|Steele]] in [[St. Clair County, Alabama|St. Clair County]].
Rainbow City is located in southern Etowah County at {{coord|33|56|38|N|86|3|42|W|type:city}} (33.943964, −86.061546).<ref name="GR1">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/geographies/reference-files/time-series/geo/gazetteer-files.html|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=April 23, 2011|date=February 12, 2011|title=US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990}}</ref> It is bordered to the northeast by [[Gadsden, Alabama|Gadsden]], the [[county seat]], to the southeast by the [[Coosa River]], across which is the city of [[Southside, Alabama|Southside]], and to the southwest, across Little Canoe Creek, by the town of [[Steele, Alabama|Steele]] in [[St. Clair County, Alabama|St. Clair County]].<ref>{{Cite thesis |title=Chocolate to Rainbow City: the dialectics of black and gay community formation in postwar Washington, D.C., 1946-1978 |url=https://hdl.handle.net/2142/26383 |publisher=University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign |date=August 26, 2011 |first=Kwame A. |last=Holmes}}</ref>


[[U.S. Route 411]] (Rainbow Drive) is the main road through the city, leading northeast {{convert|6|mi|0}} to the center of Gadsden and southwest {{convert|15|mi}} to [[Ashville, Alabama|Ashville]]. [[Alabama State Route 77]] (Grand Avenue) crosses US 411 in the center of Rainbow City, leading northwest {{Convert|4|mi|0}} to [[Interstate 59]] at Exit 181 and south {{convert|26|mi}} to [[Lincoln, Alabama|Lincoln]].
[[U.S. Route 411]] (Rainbow Drive) is the main road through the city, leading northeast {{convert|6|mi|0}} to the center of Gadsden and southwest {{convert|15|mi}} to [[Ashville, Alabama|Ashville]]. [[Alabama State Route 77]] (Grand Avenue) crosses US 411 in the center of Rainbow City, leading northwest {{Convert|4|mi|0}} to [[Interstate 59]] at Exit 181 and south {{convert|26|mi}} to [[Lincoln, Alabama|Lincoln]].
Line 99: Line 100:
|2000= 8428
|2000= 8428
|2010= 9602
|2010= 9602
|2020= 10191
|estyear=2019
|estimate=9611
|estref=<ref name="USCensusEst2019">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest/data/tables.2019.html|title=Population and Housing Unit Estimates|access-date=May 21, 2020}}</ref>
|align-fn=center
|align-fn=center
|footnote=U.S. Decennial Census<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html|title=U.S. Decennial Census|publisher=Census.gov|access-date=June 6, 2013}}</ref>
|footnote=U.S. Decennial Census<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html|title=U.S. Decennial Census|publisher=Census.gov|access-date=June 6, 2013}}</ref>
}}
}}


===2000 census===
As of the [[census]]<ref name="GR2">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=2008-01-31|title=U.S. Census website}}</ref> of 2000, there were 8,428 people, 3,586 households, and 2,517 families residing in the city. The [[population density]] was 335.3 people per square mile (129.5/km{{sup|2}}). There were 3,824 housing units at an average density of 152.1 per square mile (58.8/km{{sup|2}}). The racial makeup of the city was 93.09% [[Race (United States Census)|White]], 3.51% [[Race (United States Census)|Black]] or [[Race (United States Census)|African American]], 0.34% [[Race (United States Census)|Native American]], 1.45% [[Race (United States Census)|Asian]], 0.51% from [[Race (United States Census)|other races]], and 1.09% from two or more races. 1.45% of the population were [[Race (United States Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Race (United States Census)|Latino]] of any race.
As of the census<ref name="GR2">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=January 31, 2008|title=U.S. Census website}}</ref> of 2000, there were 8,428 people, 3,586 households, and 2,517 families residing in the city. The population density was {{convert|335.3|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. There were 3,824 housing units at an average density of {{convert|152.1|/sqmi|/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. The racial makeup of the city was 93.09% [[Race (United States Census)|White]], 3.51% [[Race (United States Census)|Black]] or [[Race (United States Census)|African American]], 0.34% [[Race (United States Census)|Native American]], 1.45% [[Race (United States Census)|Asian]], 0.51% from [[Race (United States Census)|other races]], and 1.09% from two or more races. 1.45% of the population were [[Race (United States Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Race (United States Census)|Latino]] of any race.


