Editing Ardmore, Alabama

{{Other places|Ardmore (disambiguation)}}
{{distinguish|Atmore, Alabama}}
{{Use American English|date=September 2024}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2023}}
{{Infobox settlement
|official_name            = Ardmore, Alabama
|settlement_type          = [[Town]]
|nickname                 = 
|motto                    = 
<!-- Images --------------->
|image_skyline            = Ardmore-Town-Hall-Highway53-al.jpg
|imagesize                = 275px
|image_caption            = View along Ardmore Avenue ([[Alabama State Route 53|SR 53]]); Town Hall on the left
|image_flag               = 
|image_seal               = 
<!-- Maps ----------------->
|image_map                = Limestone County Alabama Incorporated and Unincorporated areas Ardmore Highlighted 0102260.svg
|mapsize                  = 250px
|map_caption              = Location of Ardmore in Limestone County, Alabama
|image_map1               = 
|mapsize1                 = 
|map_caption1             = 
<!-- Location ------------->
|subdivision_type         = [[List of sovereign states|Country]]
|subdivision_name         = United States
|subdivision_type1        = [[U.S. state|State]]
|subdivision_name1        = [[Alabama]]
|subdivision_type2        = [[List of counties in Alabama|County]]
|subdivision_name2        = [[Limestone County, Alabama|Limestone]]
<!-- Government ----------->
|government_footnotes     = 
|government_type          = 
|leader_title             = [[Mayor]]
|leader_name              = Billy Shannon
|leader_title1            = 
|leader_name1             = 
|established_title        = Founded
|established_date         = 1922<ref>{{citation|last=Kaetz |first=James P. |title=Ardmore |encyclopedia=Encyclopedia of Alabama |access-date=October 14, 2018 |url=http://www.encyclopediaofalabama.org/article/h-3378}}</ref>
|established_title1       = [[Municipal corporation|Incorporated]]
|established_date1        = February 24, 1945<ref>{{cite web|title=Municipalities of Alabama Incorporation Dates |publisher=Alabama League of Municipalities |url=https://almonline.org/Assets/Files/AboutUs/Alabama_Municipalities_Incorporation_Dates.pdf |access-date=March 4, 2024}}</ref>
<!-- Area ----------------->
|unit_pref                = Imperial
|area_footnotes           = <ref name="CenPopGazetteer2023">{{cite web|title=2023 U.S. Gazetteer Files|url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/2023_Gazetteer/2023_gaz_place_01.txt|publisher=United States Census Bureau|accessdate=March 3, 2024}}</ref>
|area_magnitude           = 
|area_total_km2           = 5.310
|area_land_km2            = 5.290
|area_water_km2           = 0.022
|area_total_sq_mi         = 2.050
|area_land_sq_mi          = 2.042
|area_water_sq_mi         = 0.008
<!-- Population ----------->
|population_as_of         = [[2020 United States census|2020]]
|population_est           = 1393 {{gain}}
|pop_est_as_of            = 2022
|pop_est_footnotes        = <ref name="USCensusEst2022"/>
|population_footnotes     = <ref name="2020 Census (City)"/>
|population_total         = 1321
|population_density_sq_mi = auto
<!---- General information ---->
|timezone                 = [[Central Time Zone|Central (CST)]]
|utc_offset               = −6
|timezone_DST             = CDT
|utc_offset_DST           = −5
|elevation_footnotes      = <ref name=gnis/>
|elevation_m              = 278
|elevation_ft             = 912
|coordinates              = {{coord|34|59|13|N|86|50|35|W|region:US-AL|display=inline,title}}
|postal_code_type         = [[ZIP Code]]
|postal_code              = 35739
|area_code                = [[Area codes 256 and 938|256 and 938]]
|blank_name               = [[Federal Information Processing Standard|FIPS code]]
|blank_info               = 01-02260
|blank1_name              = [[Geographic Names Information System|GNIS]] feature ID
|blank1_info              = 2405163<ref name=gnis>{{GNIS|2405163}}</ref>
|website                  = {{URL|http://www.townofardmorealabama.com/|townofardmorealabama.com}}
|footnotes                = 
}}

