# Elkmont, Alabama

Elkmont is a town in Limestone County, Alabama, United States, and is included in the Huntsville-Decatur Combined Statistical Area. As of the 2010 census, the population of the town was 434, down from its record high of 470 in 2000.

## History

Elkmont began as a stop known as "Fort Hampton" along the newly-constructed Tennessee and Alabama Central Railroad in 1859. The name was changed to "Elkmont," after the elk that once flourished in the area, in 1866. The Tennessee and Alabama Central eventually became part of the L&N Railroad system, which built the current depot (now used as a community center) in 1887. The railroad tracks have since been removed, and are now part of the Richard Martin Trail. Elkmont incorporated in 1873.
During the Civil War, the Battle of Sulphur Creek Trestle was fought just south of Elkmont in September 1864. The site is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Elkmont's early economy was driven by agriculture, with local farmers growing cotton, wheat, and corn. Reports from the 1880s indicate that the cotton yield was better than expected in some years, and wheat production was sufficient to support the local economy.$^{[11]}$ The town also developed businesses such as blacksmithing, furniture making, and general stores, which were crucial for local commerce.$^{[12]}$

## Education and Temperance Movement

By the late 19th century, efforts were underway to establish a formal education system. In 1884, the town's residents formed a board of trustees for Elkmont High School, advocating for improved education and the prohibition of liquor sales.$^{[13]}$ The local community also petitioned the Alabama Legislature to enact a special law banning liquor sales within four miles of the town.$^{[14]}$

## Railroad and Industrial Development

The Nashville & Decatur Railroad, running through Elkmont, played a crucial role in its economic development. In the late 1800s, local citizens frequently used the railway for travel between Athens, Pulaski, and beyond. However, railroad-related accidents were a common danger, with multiple fatalities reported in the late 19th century.$^{[15]}$

## Community and Social Life

Elkmont residents actively participated in church gatherings, Christmas celebrations, and educational initiatives. In December 1885, Professor Moore organized a Christmas event at the local school, reflecting the community's strong emphasis on faith and education.$^{[16]}$ The town also saw visits from families and friends, as noted in local newspaper reports detailing social events and reunions.$^{[17]}$

## 20th Century and Planned Development

In the 1970s, Elkmont became part of a planned rural development project under the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and the Elk River Development Association. The project, known as Elkmont Village, aimed to balance rural living with modern infrastructure, including hiking and bike trails, underground utilities, and recreational spaces.$^{[18]}$ The program emphasized wildlife conservation, energy-efficient building codes, and community planning, marking a shift from its traditional agricultural roots.$^{[19]}$

## Geography

Elkmont is located at 34°55′49″N 86°58′38″W﻿ / ﻿34.93028°N 86.97722°W﻿ / 34.93028; -86.97722 (34.930155, -86.977086). The town is concentrated around the intersection of County Road 49 (Upper Fort Hampton Road) and the old railroad line (now the Richard Martin Trail), several miles north of Athens, and a few miles south of the Alabama-Tennessee state line. Interstate 65 passes to the east of Elkmont, and the Elk River passes to the west. State Route 127 runs along a portion of Elkmont's western municipal boundary.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 1.6 square miles (4.1 km$^2$), all land.

## Demographics

As of the census of 2000, there were 470 people, 172 households, and 136 families residing in the town. The population density was 292.9 inhabitants per square mile (113.1/km$^2$). There were 189 housing units at an average density of 117.8 per square mile (45.5/km$^2$). The racial makeup of the town was 83.40% White, 15.11% Black or African American, 1.06% from other races, and 0.43% from two or more races. 1.28% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There were 172 households, out of which 40.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 64.0% were married couples living together, 9.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 20.9% were non-families. 19.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.73 and the average family size was 3.10.
In the town, the population was spread out, with 28.3% under the age of 18, 6.0% from 18 to 24, 32.1% from 25 to 44, 18.9% from 45 to 64, and 14.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females, there were 97.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 100.6 males.
The median income for a household in the town was $31,771, and the median income for a family was $35,000. Males had a median income of $33,750 versus $21,250 for females. The per capita income for the town was $17,654. About 15.9% of families and 20.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 34.9% of those under age 18 and 13.9% of those age 65 or over.

## Economy

Elkmont is home to the Belle Chevre artisanal goat cheese maker. The ELECTRICFIL Corporation, a subsidiary of French Group EFI Automotive, employs nearly 150 people in the Elkmont area.
The Richard Martin Trail passes through Elkmont along the old rail line.

## Education

It is in the Limestone County School District.

## Notable people

* Michael Boley, professional football linebacker
* The Delmore Brothers, country music singers and early stars of the Grand Ole Opry
* Billy Hogan, singer/songwriter
* Horace Elmo Nichols, chief justice of the Supreme Court of Georgia from 1975 to 1980