There were 3,586 households, out of which 30.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.9% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 11.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.8% were non-families. 27.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.6% 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 2.84.
There were 3,586 households, out of which 30.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.9% were married couples living together, 11.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.8% were non-families. 27.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.6% 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 2.84.


In the city, the population was spread out, with 23.0% under the age of 18, 8.0% from 18 to 24, 28.8% from 25 to 44, 25.7% from 45 to 64, and 14.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 89.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.2 males.
In the city, the population was spread out, with 23.0% under the age of 18, 8.0% from 18 to 24, 28.8% from 25 to 44, 25.7% from 45 to 64, and 14.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 89.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.2 males.


The median income for a household in the city was $40,216, and the median income for a family was $50,844. Males had a median income of $38,278 versus $26,483 for females. The [[per capita income]] for the city was $20,860. About 6.9% of families and 8.4% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 9.7% of those under age 18 and 7.5% of those age 65 or over.
The median income for a household in the city was $40,216, and the median income for a family was $50,844. Males had a median income of $38,278 versus $26,483 for females. The per capita income for the city was $20,860. About 6.9% of families and 8.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.7% of those under age 18 and 7.5% of those age 65 or over.


===2010 census===
===2010 census===
As of the [[census]]<ref name="2010 census">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=2015-07-23|title=U.S. Census website}}</ref> of 2010, there were 9,602 people, 4,113 households, and 2,721 families residing in the city. The [[population density]] was 333.1 people per square mile (128.5/km{{sup|2}}). There were 4,534 housing units at an average density of 179.2 per square mile (69.1/km{{sup|2}}). The racial makeup of the city was 87.4% [[Race (United States Census)|White]], 7.2% [[Race (United States Census)|Black]] or [[Race (United States Census)|African American]], 0.4% [[Race (United States Census)|Native American]], 2.6% [[Race (United States Census)|Asian]], 1.0% from [[Race (United States Census)|other races]], and 1.4% from two or more races. 2.4% of the population were [[Race (United States Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Race (United States Census)|Latino]] of any race.
As of the census<ref name="2010 census">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=July 23, 2015|title=U.S. Census website}}</ref> of 2010, there were 9,602 people, 4,113 households, and 2,721 families residing in the city. The population density was {{convert|333.1|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. There were 4,534 housing units at an average density of {{convert|179.2|/sqmi|/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. The racial makeup of the city was 87.4% [[Race (United States Census)|White]], 7.2% [[Race (United States Census)|Black]] or [[Race (United States Census)|African American]], 0.4% [[Race (United States Census)|Native American]], 2.6% [[Race (United States Census)|Asian]], 1.0% from [[Race (United States Census)|other races]], and 1.4% from two or more races. 2.4% of the population were [[Race (United States Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Race (United States Census)|Latino]] of any race.


There were 4,113 households, out of which 27.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.1% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 13.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.8% were non-families. 29.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.33 and the average family size was 2.88.
There were 4,113 households, out of which 27.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.1% were married couples living together, 13.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.8% were non-families. 29.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.33 and the average family size was 2.88.


In the city, the population was spread out, with 22.9% under the age of 18, 8.5% from 18 to 24, 24.8% from 25 to 44, 27.0% from 45 to 64, and 16.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40.5 years. For every 100 females, there were 90.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.0 males.
In the city, the population was spread out, with 22.9% under the age of 18, 8.5% from 18 to 24, 24.8% from 25 to 44, 27.0% from 45 to 64, and 16.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40.5 years. For every 100 females, there were 90.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.0 males.


