Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Alexander City, AL



Court Square

Alexander City is a city in Tallapoosa County, Alabama, United States. At the 2000 census the population was 15,008. According to the 2005 U.S. Census estimates, the city had a population of 14,957. Locals refer to Alexander City as "Alex City" . Alexander City is known for Lake Martin with its 750 miles (1,210 km) of wooded shoreline and 44,000 acres (178 km²) of crystal clear water. Lake Martin is located on the Tallapoosa River and offers boating, swimming, fishing, golfing, and camping. Many neighborhoods and luxury homes are located on the lake.



Russell Corporation, maker of Russell Athletic, Cross Creek, Jerzees, and Country Cottons apparel, was founded in 1902 and is a large employer in the city. The company is headquartered in the city, but also shares this status with Atlanta, Georgia when in 1998 the need for an office in a larger city was needed. Recently, the number of workers employed by Russell Corporation in Alex City has been on a steady decline due to Russell moving more and more production overseas. On April 17, 2006, Russell Corporation was bought by Berkshire Hathaway for an estimated $600 million. Berkshire Hathaway, Warren Buffett's company, also owns such companies as Fruit of the Loom and GEICO. The company will continue to operate as Russell Corporation, but its workers and CEO will report to Fruit of the Loom.

Acapulco Rock and Chimney Rock at the lake

History

Alexander City was incoporated in 1872 as Youngstown named for its founder James Young. In 1873 the Savannah and Memphis Railroad came to the city. The city was renamed in honor of the railroad's President Edward P. Alexander.



Notable natives:

Roberta Alison - tennis player

Joe Forehand - former Chairman of the Board of Accenture

Terrell Owens - wide receiver for the Buffalo Bills.

Jim Phillips (football player) - All-American at Auburn University and NFL All-Pro.

Trey Sims - referred to as the greatest mulit-sport athlete ever.

George Hardy - actor in the cult classic Troll 2.

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