Alexander City is the largest city in Tallapoosa County in east-central Alabama, close to the Tallapoosa River and Lake Martin. It had 14,843 residents at the 2020 census (14,515 in the Encyclopedia of Alabama). Incorporated as Youngsville in 1872 and renamed in 1873, it grew around textile mills, above all Russell Mills, now Russell Athletic.[1][2]
| Type | City in Tallapoosa County |
|---|---|
| State | Alabama, United States |
| Population (2020) | 14,843 (Wikipedia); 14,515 (EOA) |
| Incorporated | 1872 as Youngsville; renamed 1873 |
| Named for | Edward Porter Alexander |
| Government | Mayor-council; six districts |
| Key site | Lake Martin |
History
James Young opened a trading post in 1835 on the site of several Creek villages. The town was incorporated as Youngsville in 1872 and renamed in 1873 for Edward Porter Alexander, president of the Savannah and Memphis Railroad. The first community-funded school opened in 1879 and the courthouse was built in 1889. The first cotton mill opened in 1900, and a fire on June 13, 1902 destroyed much of downtown.[1][2]
Benjamin Russell founded Russell Mills in 1902 and started the chamber of commerce in 1910. Avondale Mills, owned by the Comer family, arrived in 1919. Martin Dam, completed in the early 1920s, created Lake Martin and boosted the economy. By 1930 Russell Mills employed about 2,000 people and ran its own hospital (1923) and school (1926).[1]
Economy
Textiles and apparel dominated for decades. Russell Corporation, whose brands included Russell Athletic, Cross Creek and Jerzees, peaked at 7,000 local employees in 1996; Berkshire Hathaway bought it in 2006 for about $600 million and merged it into Fruit of the Loom, and by 2012 most local manufacturing had closed. In 2020 education, health care and social assistance employed 24.4 percent of workers, manufacturing 21.6 percent and retail 13.2 percent. Median household income was $41,004.[1][2]
Lake Martin and recreation
Lake Martin on the Tallapoosa River has about 44,000 acres of water and 750 miles of wooded shoreline, supporting boating, fishing, golf and camping and many lakeside homes. The Charles E. Bailey Sr. Sportplex has ball fields, a track, a pool and a stadium. A jazz festival has been held each June since 1991, with other events including Lake Martin fireworks on July 4 and an Oktoberfest.[1][2]
Education and landmarks
Alexander City schools run three elementary schools, a middle school and Benjamin Russell High School (opened 1950). Alexander City Junior College opened in 1965 and merged into Central Alabama Community College in 1988. The city has five historic districts; listed buildings include the Reuben Herzfeld House and the Avondale Historic District.[1][2]
Transport and people
U.S. 280 and State Road 38 serve the city, with Thomas C. Russell Field two miles southwest and Norfolk Southern rail. Notable people include NFL players Terrell Owens and Jim Phillips, former Accenture chief executive Joe Forehand and congressman William Flynt Nichols.[1]
FAQs
What lake is near Alexander City? Lake Martin, created by Martin Dam in the 1920s.
What company was founded in Alexander City? Russell Corporation (Russell Athletic), in 1902.
Why is it called Alexander City? For railroad president Edward Porter Alexander.
Sources
More in Human Geography
Key facts
- Renamed in 1873
- Russell Mills founded 1902
- Lake Martin has about 44,000 acres of water
Quick checkWhat is Alexander City, Alabama known for?Show answer
Alexander City is known for Lake Martin, for Russell Corporation (Russell Athletic), which was founded there in 1902, and for its textile history.
Sources
- Encyclopedia of Alabama. Alexander City. n.d. (accessed 2026-11-10)
- Wikipedia. Alexander City, Alabama. 2025 (accessed 2026-11-10)
Editorially reviewed by Specialty Digest Editorial TeamLast reviewed November 10, 2026Researched and drafted with AI assistanceReport an issue