The median income for a household in the city was $40,236, and the median income for a family was $60,000. Males had a median income of $45,593 versus $32,421 for females. The [[per capita income]] for the city was $23,422. About 10.5% of families and 12.6% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 21.1% of those under age 18 and 7.8% of those age 65 or over.
The median income for a household in the city was $40,236, and the median income for a family was $60,000. Males had a median income of $45,593 versus $32,421 for females. The per capita income for the city was $23,422. About 10.5% of families and 12.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 21.1% of those under age 18 and 7.8% of those age 65 or over.

===2020 census===
{| class="wikitable"
|+Rainbow City racial composition<ref>{{Cite web|title=Explore Census Data|url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?g=1600000US0163288&tid=DECENNIALPL2020.P2|access-date=December 11, 2021|website=data.census.gov}}</ref>
!Race
!Num.
!Perc.
|-
|[[White (U.S. Census)|White]] (non-Hispanic)
|7,984
|78.34%
|-
|[[African American (U.S. Census)|Black or African American]] (non-Hispanic)
|1,113
|10.92%
|-
|[[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]]
|24
|0.24%
|-
|[[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]]
|323
|3.17%
|-
|[[Pacific Islander (U.S. Census)|Pacific Islander]]
|7
|0.07%
|-
|[[Race (United States Census)|Other/mixed]]
|458
|4.49%
|-
|[[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]]
|282
|2.77%
|}
As of the [[2020 United States census]], there were 10,191 people, 3,847 households, and 2,508 families residing in the city.


==Politics and government==
==Politics and government==
The current [[mayor]] of Rainbow City is Joe Taylor,<ref>{{cite web|title=Office of the Mayor|website=Rainbow City Alabama official website|url=http://www.rbcalabama.com/mayor/}}</ref> who was first elected in 2020.<ref>{{cite web|title=Rainbow City History|website=Rainbow City Alabama official website|url=http://www.rbcalabama.com/history/}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Calhoun running for third term as RBC mayor|date=27 Jul 2012|author=Joshua Price|url=https://gadsdenmessenger.com/2012/07/27/calhoun-running-for-third-term-as-mayor/}}</ref>
The current mayor of Rainbow City is Joe Taylor,<ref>{{cite web|title=Office of the Mayor|website=Rainbow City Alabama official website|url=http://www.rbcalabama.com/mayor/}}</ref> who was first elected in 2020.<ref>{{cite web|title=Rainbow City History|website=Rainbow City Alabama official website|url=http://www.rbcalabama.com/history/}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Calhoun running for third term as RBC mayor|date=July 27, 2012|author=Joshua Price|url=https://gadsdenmessenger.com/2012/07/27/calhoun-running-for-third-term-as-mayor/}}</ref> The Current City Council consists of Anita Bedwell, Randy Vice, Clark Hopper, Jeff Prince, and Jameson Jenkins.

==Transportation==
Etowah County Rural Transportation provides [[dial-a-ride]] bus service throughout the city and county.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://etowahcounty.org/department/rural-transportation/|title=Etowah County Rural Transportation|access-date=November 11, 2024}}</ref>


==Notable people==
==Notable people==
*[[Brodie Croyle]], former [[Alabama Crimson Tide football|Alabama]] quarterback and retired NFL player
*[[Brodie Croyle]], former [[Alabama Crimson Tide football|Alabama]] quarterback and retired NFL player
*[[Patrick Nix]], former [[Auburn Tigers football|Auburn]] quarterback, father of the struggling disappointment Bo Nix, and current high school football coach in [[Pinson, Alabama|Pinson Valley]]
*[[Patrick Nix]], former [[Auburn Tigers football|Auburn]] quarterback and current high school football coach in [[Pinson, Alabama|Pinson Valley]]


==References==
==References==
<references />
{{reflist}}


==External links==
==External links==
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20120823165629/http://www.rbcalabama.com/index.shtml Rainbow City official website]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20120823165629/http://www.rbcalabama.com/index.shtml Rainbow City official website]



{{Coord|display=title|33.943964|-86.061546}}
{{Coord|display=title|33.943964|-86.061546}}

Latest revision as of 06:24, 11 November 2024

For other places with the same name, see Rainbow City.

