A fountain in Lanett, Alabama
Lanett is a city in Chambers County, Alabama, United States. At the 2000 census the population was 7,897. Lanett is located in eastern Alabama, on the Chattahoochee River, southwest of Atlanta, GA. The city's name is derived from Lanier and Bennett, founders of the West Point Pepperell Co.
Lanett Post Office (ZIP code: 36863)
Geography
Lanett is located at 32°51'48.326" North, 85°11'58.862" West (32.863424, -85.199684).
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 5.4 square miles (14.0 km²), all of it land.
Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 7,897 people, 3,186 households, and 2,125 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,463.6 people per square mile (564.6/km²). There were 3,589 housing units at an average density of 665.2/sq mi (256.6/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 53.58% Black or African American, 45.36% White, 0.11% Native American, 0.22% Asian, 0.10% from other races, and 0.63% from two or more races. 0.80% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
The abandoned Johnson Industries Fiber Products Division Lantuck Plant There were 3,186 households out of which 28.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 40.1% were married couples living together, 22.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.3% were non-families. 30.4% of all households were made up of individuals and 14.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.46 and the average family size was 3.06.
In the city the population was spread out with 25.9% under the age of 18, 8.7% from 18 to 24, 25.0% from 25 to 44, 22.2% from 45 to 64, and 18.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females there were 83.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 77.5 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $26,197, and the median income for a family was $36,481. Males had a median income of $28,066 versus $22,101 for females. The per capita income for the city was $15,614. About 17.8% of families and 20.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 25.9% of those under age 18 and 19.3% of those age 65 or over.
Fort Tyler and the Confederate Cemetery
Located partially in Lanett, Fort Tyler is a famous battlefield of the Civil War. During the last stages of the War Between the States, and earthen fort was constructed on top of the highest hill over-looking West Point, to protect the railroad bridge, wagon bridge, and Confederate supplies in the city. Federal forces led by General J.H. Wilson swept eastward throughout Selma and Montgomery, AL and reached West Point on Easter Sunday, April 16, 1865. A nine-hour battle ensued, in which 18 of the more than 200 Confederates present were killed, including the two officers in charge, General Robert Tyler and Captain Celestino Gonzalez. The remainder were taken prisoner but released within a week, when news of the war's end officially reached all points. Visit www.forttyler.com for more information on the Battle of West Point.
Little Nadine's Dollhouse
Little Nadine's Dollhouse is a brick doll house located in the Oakwood Cemetery in Lanett. The dollhouse was built over the grave of 4-year old Nadine Earle who died one week before Christmas in 1935 with the unfulfilled wish of having a playhouse in her backyard. She was fondly remembered as saying, "Me want it now" (which is displayed on the marker).
The LaFayette Laneir Monument
The LaFayette Lanier Monument is a 12-foot-high shaft of pink marlbe erected in 1925. It honors the memory of LaFayette Lanier, founder of the West Point Manufacturing Company and Lanett Cotton Mills, Inc.. The inscription reads, "Erected by the citizens of Riverview, Fairfax, Langdale, Shawmut, Lanett, and West Point to the memory of LaFayette Lanier, born June 21, 1845, died June 17, 1910, whose genius and vision were largely responsible for the industrial and civic development of the Chattahoochee Valley."
Athletic Hall
Constructed in Lanett in 1928, the Athletic Hall operates a historic gymnasium and houses an athletic hall of fame honoring Lanett athletes, three of whom have played in Super Bowls. Lanett's rich athletic history can be seen from the 40's to the present by viewing the archived memorabilia .
The Griggs House
Built in Lanett in 1858, this house was later occupied by Dr. Asa W. Griggs, a Confederate surgeon, who attended wounded from both sides during the Battle of Fort Tyler. Hit many times by Confederate and Union cannon fire, the 12 inch walls remained intact. Actual holes from cannon and gun fire are still present in one area of the home. One of only three homes in the area left from the Civil War era, the home is now a private residence.
City Of Lanett Web Site
501 Eighth Street (House), 501 Eighth Street, Lanett, Chambers County, AL
View looking northeast of 1002 South 1st Street, a side-gable duplex mill worker house for Lanett Cotton Mill - 1002 South First Street (House), 1002 South First Street, Lanett, Chambers County, AL
Mill Village, Textile Industry in Valley, Alabama, Valley, Chambers County, AL
The development of the cotton textile industry in Valley, Alabama (Chambers County) after 1866, exemplifies the development of the industry throughout the South, particularly the expansion of the southern textile industry from 1890-1920. The textile mills of Valley (Langdale, Riverdale, Fairfax and Shawmut) and nearby Lanett were all operated for many years by the West Point Manufacturing Company and provide a sampling of textile mill construction from early water-powered mills such as Riverdale (1866) to electrified mills such as Fairfax (1915-16). The mill villages of Valley, Alabama (Langdale, Riverview, Fairfax, and Shawmut) provide classic illustrations of the paternalistic southern textile mill village, its development and evolution. The Valley mills and villages are largely intact, although the recent closure of Riverdale Mill threaten the survival of an important part of the textile industry landscape in Valley.