City of Hartselle, Alabama / Hartselle Facts
City of Hartselle
Hartselle, named after early pioneer George Hartsell (with no "e") rose from modest beginnings to an important position in the growing economy of Mogran County. Founded in 1870, the town owes its existence to the construction of the North and South Alabama Railroad (later the L&N), which began construction through the area in 1869 in an effort to connect the mineral rich areas in the southern part of the state with major shipping areas in north Alabama. Originally a mile north of the depot's current location, Hartselle consisted of a general store and saloon for workers. The town was relocated to its present site in 1873 and grew quickly around the first depot building, a converted boxcar. Railroad construction opened the Hartselle area to agriculture and timber production and the town became an important shipping point. The town's growth followed the fortunes of the railroad and farmers for more than 60 years. The Great Depression took a heavy toll; on the local economy. Railroad and farming are no longer mainstays of today's economy. Hartselle Facts
Founded in 1870 and incorporated in 1875 with J. Fletcher Turney serving as the first mayor.
*Cotton was king from 1870 through 1960. It was the primary cash crop of area farmers.
*Hartselle was an important center for fruit, berry and timber production in North Alabama.
*Hartselle Pond, located north of town, was the center of social activities until it mysteriously disappeared in the early 1900s.
*The first county high school was located here in 1909.
*The famous hymn, "Leaning on the Everlasting Arms" was written at the Oden House in 1887.
*The Bank of Hartselle was robbed by 15 men in 1926 and the crime was never solved.
*In 1900, the population of Hartselle was 670.
*The Census Bureau estimated the population in 2007 to be 13, 649.
Marker is on Railroad St SW 0.2 miles south of Main Street (County Road 36), on the right when traveling east.
Courtesy hmdb.org