Rainbow City, Alabama
City
City of Rainbow City
Flag of Rainbow City, Alabama
Flag
Official logo of Rainbow City, Alabama
Logo
Location of Rainbow City in Etowah County, Alabama
Location of Rainbow City in Etowah County, Alabama
Coordinates: 33°56′38″N 86°3′42″W / 33.94389°N 86.06167°W / 33.94389; -86.06167
CountryUnited States
StateAlabama
CountyEtowah
Area
[1]
 • Total
25.92 sq mi (67.13 km2)
 • Land25.58 sq mi (66.25 km2)
 • Water0.34 sq mi (0.88 km2)
Elevation
[2]
518 ft (158 m)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total
10,191
 • Density398.41/sq mi (153.83/km2)
Time zoneUTC-6 (Central (CST))
 • Summer (DST)UTC-5 (CDT)
ZIP codes
35901, 35906
Area code256
FIPS code01-63288
GNIS feature ID2404588[2]
Websitewww.rbcalabama.com

Rainbow City is a city in Etowah County, Alabama, United States. It incorporated in 1950.[3] The population was 9,602 at the 2010 census.[4] It is part of the Gadsden Metropolitan Statistical Area.

History

[edit]

This city was named after U.S. Highway 411, called Rainbow Drive, which runs through the middle of the city.[5]

Hernando de Soto's troops were the first visitors to the area in 1540. In 1818, families from the Carolinas and Georgia began to migrate to the area and homestead land near the Coosa River, calling the area "Coosa Bend". This area was later called "Morgan's Cross Road", located at the intersection of the Gadsden-Ashville Road and Gilbert's Ferry Road.[6]

John Sheffield Jones, the grandson of an original settler, donated $1,000 and the land for the construction of the first John S. Jones Elementary School. This school later burned to the ground; a new elementary school was built and serves the Rainbow City area today.[6]

On April 2, 1831, a church was organized at the Harmony Meeting House. A few years later, the first Baptist association was organized. Harmony was one of the first five members in the association. The adjoining cemetery, Old Harmony Cemetery, has been declared a historic landmark.[6]

Education

[edit]

The city is served by the Etowah County Board of Education. The city has one public elementary school, and shares a middle and high school with neighboring Southside. There is also a private school for the city.

John S. Jones is one of several elementary schools in the area. It houses grades K-5.

Southside High School

[edit]

Southside is the shared high school for the area of Southside and Rainbow City. It houses grades 9–12.

Westbrook Christian School

[edit]

Westbrook is a private school that houses grades PreK-12.

Geography

[edit]

Rainbow City is located in southern Etowah County at 33°56′38″N 86°3′42″W / 33.94389°N 86.06167°W / 33.94389; -86.06167 (33.943964, −86.061546).[7] It is bordered to the northeast by Gadsden, the county seat, to the southeast by the Coosa River, across which is the city of Southside, and to the southwest, across Little Canoe Creek, by the town of Steele in St. Clair County.[8]

U.S. Route 411 (Rainbow Drive) is the main road through the city, leading northeast 6 miles (10 km) to the center of Gadsden and southwest 15 miles (24 km) to Ashville. Alabama State Route 77 (Grand Avenue) crosses US 411 in the center of Rainbow City, leading northwest 4 miles (6 km) to Interstate 59 at Exit 181 and south 26 miles (42 km) to Lincoln.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Rainbow City has a total area of 25.6 square miles (66.3 km2), of which 25.4 square miles (65.9 km2) is land and 0.15 square miles (0.4 km2), or 0.58%, is water.[4]

Demographics

[edit]
Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
19601,625—
19703,10791.2%
19806,299102.7%
19907,67321.8%
20008,4289.8%
20109,60213.9%
202010,1916.1%
U.S. Decennial Census[9]

2000 census

[edit]

As of the census[10] of 2000, there were 8,428 people, 3,586 households, and 2,517 families residing in the city. The population density was 335.3 inhabitants per square mile (129.5/km2). There were 3,824 housing units at an average density of 152.1 per square mile (58.7/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 93.09% White, 3.51% Black or African American, 0.34% Native American, 1.45% Asian, 0.51% from other races, and 1.09% from two or more races. 1.45% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 3,586 households, out of which 30.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.9% were married couples living together, 11.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.8% were non-families. 27.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.6% 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 2.84.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 23.0% under the age of 18, 8.0% from 18 to 24, 28.8% from 25 to 44, 25.7% from 45 to 64, and 14.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 89.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.2 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $40,216, and the median income for a family was $50,844. Males had a median income of $38,278 versus $26,483 for females. The per capita income for the city was $20,860. About 6.9% of families and 8.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.7% of those under age 18 and 7.5% of those age 65 or over.

