Editing Smiths Station, Alabama

{{short description|City in Alabama, United States}}
{{Redirect|Smiths Station|the Kentucky city formerly known as Smith's Station|Pewee Valley, Kentucky}}
{{Use American English|date=September 2024}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2024}}
{{Infobox settlement
|official_name            = Smiths Station
|settlement_type          = [[City]]
|image_skyline            = 2021-03-08_Smiths_Station,_AL_-_Historic_Jones_Store_Complex.jpg
|imagesize                = 300px
|image_caption            = The Historic Jones Store Museum in Smiths Station
|image_flag               = Flag of Smiths Station, Alabama.png
|image_seal               = Seal of Smiths Station, Alabama.png
|image_map                = File:Lee County Alabama Incorporated and Unincorporated areas Smiths Station Highlighted 0171190.svg
|mapsize                  = 250px
|map_caption              = Location of Smiths Station in Lee County, Alabama.
|subdivision_type         = [[List of sovereign states|Country]]
|subdivision_type1        = [[U.S. state|State]]
|subdivision_type2        = [[List of counties in Alabama|Counties]]
|subdivision_name         = [[United States]]
|subdivision_name1        = [[Alabama]]
|subdivision_name2        = [[Lee County, Alabama|Lee]]
|government_type          = 
|leader_title             = Mayor
|leader_name              = Richard Cooley 
|established_date         = June 22, 2001
|area_magnitude           = 
|area_total_km2           = 21.41
|area_total_sq_mi         = 8.27
|area_land_km2            = 21.34
|area_land_sq_mi          = 8.24
|area_water_km2           = 0.07
|area_water_sq_mi         = 0.03
|elevation_ft             = 370
|elevation_m              = 113
|population_as_of         = [[2020 United States census|2020]]
|population_footnotes     = 
|population_total         = 5384
|population_metro         = 150,933
|population_density_km2   = 252.27
|population_density_sq_mi = 653.40
|timezone                 = [[Eastern Time Zone|Eastern (EST)]]
|utc_offset               = 
|coordinates              = {{coord|32|32|21|N|85|05|55|W|region:US-AL|display=inline,title}}
|timezone_DST             = 
|utc_offset_DST           = 
|postal_code_type         = [[ZIP code]]s
|postal_code              = 36877
|area_code                = [[Area code 334|334]]
|blank_name               = [[Federal Information Processing Standard|FIPS code]]
|blank_info               = 01-71190
|website                  = {{URL|https://smithsstational.gov/}}
|footnote                 = 
|pop_est_as_of = 
|pop_est_footnotes = 
|population_est = 
|unit_pref = Imperial
|area_footnotes = <ref name="CenPopGazetteer2020">{{cite web|title=2020 U.S. Gazetteer Files|url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/2020_Gazetteer/2020_gaz_place_01.txt|publisher=United States Census Bureau|accessdate=October 29, 2021}}</ref>
}}

'''Smiths Station''' is a city in [[Lee County, Alabama]], United States. It is part of the [[Columbus, Georgia metropolitan area]]. At the time of the [[2000 United States Census|2000 census]], it was still a [[census-designated place]] (CDP), and its population was 6,756. The area that incorporated as Smiths Station in 2001 was much smaller than the CDP, and contained a population of 4,926 by the [[2010 United States Census|2010 census]]. Smiths Station, known to locals as "Smiths", is a [[bedroom community]] of [[Columbus, Georgia]], and [[Phenix City, Alabama]]. [[Smiths Station High School]] has an enrollment of over 1,800 students and is the 11th-largest high school in the state.

