South Eastlake in Birmingham in Jefferson County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)

East Lake Community

Photographed by Tim Carr, January 2, 2010

1. East Lake Community Marker

Inscription. The Creek Indian Cession of 1814 opened this section of Alabama to settlement. At the time of statehood in 1819 many pioneer families had located here in what later became known as Jones Valley. By 1820 the area was called Ruhama Valley as a result of the religious fervor of Hosea Holcomb who preached mercy or "Ruhamah." As early as 1839 a post office named Rockville was established for the local community.

Major growth came in 1886 as a result of the promotion of the East Lake Land Company by Robert Jemison Sr. to provide housing sites for the miners drawn to the booming iron ore industry in Birmingham. Lots 50 feet wide and 180 feet long were laid out on 2,000 acres between what is now 69th Street to 85th Street and 5th Avenue North and 5th Avenue South. Development was dependent on the East Lake Railroad which began operating on October 8, 1887. On this site a car barn was built to house the equipment of the 21 steam locomotives operating between downtown Birmingham and the East Lake terminus at 83rd Street.

The town of East Lake was incorporated December 13, 1900. As a result of the street car the business district developed rapidly. On January 1, 1910 East Lake was incorporated into the City of Birmingham but it has remained a distinctive community.

Erected 1992

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by Alabama Historical Commission / City of Birmingham and the South East Lake Neighborhood Association.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Government & Politics • Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Notable Places • Railroads & Streetcars • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Alabama Historical Commission series list. A significant historical month for this entry is January 1886.

Location. 33° 33.708′ N, 86° 43.716′ W. Marker is in Birmingham, Alabama, in Jefferson County. It is in South Eastlake. It is on 1st Avenue North (U.S. 11), on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 7701 1st Avenue North, Birmingham AL 35206, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American South

and specifically in the Deep South.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Howard College (approx. ¼ mile away); Ruhama Baptist Church (approx. 0.4 miles away); CDR "Snuffy" Smith (approx. half a mile away); East Lake Park (approx. 0.6 miles away); 1963 Church Bombing Victims (approx. 1½ miles away); Forrest Camp No. 1435 (approx. 1½ miles away); United Confederate Veterans (approx. 1½ miles away); History of the 117th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing (approx. 1.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Birmingham.

Photographed by Tim Carr

2. East Lake Community Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on January 19, 2025. It was originally submitted on January 20, 2010, by Timothy Carr of Birmingham, Alabama. This page has been viewed 3,297 times since then and 65 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 20, 2010, by Timothy Carr of Birmingham, Alabama. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.