Pelham, Alabama

Pelham is in Shelby County in central Alabama and has a mayor and city council form of government [1]. The first settlement on the site, Shelbyville, was founded in 1820 and served as the first county courthouse until Columbiana became the county seat in 1826. The town was renamed Pelham in 1867 for Maj. John Pelham, who reportedly camped near Shelbyville with his troops. The 2020 census counted 23,707 residents.

Incorporation

Pelham had about 250 residents in 1887. It incorporated in July 1964 in response to an attempt by Alabaster to annex the area, and the first city elections were held that September, when the population was 654. A city water system followed in 1967 [1].

Economy and schools

Education, health care and social assistance accounted for 22.7 percent of the 2020 workforce, manufacturing for 14.2 percent and retail trade for 11.6 percent. Pelham belongs to the Shelby County School District, with one elementary, one intermediate and one high school, and three private schools [1].

Recreation

The Pelham Civic Complex has two full-sized ice hockey rinks, Ballantrae Golf Club has 18 holes, and Pelham Racquet has 20 clay and five hard tennis courts. Oak Mountain State Park, about four miles northeast, offers swimming, boating, hiking and camping. Interstate 65 lies just east, and Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport is about 20 miles north [1]. See Birmingham.

Incorporation and name

Pelham incorporated on July 10, 1964, and is named for Confederate officer John Pelham. It lies in Shelby County, about 20 miles from downtown Birmingham and 72 miles from Montgomery.[2]

Population and geography

The 2020 census counted 24,318 residents in 9,489 households, with 2022 and 2025 estimates of 24,755 and 25,664. The city covers about 39.2 square miles at an elevation of 830 feet, and the median age was 39.4 in 2020.[2]

Government, schools and transportation

Pelham operates under a mayor-council system. Pelham City Schools, including Pelham High School, has run the local public schools since July 1, 2014, replacing the Shelby County school system. U.S. Route 31 and Interstate 65 serve the city, and ClasTran offers weekday dial-a-ride transit.[2]

Landmarks and notable people

Oak Mountain State Park, described as Alabama’s largest state park, lies partly in Pelham. People associated with the city include author John Green, Mastodon guitarist Brent Hinds and Clemson football coach Dabo Swinney.[2]

FAQs

When was Pelham incorporated? July 1964.

Who is it named for? Maj. John Pelham.

Sources

1. Encyclopedia of Alabama: Pelham
2. Wikipedia: Pelham, Alabama

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