'''Ardmore''' is a town in [[Limestone County, Alabama|Limestone County]], [[Alabama]], United States, and is included in the [[Huntsville-Decatur, AL Combined Statistical Area|Huntsville-Decatur Metro Area]].<ref>{{cite news|first=Bayne |last=Hughes |newspaper=[[The Decatur Daily]] |title=Iconic rocket due for repair |url=http://www.decaturdaily.com/news/local/article_274db950-be01-11e3-a8d4-001a4bcf6878.html |date=April 6, 2014 |access-date=April 8, 2014}}</ref> The population was 1,321 at the [[2020 United States census|2020 census]],<ref name="2020 Census (City)">{{cite web|title=Explore Census Data |url=https://data.census.gov/profile/Ardmore_town,_Alabama?g=160XX00US0102260 |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]] |access-date=March 4, 2024}}</ref> It borders its sister city [[Ardmore, Tennessee]].

==History==
The settlement was originally named Austin, after Alex Austin, who selected the location as a site for a station along the Louisville and Nashville Railroad. The railroad company later renamed the town Ardmore, for the community of [[Ardmore, Pennsylvania]]. Ardmore, Alabama was incorporated in 1922.<ref>Foscue, Virginia. ''Place Names in Alabama''. University: U of Alabama Press, 1989.</ref>

By the mid-20th century, Ardmore had developed a diverse local economy supported by agriculture, industry, and retail businesses. The Ardmore Creamery was one of the town’s leading industries, playing a significant role in the regional dairy market. Additionally, the Ardmore Hosiery Mill provided jobs in textile manufacturing, contributing to the area’s economic stability. Farming also remained a crucial part of the local economy, with both Alabama and Tennessee farmers utilizing Ardmore as a commercial hub for distributing goods. The town's strategic location along major transportation routes made it an important center for commerce, attracting businesses that served customers from both states.

[[File:The Decatur Daily 1955 04 03 8 (1).jpg|thumb|Ardmore Rotary Club 1955]]

Civic organizations played a crucial role in Ardmore’s development, fostering community involvement and local progress. The Ardmore Rotary Club was particularly influential, bringing together business leaders and residents to promote economic growth and civic improvements. The club and other local organizations supported infrastructure projects, educational initiatives, and social programs that benefited both Alabama and Tennessee residents. Despite the administrative challenges posed by the town's split jurisdiction, these groups worked together to ensure that Ardmore remained a thriving and closely connected community.

Religious institutions were a cornerstone of Ardmore’s social fabric in the 1950s. The town had multiple churches that served as key gathering places, providing spiritual guidance and fostering a strong sense of community. These churches also played a role in charitable efforts, offering support to families in need and organizing local events. Their influence extended beyond religious services, as they helped unify the town despite its divided governance. Church-led initiatives contributed to the town’s cultural identity and reinforced the values that kept the community strong.

Education was a priority in Ardmore, with ongoing efforts to improve school facilities and resources for students. Ardmore School was considered a modern educational institution for its time, equipped to serve children from both sides of the state line. Investments in school infrastructure reflected the town’s commitment to providing quality education, despite the complexities of operating across two jurisdictions. The town’s dedication to education ensured that students had access to academic opportunities that prepared them for the future. This focus on learning, combined with industrial growth and civic engagement, helped Ardmore maintain its reputation as a progressive and resilient community in the mid-20th century.<ref>https://www.newspapers.com/image/535649733/?match=1&terms=ardmore%20history</ref>

==Geography==
Ardmore is located at {{coord|34|59|13|N|86|50|36|W|type:city}} (34.987052, -86.843228).<ref name="GR1">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/geographies/reference-files/time-series/geo/gazetteer-files.html|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=April 23, 2011|date=February 12, 2011|title=US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990}}</ref> It is the northernmost settlement in the state of Alabama.<ref name="WR1">{{cite web|url=http://weekendroady.com/2013/05/02/extreme-settlements-a-comprehensive-list/|publisher=Weekend Roady|access-date=August 20, 2014|date=May 2, 2013|title=EXTREME SETTLEMENTS: A COMPREHENSIVE LIST}}</ref> The town is concentrated along [[Alabama State Route 53]], which runs south to north along Ardmore Avenue before veering east along the state line, where it runs congruent with [[Tennessee State Route 7]] on Main Street. [[Interstate 65]], which connects [[Nashville, Tennessee|Nashville]] and [[Birmingham, Alabama|Birmingham]], passes just west of Ardmore.