==History==
Smiths Station was first settled in 1738. The [[Central of Georgia Railway]] was extended through the community from [[Columbus, Georgia]] to [[Opelika, Alabama]] in 1845. The depot was named for Broadus Smith, a prominent early settler who lived near the city's current location.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.americantowns.com/al/smithsstation/organization/city-of-smiths-station|title=City of Smiths Station}}</ref>

Local legend contends that around 1960, local Jon Ergan grew tired of writing Smiths Station, so he took it upon himself to drop "Station" from the name of the community.{{citation needed|date=June 2018}}

Smiths Station was officially incorporated on June 22, 2001, and is {{As of|2004|lc=on}} Alabama's second newest city next to [[Center Point, Alabama|Center Point]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Smiths Station|url=http://www.encyclopediaofalabama.org/article/h-3978|access-date=June 19, 2020|website=Encyclopedia of Alabama|language=en}}</ref>

On November 3, 2023, the city's [[mayor]], [[Bubba Copeland]], [[Suicide|died by suicide]] after being publicly [[Outing|outed]] by reporter Craig Monger of [[Conservatism in the United States|conservative]] news website ''[[1819 News]]'' for [[cross-dressing]] and adopting a [[transgender]] persona online.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Craig |first1=Monger |title=The secret life of Smiths Station Mayor and Baptist pastor F.L. 'Bubba' Copeland as a 'transgender curvy girl': 'It's a hobby I do to relieve stress' |url=https://1819news.com/news/item/the-secret-life-of-smiths-station-mayor-and-baptist-pastor-f.l.-bubba-copeland-as-a-transgender-curvy-girl-its-a-hobby-i-do-to-relieve-stress |access-date=November 19, 2023 |work=1819 News |date=November 1, 2023}}</ref><ref name="al">{{Cite web|url=https://www.al.com/news/2023/11/fl-bubba-copeland-alabama-mayor-and-pastor-kills-himself.html|title=F.L. 'Bubba' Copeland, Alabama mayor and pastor, kills himself|last=Koplowitz|first=Howard|work=AL.com|date=November 3, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Cathell |first1=Mia |title=What the Media Aren't Telling You About a Trans Mayor's Suicide |url=https://townhall.com/tipsheet/miacathell/2023/11/17/trans-mayor-suicide-n2630812 |website=Townhall |access-date=November 19, 2023 |date=November 17, 2023}}</ref>

==Geography==
According to the [[U.S. Census Bureau]], the CDP had a total area of {{convert|6.740|sqmi|km2}}, of which {{convert|6.713|sqmi|km2}} is land and {{convert|0.027|sqmi|km2}} is water.<ref>{{cite web|title=2016 Census Gazetteer|url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/2016_Gazetteer/2016_gaz_place_01.txt|publisher=US Census Bureau|accessdate=June 8, 2017}}</ref>

The city is located in the southeastern part of Lee County, adjacent to [[Phenix City, Alabama|Phenix City]], which it borders to the southeast. U.S. Routes [[U.S. Route 280|280]] and [[U.S. Route 431 in Alabama|431]] run through the eastern part of the city, leading northwest 19&nbsp;mi (31&nbsp;km) to [[Opelika, Alabama|Opelika]] and southeast 8&nbsp;mi (13&nbsp;km) to Phenix City. Numerous county and local roads also run through the city as well, leading to more rural areas in Lee County.

===Climate===
The climate in this area is characterized by relatively high temperatures and evenly distributed precipitation throughout the year. According to the [[Köppen Climate Classification]] system, Smiths Station has a [[humid subtropical climate]], abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps.<ref>[http://www.weatherbase.com/weather/weather-summary.php3?s=287390&cityname=Smiths+Station%2C+Alabama%2C+United+States+of+America&units= Climate Summary for Smiths Station, Alabama]</ref>

