Childersburg, Alabama

Childersburg is in southwest Talladega County in north-central Alabama [1]. It promotes itself as the oldest city in America, based on a possible link to Hernando de Soto’s route through the Southeast. White settlers arrived after the Creeks were removed in 1836, the first post office opened in 1855, and the town was incorporated in 1889. The 2020 census counted 4,872 residents.

History

A sawmill opened in 1868 and started the timber industry, and the Alabama and Tennessee River Railroad arrived the same year. A flood in 1886 put as much as five feet of water into downtown businesses, and President Grover Cleveland spoke in town on October 21, 1887. The population stayed near 500 until 1941, when a munitions plant opened ahead of World War II [1]. See Hernando de Soto in Alabama.

Landmarks

The Charles Butler House and the Kymulga Grist Mill and Covered Bridge are on the National Register. Majestic Caverns, a privately owned attraction about six miles northeast, is on the Alabama Register. The town sits on the Coosa River and is about 10 miles northeast of Lay Lake [1]. See Caves of Alabama.

Early history

Childersburg lies in southwest Talladega County on the Coosa River and promotes itself as the oldest city in America, based on a possible link to Hernando de Soto’s route. White settlers arrived after the Creek removal of 1836, a post office opened in 1855 and the town was named for an early prominent family. A sawmill and the Alabama and Tennessee River Railroad arrived in 1868, and the town incorporated in 1889.[2]

World War II

A munitions plant opened in 1941, and the population rose from about 500 to roughly 6,000; many workers left after the plant closed.[2]

Economy and attractions

The 2020 census counted 4,872 residents. Manufacturing (20.4 percent) and retail (19.0 percent) are the largest employment sectors, with a pulp and paper plant and a rayon manufacturer among major industries. The Kymulga Grist Mill and Covered Bridge is on the National Register of Historic Places, and Majestic Caverns lies about six miles northeast. U.S. 280/231 run through the area.[2]

FAQs

Where is Childersburg? Southwest Talladega County.

What attraction is nearby? Majestic Caverns.

Sources

1. Encyclopedia of Alabama: Childersburg
2. Encyclopedia of Alabama: Childersburg

Editorially reviewed by Specialty Digest Editorial TeamLast reviewed November 10, 2026Researched and drafted with AI assistanceReport an issue