Cardiff in Jefferson County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)
Town of Cardiff
Photographed By Mark Hilton, July 19, 2020
1. Town of Cardiff Marker (side 1)
Inscription.
Town of Cardiff. . The town of Cardiff, Alabama has a long, rich history. Situated along the winding picturesque banks of Five Mile Creek, the area of present-day Cardiff was originally settled in the 1830s by the Crocker family. According to historian Martha Mulkin, who recorded Cardiff's history in the book “Cardiff Family Circles," Isaac Price from Wales and James Williamson from Scotland began the development of the area as a coal mining endeavor in the 1880s as the Crocker family sold their interests in the area. As iron and steel industry became king in Birmingham's Industrial District, Cardiff's coal mines blossomed and became increasingly instrumental in supplying the hungry blast furnaces in Birmingham. Price and Williamson wrote to friends and family in Wales offering them jobs. The town was renamed Cardiff in honor of Cardiff, Wales. In a few short years, Cardiff boasted several hundred families from across Europe. From Scotland came the Stewarts, Woodfords from Wales, Negrons from France, and the Tombrellos from Sicily., As Europeans immigrated into Cardiff, they brought with them the love of soccer. They formed the Cardiff Primrose Club and in 1898 won the Alabama Foot Ball Association Cup. Since 1957, a photograph of this winning team has been on display inside the town hall along with a photograph of the 1913-1914 team. Among Cardiff's notable sports stars is Frenchie Negron who was the State of Alabama bicycling champion just after the turn of the 20th century. In addition to sports figures, Cardiff's, mayor's post has been well served by the likes of men such as Adam Stewart, Charlie Country and Joseph Country. “JOBO" Country not only served his hometown, but fought for democracy abroad as a World War II soldier, serving with the Thunderbolt Division that freed the Buchenwald camp and fought at the Battle of the Bulge.
The town of Cardiff, Alabama has a long, rich history. Situated
along the winding picturesque banks of Five Mile Creek, the area
of present-day Cardiff was originally settled in the 1830s by the
Crocker family. According to historian Martha Mulkin, who recorded
Cardiff's history in the book “Cardiff Family Circles," Isaac Price
from Wales and James Williamson from Scotland began the
development of the area as a coal mining endeavor in the 1880s as
the Crocker family sold their interests in the area. As iron and
steel industry became king in Birmingham's Industrial District,
Cardiff's coal mines blossomed and became increasingly instrumental
in supplying the hungry blast furnaces in Birmingham. Price and
Williamson wrote to friends and family in Wales offering them jobs.
The town was renamed Cardiff in honor of Cardiff, Wales. In a
few short years, Cardiff boasted several hundred families from
across Europe. From Scotland came the Stewarts, Woodfords from
Wales, Negrons from France, and the Tombrellos from Sicily.
As Europeans immigrated into Cardiff, they brought with them
the love of soccer. They formed the Cardiff Primrose Club and
in 1898 won the Alabama Foot Ball Association Cup. Since 1957,
a photograph of this winning team has been on display inside the
town hall along with a photograph of the 1913-1914
Click or scan to see this page online
team. Among
Cardiff's notable sports stars is Frenchie Negron who was the
State of Alabama bicycling champion just after the turn of the
20th century. In addition to sports figures, Cardiff's, mayor's post
has been well served by the likes of men such as Adam Stewart,
Charlie Country and Joseph Country. “JOBO" Country not only
served his hometown, but fought for democracy abroad as a World
War II soldier, serving with the Thunderbolt Division that freed
the Buchenwald camp and fought at the Battle of the Bulge.
Erected 2010 by the Alabama Tourism Department and the Town of Cardiff.
Location. 33° 38.766′ N, 86° 56.025′ W. Marker is in Cardiff, Alabama, in Jefferson County. Marker is at the intersection of Main Street and Walnut Street, on the right when traveling south on Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 128 Main St, Graysville AL 35073, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regarding Town of Cardiff. Coal mining was the historical basis of the economy. The town, for years the smallest incorporated town in the State of Alabama, declined along with the decline of underground coal mining and the rise of strip mining. Cardiff's downtown burned on July 20, 1919, causing a general downturn in the town's fortunes. The area also was hit with a series of mine strikes at the same time, so most of the businesses did not rebuild. By 1930, the population had dropped to 146.
Also see . . . Wikipedia article on Cardiff, Alabama. Some residents are seeking to have this tiny town of 55 residents dissolved due to concerns over safety and elections. (Submitted on July 20, 2020, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.)
Photographed By Mark Hilton, July 19, 2020
3. Town of Cardiff marker & Town Hall.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 25, 2022. It was originally submitted on July 20, 2020, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 1,003 times since then and 177 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on July 20, 2020, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.
