Center Point in Jefferson County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)
Center Point, Alabama
A Great New City Springs Forth
Photographed By Julia Frost, September 25, 2010
1. Center Point, Alabama Marker
Inscription.
Center Point, Alabama. A Great New City Springs Forth. In 1700s, Native Americans occupied the Springs property. Robert Reed's family arrived in the area from North Carolina in 1816. They obtained a land grant; soon others moved to the area. In 1871, Dave Franklin built a log cabin in the area which was named Center Point.
In the 1900s, Center Point boasted a one-room school, blacksmith, shop, grocery store, post office, a Baptist and Methodist church.
Andy Beard invented the coupling mechanism for railroad cars and sold it for $10,000. In 1924, Center Point Elementary rock school was constructed. In 1947, Cullen Scott discovered water to supply Center Point. Recognizing the potential for community growth, Paul Snow initiated development of Sun Valley subdivision and Erwin Elementary and High School. In 1967, Center Point became the largest unincorporated area in the U.S., boasting a population of 64,000, thriving businesses, recreational facilities, beautiful homes and churches.
Reverse Side , In 1999, Jefferson County Commissioner Bettye Fine Collins called a meeting to discuss the Center Point Community. Center Point Action Committee formed to clean up the community. Betty Cannon was the first chairperson. The next chairperson, Wink Chapman, formed a committee to study the possibility of incorporation. Petitions were gathered for 1 1/2 years. Legislative efforts were spearheaded by Arthur Payne. Citizens (84%) voted for incorporation March 12, 2002.
April 23, 2002 marked the election of the first mayor and council, which included: Mayor Tom Henderson, Council President Billie Davis and council members George Franklin, Roger Barlow, Jesse Miller, and Ken McIntyre.
The First City Hall was renovated at 19 20th Ct. NW; space was donated by Ronnie Roddam. Historic Center Point Elementary School was leased for a City Hall and renovated by volunteers under George Franklin. Significant accomplishments in Center Point include the acquisition of 17-acre Reed-Harvey Park, Center Point ballpark, and the Scott home for a library; the completion of Center Point Senior Center and membership in Five Mile Creek Greenway Partnership.
In 1700s, Native Americans occupied the Springs property. Robert Reed's family arrived in the area from North Carolina in 1816. They obtained a land grant; soon others moved to the area. In 1871, Dave Franklin built a log cabin in the area which was named Center Point.
In the 1900s, Center Point boasted a one-room school, blacksmith, shop, grocery store, post office, a Baptist and Methodist church.
Andy Beard invented the coupling mechanism for railroad cars and sold it for $10,000. In 1924, Center Point Elementary rock school was constructed. In 1947, Cullen Scott discovered water to supply Center Point. Recognizing the potential for community growth, Paul Snow initiated development of Sun Valley subdivision and Erwin Elementary and High School. In 1967, Center Point became the largest unincorporated area in the U.S., boasting a population of 64,000, thriving businesses, recreational facilities, beautiful homes and churches.
Reverse Side
In 1999, Jefferson County Commissioner Bettye Fine Collins called a meeting to discuss the Center Point Community. Center Point Action Committee formed to clean up the community. Betty Cannon was the first chairperson. The next chairperson, Wink Chapman, formed a committee to study the possibility of incorporation. Petitions were gathered for 1 1/2 years. Legislative efforts were
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spearheaded by Arthur Payne. Citizens (84%) voted for incorporation March 12, 2002.
April 23, 2002 marked the election of the first mayor and council, which included: Mayor Tom Henderson, Council President Billie Davis and council members George Franklin, Roger Barlow, Jesse Miller, and Ken McIntyre.
The First City Hall was renovated at 19 20th Ct. NW; space was donated by Ronnie Roddam. Historic Center Point Elementary School was leased for a City Hall and renovated by volunteers under George Franklin. Significant accomplishments in Center Point include the acquisition of 17-acre Reed-Harvey Park, Center Point ballpark, and the Scott home for a library; the completion of Center Point Senior Center and membership in Five Mile Creek Greenway Partnership.
Erected 2010 by The Alabama Tourism Department, The City of Center Point.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical date for this entry is March 12, 1884.
Location. 33° 38.554′ N, 86° 41.028′ W. Marker is in Center Point, Alabama, in Jefferson County. Marker is on Center Point Pkwy (State Highway 75), on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2209 Center Point Pkwy,, Birmingham AL 35215, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow
Photographed By Tim & Renda Carr, November 11, 2010
3. Center Point City Hall and the Center Point, Alabama Marker on The Right
Photographed By Tim & Renda Carr
4. Reed - Riddle Cabin built 1816
The original cabin walls still exist within the walls of the modern additions to the home. A portion of the walls still can be seen here between the chimney.
Photographed By Tim & Renda Carr
5. Original log walls of the Reed House.
Photographed By Tim & Renda Carr
6. The Spring House at the Reed-Harvey Park
Photographed By Tim & Renda Carr
7. The Springs at the Reed-Harvey Park
Photographed By Tim & Renda Carr, November 11, 2010
8. Erwin High School
Credits. This page was last revised on July 25, 2018. It was originally submitted on October 24, 2010, by Julia Frost of Hoover, Alabama. This page has been viewed 2,608 times since then and 84 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on October 24, 2010, by Julia Frost of Hoover, Alabama. 3. submitted on November 11, 2010, by Timothy Carr of Birmingham, Alabama. 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on November 1, 2010, by Timothy Carr of Birmingham, Alabama. 8. submitted on November 11, 2010, by Timothy Carr of Birmingham, Alabama. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