Main Street is the state line. The road heading northbound/westbound is in [[Tennessee]], while southbound/eastbound is in [[Alabama]].

According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], the town has a total area of {{convert|2.050|sqmi|km2}}, of which {{convert|2.042|sqmi|km2}} is land and {{convert|0.008|sqmi|km2}}, is water.<ref name="CenPopGazetteer2023"/>

==Demographics==
{{US Census population
|align=left
|1930= 266
|1940= 381
|1950= 408
|1960= 439
|1970= 761
|1980= 1096
|1990= 1090
|2000= 1034
|2010= 1194
|2020= 1321
|estyear=2022
|estimate=1393
|estref=<ref name="USCensusEst2022">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/popest/2020s-total-cities-and-towns.html |date=March 4, 2024|title=City and Town Population Totals: 2020–2022|publisher=United States Census Bureau|accessdate=March 4, 2024}}</ref>
|align-fn=center
|footnote=U.S. Decennial Census<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html|title=Census of Population and Housing|publisher=United States Census Bureau|accessdate=June 4, 2015}}</ref><br>2020 Census<ref name="2020 Census (City)"/>
}}
Ardmore first appeared on the 1930 U.S. Census as an incorporated town.<ref name="www2.census.gov">http://www2.census.gov/prod2/decennial/documents/03815512v1ch02.pdf, 1930 AL Census</ref>

===2020 census===
{| class="wikitable"
|+Ardmore racial composition<ref>{{Cite web|title=Explore Census Data|url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?g=1600000US0102260&tid=DECENNIALPL2020.P2|access-date=December 16, 2021|website=data.census.gov}}</ref>
!Race
!Number
!Percent
|-
|[[White (U.S. Census)|White]] (non-Hispanic)
|1,144
|86.6%
|-
|[[African American (U.S. Census)|Black or African American]] (non-Hispanic)
|33
|2.5%
|-
|[[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]]
|4
|0.3%
|-
|[[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]]
|8
|0.61%
|-
|[[Race (United States Census)|Other/Mixed]]
|76
|5.75%
|-
|[[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]]
|56
|4.24%
|}
As of the [[2020 United States census|2020 census]], there were 1,321 people, 571 households, and 344 families residing in the town.<ref>{{Cite web|title=US Census Bureau, Table P16: Household Type |url=https://data.census.gov/table?q=Ardmore%20town,%20Alabama%20p16&y=2020 |access-date=March 3, 2024 |publisher=United States Census Bureau}}</ref> There were 636 housing units.

===2010 census===
As of the [[2010 United States census|2010 census]] there were 1,194 people, 505 households, and 333 families in the town. The population density was {{convert|517|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. There were 578 housing units at an average density of {{convert|289|/sqmi|/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. The [[Race and ethnicity in the United States Census#2010 census|racial makeup]] of the town was 94.3% [[Race (United States Census)|White]], 1.9% [[Race (United States Census)|Black]] or [[Race (United States Census)|African American]], 0.8% [[Race (United States Census)|Native American]], 0.9% [[Race (United States Census)|Asian]], 0.1% [[Race (United States Census)|Pacific Islander]], 0.6% from other races, and 1.4% from two or more races. 1.3%. were [[Race (United States Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Race (United States Census)|Latino]] of any race.

Of the 505 households 28.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 44.8% were married couples living together, 15.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.1% were non-families. 31.5% of households were made up of individuals, and 18.5% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.36, and the average family size was 2.97.

The age distribution was 24.9% under the age of 18, 10.7% from 18 to 24, 25.7% from 25 to 44, 21.9% from 45 to 64, and 16.8% 65 or older. The median age was 37.1 years. For every 100 females, there were 82.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.7 males.

The median household income was $32,196 and the median family income was $36,779. Males had a median income of $31,600 versus $37,841 for females. The per capita income for the town was $18,931. About 13.0% of families and 18.8% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 21.9% of those under age 18 and 19.2% of those age 65 or over.

===2000 census===
As of the [[2000 United States census|2000 census]], there were 1,034 people, 460 households, and 276 families in the town. The population density was {{convert|506.8|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. There were 506 housing units at an average density of {{convert|248.0|/sqmi|/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}.  The [[Race and ethnicity in the United States Census#2000 census|racial makeup]] of the town was 96.23% [[Race (United States Census)|White]], 0.87% [[Race (United States Census)|Black]] or [[Race (United States Census)|African American]], 0.48% [[Race (United States Census)|Native American]], 0.77% [[Race (United States Census)|Asian]], 0.10% [[Race (United States Census)|Pacific Islander]], 1.16% from other races, and 0.39% from two or more races. 1.74% were [[Race (United States Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Race (United States Census)|Latino]] of any race.

