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Jasper, AL

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Jasper, AL

Jasper is a city in and the county seat of Walker County, Alabama, United States. Named in honor of Sergeant William Jasper, an American Revolutionary War hero, Jasper was settled around 1815 and incorporated on August 18, 1886.

The first significant growth of the area was in 1886 when the Kansas City, Memphis, and Birmingham Railroad and the Sheffield & Birmingham Railroads were completed through Jasper. The population grew from 200 people in 1886 to more than 3,000 in 1890. In a special edition in 1891, the Mountain Eagle stated there were six coal mines, two sandstone quarries, 400 coke ovens, one foundry, and machine shop, two sawmills, one brickworks, four hotels, and two banks.

Jasper has several sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places. These include the John Hollis Bankhead House, First United Methodist Church, Jasper Downtown Historic District, and Walker County Hospital.

The major industries in Jasper are diverse, reflecting the city's economic resilience. Historically, the area has been associated with coal mining, and the legacy of this industry still plays a role in the local economy. Additionally, manufacturing, healthcare, and retail sectors contribute significantly to Jasper's economic landscape. The city's strategic location along major transportation routes enhances its appeal for businesses and residents alike.

Jasper places a strong emphasis on health and wellness, with the Walker Baptist Medical Center serving as a cornerstone for comprehensive healthcare services. The city benefits from its proximity to outdoor recreational opportunities as well as health and wellness centers. The Walker Baptist Medical Center Wellness Center provides fitness assessments, exercise programs, nutrition counseling, and wellness classes for overall health improvement. Jasper Physical Therapy & Wellness specializes in physical therapy, rehabilitation, and wellness programs tailored to individual needs. The Yoga Circle offers yoga classes for all levels, promoting physical fitness, mental clarity, and stress relief. Performance Fitness & Wellness

provides personalized fitness training, nutritional guidance, and wellness coaching for holistic well-being. Jasper Chiropractic Wellness Center focuses on chiropractic care, spinal health, and overall wellness through adjustments, therapies, and lifestyle advice. Walker County Wellness Center offers a variety of wellness programs, fitness classes, and community events for improving health and wellness.

Top sites in Jasper, AL are Bankhead National Forest, Horse Creek Golf Course, and Bankhead Heritage House and Museum.  

Population: 14,448 (2023). ZIP codes: 35501, 35504. Area codes: 205, 659. Elevation: 328 ft (100 m). Area: 29.66 sq mi (76.83 km2).

FAQs

What is Jasper, AL famous for?

Coal, timber, and poultry processing are the major contributors to the city's economy. The manufacture of furniture is also important. William B. Bankhead, speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives (1936–40), and his actress daughter, Tallulah Bankhead, lived in Jasper. William B. Bankhead National Forest is 15 miles (24 km) north. Lewis Smith Lake, with 500 miles (800 km) of shoreline, provides recreational opportunities. The Alabama Mining Museum, in nearby Dora, commemorates the importance of coal mining in the state’s history.

How did Jasper, AL get its name?

The town was named by Hugh Lollar in memory of the Revolutionary War hero Sgt. William Jasper distinguished himself at the Battle of Fort Moultrie, South Carolina. The City of Jasper was incorporated in 1887 with G. H. "Jake" Guttery serving as its first Mayor. Jasper serves as the county seat of Walker County and is located in the middle of the Warrior Coal Fields, the second largest in the nation. Jasper sits on or near the Bankhead Highway and Interstate 22.

Why are there donkey statues in Jasper, AL?

Walker County Arts Alliance board member Sharon Hogg says the organization wants to do a "20-Mule Team Art Project." The project would coincide with a German-themed Smithsonian Museum exhibit that is set to be at the Bankhead House this summer. She says the mule was chosen for Walker County because of the animal's historic importance to the area for farming and mining. Hogg says each mule would be hand-painted by an artist. She says the arts alliance wants to produce a map of the city that would show visitors where all 20 mules are.

Sources

City of Jasper

Wikipedia

AL

Hugh Lollar

Britannica

Bankhead National Forest

Horse Creek Golf Course

Bankhead Heritage House and Museum

Walker Baptist Medical Center

Walker Baptist Medical Center Wellness Center

Jasper Physical Therapy & Wellness

The Yoga Circle

Performance Fitness & Wellness

Jasper Chiropractic Wellness Center

Walker County Wellness Center

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