On March 3, 2019, an [[Tornado outbreak of March 3, 2019#Beauregard–Smiths Station, Alabama/Talbotton, Georgia|EF4 tornado]] ripped through Smiths Station at high-end EF2 strength. Major damage occurred to homes, businesses and trees in the area.<ref>{{cite web|agency=National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office in Birmingham, Alabama|title=Beauregard-Smiths Station EF-4 Tornado (Macon/Lee Counties) March 3, 2019|url=https://www.weather.gov/bmx/event_03032019beauregard|publisher=National Weather Service|date=March 5, 2019|accessdate=March 5, 2019|location=Birmingham, Alabama}}</ref><ref>{{cite report|department=National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office in Atlanta, Georgia|title=Update #3 From NWS Damage Surveys Including the Long-Track Tornado which Traversed from Macon and Lee Counties in Alabama Through Muscogee, Harris and Talbotton Counties in Georgia|url=https://mesonet.agron.iastate.edu/wx/afos/p.php?pil=PNSFFC&e=201903052152|publisher=Iowa Environmental Mesonet|date=March 5, 2019|accessdate=March 5, 2019}}</ref>

==Demographics==
{{US Census population
|1990= 3456
|2000= 21756
|2010= 4926
|2020= 5384
|align-fn=center
|footnote=U.S. Decennial Census<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/prod/www/decennial.html|title=U.S. Decennial Census|publisher=Census.gov|accessdate=June 6, 2013}}</ref>
}}

From 1990–2001, the community was listed as Smiths CDP in the U.S. Census; the precipitous drop in population from 2000–2010 was due to just a segment of the CDP's incorporation as the city of Smiths Station. The remainder of the former CDP was disbanded as a separate entity for the 2010 census.<ref>1870-2010 U.S. Censuses research on Lee County, Alabama communities</ref>

===2000 census===
At the [[2000 United States Census|2000 census]], there were 21,756 people, 7,806 households, and 6,252 families in the CDP. The population density was {{convert|305.7|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. There were 8,437 housing units at an average density of {{convert|118.6|/sqmi|/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. The [[Race and ethnicity in the United States Census#2010 census|racial makeup]] of the CDP was 84.79% White, 12.67% Black or African American, 0.38% Native American, 0.39% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.74% from other races, and 1.03% from two or more races. 2.08% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

Of the 7,806 households 44.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 64.4% were married couples living together, 11.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 19.9% were non-families. 16.5% of households were one person and 4.8% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.79 and the average family size was 3.12.

The age distribution was 30.4% under the age of 18, 7.9% from 18 to 24, 34.9% from 25 to 44, 19.6% from 45 to 64, and 7.2% 65 or older. The median age was 32 years. For every 100 females, there were 98.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.7 males.

The median household income was $43,977 and the median family income was $47,765. Males had a median income of $32,246 versus $23,707 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $17,608. About 7.2% of families and 8.9% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 11.6% of those under age 18 and 11.2% of those age 65 or over.

===2010 census===
At the [[2010 United States Census|2010 census]], there were 4,926 people in 1,913 households, including 1,407 families, in the city. There were 8,437 housing units. The [[Race and ethnicity in the United States Census#2010 census|racial makeup]] of the city was 80.3% White, 15.9% Black or African American, 0.7% Native American, 0.5% Asian, 0.0% Pacific Islander, 0.6% from other races, and 2.0% from two or more races. 2.8% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

Of the 1,913 households 31.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.9% were married couples living together, 15.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.5% were non-families. 22.9% of households were one person and 7.5% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.58 and the average family size was 2.99.

The age distribution was 24.1% under the age of 18, 9.0% from 18 to 24, 24.1% from 25 to 44, 29.7% from 45 to 64, and 13.1% 65 or older. The median age was 39.3 years. For every 100 females, there were 93.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.9 males.

The median household income was $47,969 and the median family income was $54,698. Males had a median income of $38,294 versus $25,394 for females. The per capita income for the city was $20,678. About 7.5% of families and 9.8% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 13.7% of those under age 18 and 12.1% of those age 65 or over.

