Cullman, Alabama
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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| Country | United States |
|---|---|
| State | Alabama |
| Counties | Cullman |
| Area | |
| - City | 19.2 sq mi (49.6 km²) |
| - Land | 18.3 sq mi (47.4 km²) |
| - Water | 0.9 sq mi (2.2 km²) |
| Population (2000) | |
| - City | 13,995 |
| - Density | 728.9/sq mi (282.2/km²) |
Cullman is a city in Cullman County, Alabama, United States and is considered a part of Greater Birmingham. At the 2005 estimation census the population was 16,675, gaining about 2,000 people from the census of 2000. The city is the county seat of Cullman County. Cullman is considered to be the financial, commercial, and civic center of not only Cullman County but of other surrounding counties as well. Cullman is one of the three primary cities that make up the Birmingham-Hoover-Cullman Combined Statistical Area, which is home to over a million people.
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[edit] History
Cullman was founded in 1873 by Colonel John G. Cullmann, a German refugee who came to America in 1866. In 1873, Colonel Cullmann purchased 349 acres of land from the Louisville and Nashville Railroad Company and established a colony for German immigrants. Five German families moved to the area in March 1873; in 1878, the town was incorporated and named after Colonel Cullmann. Over the next twenty years, Colonel Cullmann encouraged 100,000 Germans to emigate to the area. The site he selected for his headquarters is now his grave site.
For many years Cullman was a college town, with Saint Bernard College serving as the home of several hundred students. In the mid-1970's, it briefly merged with Sacred Heart College (a two-year Benedictine women's college), to become Southern Benedictine College. This college closed in 1979, and now operates as St. Bernard Preparatory High School.
The former site of Sacred Heart College is Sacred Heart Monastery, which serves as a retreat center operated by the Benedictine Sisters of Sacred Heart Monastery.
[edit] Geography
Cullman is located on top of Brindley Mountain plateau at (34.177508, -86.844996)GR1.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 49.6 km² (19.1 mi²). 47.4 km² (18.3 mi²) of it is land and 2.2 km² (0.9 mi²) of it (4.49%) is water.
Elevation: 826 feet
[edit] Demographics
As of the censusGR2 of 2000, there were 13,995 people, 6,059 households, and 3,762 families residing in the city. The population density was 295.3/km² (765.0/mi²). There were 6,679 housing units at an average density of 140.9/km² (365.1/mi²). The racial makeup of the city was 96.43% White, 0.36% Black or African American, 0.24% Native American, 0.45% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 1.06% from other races, and 1.41% from two or more races. 4.85% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
In the city the population was spread out with 21.8% under the age of 18, 8.2% from 18 to 24, 25.3% from 25 to 44, 22.6% from 45 to 64, and 22.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females there were 87.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 81.4 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $29,164, and the median income for a family was $41,313. Males had a median income of $32,863 versus $21,647 for females. The per capita income for the city was $18,484. About 9.4% of families and 13.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 12.3% of those under age 18 and 18.5% of those age 65 or over.
[edit] Education
The Cullman City School System comprises five schools: Cullman Primary School (Pre-K - First Grade), East Elementary (Second Grade - Sixth Grade), West Elementary (Second Grade - Sixth Grade), John G. Cullman Middle School (Seventh Grade and Eighth Grade) and Cullman High School (Ninth Grade - Twelfth Grade).[citation needed] Other schools include Sacred Heart Elementary School and St. Paul's Elementary School.
In recent years several Cullman High School sports teams have enjoyed successful seasons. Additionally, throughout the years, the Cullman High School band has won numerous awards for its performances, including many distinctions at the annual Hoover High School Invitational Marching Band Festival. A beginning band program is offered to sixth grade students at East Elementary and West Elementary, as well as students attending Cullman Middle School. The Cullman Middle School Band comprises seventh and eighth grade students. In ninth grade, students are promoted to the Cullman High School Band. The Danceline is also held in very high regard, ranking as one of the best in the state. The new captains for the 2008 have been decided as students prepare for summer band camp and then marching season. Cullman Band Program Website
Also in the Cullman Area are Fairview High School and West Point High School.
Fairview High School serves 485 students in grades 9-12. Its mascot is the Aggies and the school colors are purple and gold. It is a member of the Cullman County Board of Education. As of 2007 Stanley Burden was the principal and Benny Guthrie was the assistant principal.[1]
West Point High School serves 595 students in grades 9-12. Its mascot is the Warriors, and the school colors are maroon and black. It is a member of the Cullman County Board of Education. As of 2007 Darrell Brock was the principal and Heath Yearwood was the assistant principal.[2]
[edit] External links
- City of Cullman, Alabama
- History of Cullman, Article on Cullman High School website
- Maps and aerial photos
- Street map from Google Maps, or Yahoo! Maps, or Windows Live Local
- Satellite image from Google Maps, Windows Live Local, WikiMapia
- Topographic map from TopoZone
- Aerial image or topographic map from TerraServer-USA