2010 census

[edit]

As of the census[11] of 2010, there were 9,602 people, 4,113 households, and 2,721 families residing in the city. The population density was 333.1 inhabitants per square mile (128.6/km2). There were 4,534 housing units at an average density of 179.2 per square mile (69.2/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 87.4% White, 7.2% Black or African American, 0.4% Native American, 2.6% Asian, 1.0% from other races, and 1.4% from two or more races. 2.4% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 4,113 households, out of which 27.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.1% were married couples living together, 13.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.8% were non-families. 29.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.33 and the average family size was 2.88.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 22.9% under the age of 18, 8.5% from 18 to 24, 24.8% from 25 to 44, 27.0% from 45 to 64, and 16.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40.5 years. For every 100 females, there were 90.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.0 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $40,236, and the median income for a family was $60,000. Males had a median income of $45,593 versus $32,421 for females. The per capita income for the city was $23,422. About 10.5% of families and 12.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 21.1% of those under age 18 and 7.8% of those age 65 or over.

2020 census

[edit]
Rainbow City racial composition[12]
Race Num. Perc.
White (non-Hispanic) 7,984 78.34%
Black or African American (non-Hispanic) 1,113 10.92%
Native American 24 0.24%
Asian 323 3.17%
Pacific Islander 7 0.07%
Other/mixed 458 4.49%
Hispanic or Latino 282 2.77%

As of the 2020 United States census, there were 10,191 people, 3,847 households, and 2,508 families residing in the city.

Politics and government

[edit]

The current mayor of Rainbow City is Joe Taylor,[13] who was first elected in 2020.[14][15] The Current City Council consists of Anita Bedwell, Randy Vice, Clark Hopper, Jeff Prince, and Jameson Jenkins.

Transportation

[edit]

Etowah County Rural Transportation provides dial-a-ride bus service throughout the city and county.[16]

Notable people

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "2020 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved October 29, 2021.
  2. ^ a b U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Rainbow City, Alabama
  3. ^ "Rainbow City". Encyclopedia of Alabama.
  4. ^ a b "Geographic Identifiers: 2010 Demographic Profile Data (G001): Rainbow City city, Alabama". American Factfinder. U.S. Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved January 22, 2016.
  5. ^ Smith, Katie (June 17, 1984). "Names often lend special air to places". Gadsden Times. pp. B1. Retrieved May 20, 2015.
  6. ^ a b c "History". City of Rainbow City. Retrieved March 26, 2022.
  7. ^ "US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990". United States Census Bureau. February 12, 2011. Retrieved April 23, 2011.
  8. ^ Holmes, Kwame A. (August 26, 2011). Chocolate to Rainbow City: the dialectics of black and gay community formation in postwar Washington, D.C., 1946-1978 (Thesis). University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
  9. ^ "U.S. Decennial Census". Census.gov. Retrieved June 6, 2013.
  10. ^ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
  11. ^ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved July 23, 2015.
  12. ^ "Explore Census Data". data.census.gov. Retrieved December 11, 2021.
  13. ^ "Office of the Mayor". Rainbow City Alabama official website.
  14. ^ "Rainbow City History". Rainbow City Alabama official website.
  15. ^ Joshua Price (July 27, 2012). "Calhoun running for third term as RBC mayor".
  16. ^ "Etowah County Rural Transportation". Retrieved November 11, 2024.
[edit]

33°56′38″N 86°03′42″W / 33.943964°N 86.061546°W / 33.943964; -86.061546

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Rainbow_City,_Alabama&oldid=1256712662"