Of the 460 households 27.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 43.0% were married couples living together, 11.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 39.8% were non-families. 36.5% of households were made up of individuals, and 21.1% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.25, and the average family size was 2.96.

The age distribution was 25.0% under the age of 18, 8.3% from 18 to 24, 25.7% from 25 to 44, 24.6% from 45 to 64, and 16.4% 65 or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 81.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 78.0 males.

The median household income was $28,352 and the median family income was $40,673. Males had a median income of $29,531 versus $19,875 for females. The per capita income for the town was $18,447. About 10.7% of families and 17.9% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 20.2% of those under age 18 and 30.7% of those age 65 or over.

===Historic Demographics===
{| class="wikitable"
!Census<br>Year
!Population &<br>Racial<br>Majority
!State<br>Place<br>Rank
!County<br>Place<br>Rank
!White<br>(White, Non-<br>Hispanic 1980-
!Black
!Hispanic<br>(1980-
!Native<br>American
!Asian
!Pacific<br>Islander<br>(1980-
!Other
!2 or More<br>Races<br>(2000-
|-
|'''1930'''{{efn|1st year Ardmore reported on census}}<ref name="www2.census.gov"/>
|266 (-){{efn|(-)Indicates no immediate prior population figure or rank}}{{efn|Racial demographics not reported for places of less than 1,000 on the 1930-70 censuses.}}
|248<small>th</small> (-)
|'''2<small>nd</small>''' (-)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|-
|'''1940'''<ref>http://www2.census.gov/prod2/decennial/documents/33973538v1ch03.pdf, 1940 AL Census</ref>
|381 ↑
|'''219<small>th</small>''' ↑
|'''2<small>nd</small>''' X{{efn|X Indicates no change in rank}}
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|-
|'''1950'''<ref>http://www2.census.gov/prod2/decennial/documents/23761117v1ch04.pdf, 1950 AL Census</ref>
|408 ↑
|260<small>th</small>{{efn|Tied for 260th place with Pine Hill}} ↓
|'''2<small>nd</small>''' X
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|-
|'''1960'''<ref>http://www2.census.gov/prod2/decennial/documents/37721510v1p2ch2.pdf, 1960 AL Census</ref>
|439 ↑
|259<small>th</small> ↑
|'''2<small>nd</small>''' X
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|-
|'''1970'''<ref>http://www2.census.gov/prod2/decennial/documents/1970a_al-01.pdf, 1970 AL Census</ref>
|761 ↑
|238<small>th</small> ↑
|'''2<small>nd</small>''' X
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|-
|'''1980'''{{efn|With addition of "Hispanic" to census, which could also be a person of any race, both population totals and percentages will add up to more than the total population.}}<ref>http://www2.census.gov/prod2/decennial/documents/1980a_alABC-01.pdf, 1980 AL Census</ref>
|1,096 ↑
|238<small>th</small> X
|'''2<small>nd</small>''' X
|1,073 ↑ '''97.9%'''{{efn|From 1980 onwards, White population only reported on chart as "Non-Hispanic White/One Race", which will be less than the overall White population that would also include White Hispanics, which would be counted under Hispanic exclusively.}}
<td>8 (-) 0.7%</td>
|10 (-) 0.9%
<td>2 (-) 0.2%</td>
|2 (-) 0.2%
|
|1 (-) 0.1%
|
|-
|'''1990'''<ref>http://www.census.gov/prod/cen1990/cph5/cph-5-2.pdf, 1990 AL Census</ref>
|1,090 ↓
|250<small>th</small> ↓
|'''2<small>nd</small>''' X
|1,065 ↓ 97.7%
<td>18 ↑ 1.7%</td>
|6 ↓ 0.6%
<td>1 ↓ 0.1%</td>
|
|
|
|
|-
|'''2000'''<ref>http://www.census.gov/prod/cen2000/phc-1-2.pdf, 2000 AL Census</ref>
|1,034 ↓
|277<small>th</small> ↓
|'''2<small>nd</small>''' X
|988 ↓ 95.6%
<td>9 ↓ 0.9%</td>
|'''18''' ↑ '''1.7%'''
<td>5 ↑ 0.5%</td>
|8 (-) 0.8%
|'''1''' (-) '''0.1%'''
|'''12''' (-) '''1.2%'''<td>4 (-) 0.4%</td>
|-
|'''2010'''<ref>http://www.census.gov/prod/cen2010/cph-1-2.pdf, 2010 AL Census</ref>
|'''1,194''' ↑
|282<small>nd</small> ↓
|4<small>th</small>{{efn|Lost 2nd place to Madison & Huntsville (3rd), both of which have annexed from the adjacent Madison County. Ardmore, however, remains 2nd largest place wholly within Limestone County.}} ↓
|'''1,119''' ↑ 93.7%
<td>'''23''' ↑ '''1.9%'''</td>
|16 ↓ 1.3%
<td>'''9''' ↑ '''0.8%'''</td>
|'''11''' ↑ '''0.9%'''
|'''1''' X 0.1%
|7 ↓ 0.6%
<td>'''17''' ↑ '''1.4%'''</td>
|-
|}

