The early settlers of this area, most of them veterans of the War of 1812, recognized the beautiful woodlands as a productive area.  Otis Dyer first homesteaded 80 acres in 1825.  By the outbreak of the Civil War, a dozen families had claimed land -- buying most of it from the government for twelve-and-a-half cents an acre.

After the Civil War, when the surrounding coal mines opened in the 1870s, Gardendale's population doubled almost overnight.  A grist mill was opened in 1873, built by Union soldier William H. Parker.  A cooperative community canning plant for fruits and vegetables and a general store, opened by James Kimmons, soon followed.

Mr. Kimmons deeded one acre of land for the town's first church in 1876.  Known as Chalybeate Baptist Church, it later became First Baptist Church of Gardendale.

The growing settlement was first called Jugtown after a jug and a churn factory operated near where the Village Green shopping center is located today.  However, this named proved to be embarrassing to a local school teacher, Hettie Thomason Cargo, and she began a drive to have the town renamed.  "Gardendale" was chosen in 1906.

John T. Milner, industrialist, developed the nearby New Castle coal mines as one of his pursuits.  He donated the lumber for Gardendale's first grammar school in 1892, called Milner School.  Milner School was located on Mount Olive Road near the present elementary school.

At the turn of the 20th century, many people who worked in and around Birmingham moved to Gardendale from some of the northern counties of the state.  The population continued to increase and the area greatly expanded due partly to both World War I and World War II.

Gardendale was incorporated and became a city in 1955.  Mr. J.I. Pesnell was elected as the first Mayor.  Gardendale now has a land area of 25 square miles and boasts 360 businesses, 4 schools and 24 churches within the city limits.  The population is approximately 12,000.

Interstate 65, on the western edge of the city was completed in 1985 and has stimulated commercial growth along Fieldstown Road.  A Chamber of Commerce was organized in 1987 and has influenced the city's development as its membership has grown.

The members of Gardendale's city government, schools, P.T.A.'s, local civic clubs and churches often work together for the good of the community.  This combined effort has increased civic pride and encouraged all citizens to participate in the many activities that are available to them.

Projects

Photographs

This project calls for photographs taken in and around the Gardendale area. This can include old family photographs, churches, schools, farms, or just about anything that will show the rich history of Gardendale.

 Memorabilia

Anything from the coal mines (even clackers), records from local business, artifacts, and school and school memorabilia.

We invite you to bring research ideas to us! History students of all ages, schools, history buffs and Gardendale residents are all encouraged to make the Historical Society their favorite resource.

Join Us

There is always room in the Gardendale Historical Society for someone who is inquisitive and enjoys being with other people who love to explore and preserve the past. We invite you to join us as we educate and inform the community about our history. We meet on the 3rd Saturday of each month at the Gardendale-Martha Moore Public Library.

Membership is $15 per person or $20 per family.

If you would like more information or a faxed application, please contact Kermit E. Dooley at 205-631-5662 or e-mail him at kedooley@bellsouth.net