===2020 census===
{| class="wikitable"
|+Smiths Station racial composition<ref>{{Cite web|title=Explore Census Data|url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?g=1600000US0171190&tid=DECENNIALPL2020.P2|access-date=December 13, 2021|website=data.census.gov}}</ref>
!Race
!Num.
!Perc.
|-
|[[White (U.S. Census)|White]] (non-Hispanic)
|3,886
|72.18%
|-
|[[African American (U.S. Census)|Black or African American]] (non-Hispanic)
|997
|18.52%
|-
|[[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]]
|11
|0.2%
|-
|[[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]]
|40
|0.74%
|-
|[[Pacific Islander (U.S. Census)|Pacific Islander]]
|2
|0.04%
|-
|[[Race (United States Census)|Other/Mixed]]
|229
|4.25%
|-
|[[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]]
|219
|4.07%
|}
As of the [[2020 United States census]], there were 5,384 people, 2,151 households, and 1,566 families residing in the city.

==Education==
Smiths Station forms a part of the [[Lee County Schools (Alabama)|Lee County School District]].

[[Smiths Station High School]] is the city's only high school. Its school colors are black, white, and teal with a secondary use of silver; sports teams are called the Panthers. The school's "cheer squads" are award-winning{{which|date=June 2018}} and appear at all [[High school football|football]] and basketball games. In the past, the football team had more success, with the third-most Alabama state championship game appearances. The "Panther Spirit Marching Band" has been invited to march for the Queen of the United Kingdom and has performed in the Dunkin' Donuts Thanksgiving Day Parade in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The band holds three Grand Championship awards and numerous best-in-class awards. The track-and-field team has been nationally ranked several times and have numerous alumni throughout the nation competing at the DI, DII, and professional levels.{{citation needed|date=June 2018}}

==Time zone==
Although Alabama is legally in the [[Central Time Zone (North America)|Central Time Zone]], Smiths Station's proximity to the larger cities of Phenix City and Columbus, Georgia causes areas within a 10-15 mile radius of Phenix City (including Smiths Station) to observe [[Eastern Time Zone|Eastern Time]] on a de facto basis.<ref>{{cite web|title=Exceptions, Oddities, and Notes|url=http://ontimezone.com/exceptions.php|publisher=OnTimeZone.com|accessdate=June 8, 2012}}</ref>

==Transportation==
Lee-Russell Public Transit provides [[dial-a-ride]] transit service throughout Smiths Station and the county.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.lrcog.com/public-transit/#LRPT|title=Lee-Russell Public Transit|access-date=November 10, 2024}}</ref>

==Notable people==
* [[Conway Twitty]], a country music singer born Harold Lloyd Jenkins in 1933, attended Smiths Station High School, where he played high school baseball.<ref>{{cite book | last = Wood | first = Graham | title = An A-Z of Rock and Roll | publisher = Studio Vista | year = 1971 | isbn = 9781105325038 | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=TytXdxjh4tIC&pg=PP1}}</ref>
*

==Gallery==
<gallery>
File:2021-03-08_Smiths_Station,_AL_-_City_Hall.jpg|Smiths Station City Hall
File:2021-03-08_Smiths_Station,_AL_-_Post_Office.jpg|Smiths Station Post Office ([[ZIP code]]: 36877)
File:Photo_of_the_School_2014-05-30_11-32.jpg|[[Smiths Station High School]]
File:Lowther House Complex Smiths Station Alabama.JPG|The Lowther House in Smiths Station was added to the [[National Register of Historic Places listings in Lee County, Alabama|National Register of Historic Places]] on
</gallery>

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Portal|United States}}
*{{Official website|https://smithsstational.gov/}}

{{Lee County, Alabama}}
{{Columbus Auburn Opelika}}

{{authority control}}

[[Category:Cities in Alabama]]
[[Category:Cities in Lee County, Alabama]]
[[Category:Populated places established in 2001]]
[[Category:Former census-designated places in Alabama]]
[[Category:Columbus metropolitan area, Georgia]]
[[Category:2001 establishments in Alabama]]