==Education==
It is in the [[Limestone County School District]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/maps/DC2020/PL20/st01_al/schooldistrict_maps/c01083_limestone/DC20SD_C01083.pdf|title=2020 CENSUS - SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENCE MAP: Limestone County, AL|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|accessdate=August 1, 2022}} - [https://www2.census.gov/geo/maps/DC2020/PL20/st01_al/schooldistrict_maps/c01083_limestone/DC20SD_C01083_SD2MS.txt Text list]</ref>

There is a high school in Ardmore, Alabama called “Ardmore High School” and it has around 1,008 students.<ref>[https://www.niche.com/k12/ardmore-high-school-ardmore-al/ Ardmore High School]</ref> The high school consists of two separate parts: the middle school, where grades six through eight attend, and the high school, where grades nine through twelve attend. 
The school was founded in 1915; the five acres of land cost a total of five dollars and was generously donated to the school. Residents of Ardmore helped construct the school building for an entire year. The original school building was only two stories tall. There were classrooms, a library, and a study hall area on the first floor, and they put a stage on the second floor of the building.

In 1917, the doors of the school opened to welcome its first students. Ten years later, Ardmore High School received its accreditation.

The school's mission statement since its opening has been: "The mission and purpose of Ardmore High School is to provide appropriate learning opportunities that promote academic, physical, and ethical growth of students enabling them to become productive citizens in an ever-changing society."<ref>[https://www.ardmorehigh.org/about, Ardmore High, About]</ref>

==In popular culture==
Ardmore is the setting of a song by [[Old Crow Medicine Show]] called "Alabama High-Test," on the album ''[[Tennessee Pusher]]''.<ref name="OCMS">{{cite news|url=http://www.al.com/music/huntsvilletimes/index.ssf?/base/entertainment/1253179028139310.xml&coll=1|title=Old Crow has the ideal medicine for a bad case of glitz: great music|newspaper=[[Huntsville Times]]|date=September 17, 2009|access-date=September 17, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110609100148/http://www.al.com/music/huntsvilletimes/index.ssf?%2Fbase%2Fentertainment%2F1253179028139310.xml&coll=1|archive-date=June 9, 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==Notable People==
* [[David Fanning (singer)|David Fanning]], [[country music]] singer, songwriter, and record producer
* [[Lee Hodges (golfer)|Lee Hodges]], [[PGA Tour]] golfer

==Photo Gallery==
<gallery>
File:AL53 North - Truck Route TN7 Sign - Ardmore (30784278918).jpg|Ardmore road signs at the state line
File:Ardmore-Highway53-W-al.jpg|Downtown Ardmore
File:Ardmore-Town-Hall-al.jpg|Ardmore town hall
File:Ardmore Airport.jpg|Ardmore airport
</gallery>

==References==
===Notes===
{{Notelist}}

===References===
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*{{Commons category-inline|Ardmore, Alabama}}

{{Limestone County, Alabama}}

{{authority control}}

[[Category:1922 establishments in Alabama]]
[[Category:Towns in Limestone County, Alabama]]
[[Category:Towns in Alabama]]
[[Category:Huntsville-Decatur, AL Combined Statistical Area]]