Northport, Alabama

Northport is in Tuscaloosa County on the north bank of the Black Warrior River, across from Tuscaloosa [1]. The first settlers arrived in 1813 and called the area Kentuck or Canetuck, possibly for its cane stands. It became North Port because it sits on the river’s north side and was officially named Northport in 1832, the year a post office and ferry opened. The town was incorporated in 1871, and the 2020 census counted 25,970 residents.

History

The settlement grew at a river crossing and served cotton warehouses along the Black Warrior. The Northport Spectator began in 1870, the Mobile and Ohio Railroad built a trestle over the river in 1898, and a rail line reached the town in 1901. The school system merged with the Tuscaloosa County system in 1920 [1]. See Rivers of Alabama.

Economy and schools

Education, health care and social assistance made up 31.8 percent of the 2020 workforce, followed by manufacturing at 13.6 percent. Northport belongs to the Tuscaloosa County School System, and the University of Alabama and Stillman College are across the river [1].

Arts and landmarks

The Kentuck Festival of the Arts is held each October in Kentuck Park, Art Night is on the first Thursday of each month and Dickens Downtown is in early December. The Northport Heritage Museum occupies a house built in 1907, the 1830 Umbria Schoolhouse is believed to be the state’s oldest school structure, and Byler Road and the Northport Historic District are on the National Register. Lake Lurleen State Park, with a 250-acre lake, is about 15 minutes away [1].

Early history

The first settlers arrived in 1813, and by 1816 the area was called Kentuck or Canetuck, perhaps for its cane stands. Its river crossing made it a hub for moving goods to and from cotton warehouses, and it was named Northport in 1832. The Northport Spectator appeared in 1870, the town was incorporated in 1871, a railroad trestle crossed the river in 1898, and a rail line reached the town in 1901. Its schools joined the county system in 1920.[2]

Population and economy

The 2020 census counted 25,970 residents. Educational services, health care and social assistance employ 31.8 percent of workers, manufacturing 13.6 percent and retail 8.8 percent. Median household income was ,814.[2]

Schools and heritage

The Tuscaloosa County School System runs six elementary, three middle and two high schools in the city, and three private schools operate there. The Northport Heritage Museum occupies a 1907 house, and the 1830 Umbria Schoolhouse, believed to be the oldest school structure in the state, was moved to its park in 2006. Highway 69 and U.S. 11, 43 and 82 serve the area, and Tuscaloosa Regional Airport is about 2.5 miles west.[2]

FAQs

When was Northport incorporated? 1871.

What is the Kentuck Festival? An October arts festival.

Sources

1. Encyclopedia of Alabama: Northport
2. Encyclopedia of Alabama: Northport

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