Hubbry Logo
McCalla, AlabamaMcCalla, AlabamaMain
Open search
McCalla, Alabama
Community hub
McCalla, Alabama
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
McCalla, Alabama
McCalla, Alabama
from Wikipedia

McCalla is a census-designated place in Jefferson and Tuscaloosa counties, Alabama, United States,[3] southwest of Bessemer and the geographic terminus of the Appalachian Mountains.[4]

Key Information

The community is named for Richard Calvin McCalla, a well known civil engineer, who served as chief engineer of several railroads throughout the South, including the Alabama and Chattanooga, the Tuscaloosa and Northern and the Knoxville and Ohio. He also served as surveyor of many of the rivers throughout the South.

Demographics

[edit]

McCalla first appeared as a CDP in the 2020 census.

Historical population
CensusPop.Note
202012,965
U.S. Decennial Census[5]

2020 census

[edit]
McCalla racial composition[6]
Race Num. Perc.
White (non-Hispanic) 7,322 56.48%
Black or African American (non-Hispanic) 4,596 35.45%
Native American 23 0.18%
Asian 120 0.93%
Pacific Islander 1 0.01%
Other/Mixed 453 3.49%
Hispanic or Latino 450 3.47%

As of the 2020 United States census, there were 12,965 people residing in the CDP. Information on households and families is unavailable at the moment, but the totals will be added once those figures are released for McCalla.

Recreation

[edit]
Tannehill Ironworks, McCalla, Alabama
Covered bridge in McCalla

Tannehill State Park features a 19th-century blast furnace, the Iron and Steel Museum of Alabama, various historical buildings, rustic cabins, and a campground. The park also has a slave cemetery. The park is home to several festivals throughout the year, including the Southern Appalachian Dulcimer Festival, the Down Home Psaltery Festival, archery tournaments, a civil war reenactment, and other events.

Schools

[edit]

The McCalla area is served by McAdory Elementary, McCalla Elementary, McAdory Middle, and McAdory High School.

Notable people

[edit]
  • Chad Smith Major League pitcher for the Colorado Rockies
  • Morris Higginbotham, head football coach for several high schools in the Birmingham area.
  • Bo Jackson was raised in Martin Town, and went through the McAdory school system where he set state records in multiple sports. He is an American former professional baseball and football player and is the only athlete to be named an All-Star in two major American sports.
  • Sherri Martel, known as Sensational Sherri, was a professional wrestling valet who died in McCalla

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
McCalla is an unincorporated (CDP) spanning Jefferson and Tuscaloosa counties in central , , situated approximately 15 miles southwest of Birmingham in the Birmingham-Hoover metropolitan area. As of the , McCalla had a population of 12,965 residents, estimated at 13,939 as of 2023, reflecting steady growth in this suburban community. The area is named for Richard Calvin McCalla, a prominent who served as for the South & North Alabama Railroad, with the local post office established in 1873. Historically tied to Alabama's industrial heritage, McCalla developed along railroad lines in the late and is home to significant sites preserving the state's iron and steel production era, including the Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park, which features restored 19th-century furnaces, trails, and demonstrations, and the adjacent Iron and Steel Museum of Alabama, showcasing artifacts from the region's manufacturing past. The community remains largely residential and rural in character, though it continues to function as an served by Jefferson County schools and services. Demographically, McCalla exhibits a diverse .

Geography

Location and boundaries

McCalla is an unincorporated community spanning Jefferson and Tuscaloosa counties in , , with its (CDP) located in Jefferson County. It was first designated as a CDP for the . The community is centered at geographic coordinates 33°18′11″N 87°01′36″W. Primarily located in Jefferson County, McCalla spans portions of both Jefferson and Tuscaloosa counties. It is situated southwest of Bessemer, approximately 5 miles distant, and lies about 15 miles southwest of downtown Birmingham. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the McCalla CDP covers a total area of 34.21 square miles (88.60 km²), consisting of 33.77 square miles (87.49 km²) of land and 0.44 square miles (1.14 km²) of water. These boundaries define the statistical area used for and reflect the community's position in the western part of the Birmingham .

Physical features

McCalla, Alabama, is situated at an elevation of 509 feet (155 m) above , contributing to its gently undulating landscape. The terrain consists of rolling hills that represent the geographic terminus of the , transitioning from the more rugged highlands to the flatter coastal plains further south. Water bodies in the area, including local streams and ponds, account for approximately 1.3% of the total area, with the remainder dominated by upland features. Soils are characteristic of central Alabama's Piedmont Upland region, featuring old, red, clayey residuum derived from weathered metamorphic and igneous rocks, which support mixed forests of , , and , alongside remnants of historical farmland.

History

Early settlement

The area now known as McCalla, located in western Jefferson County, began attracting European-American settlers following the 1814 , which ceded Creek lands to the and opened much of central to migration from the eastern states. Early pioneers cleared the forested wilderness for agriculture, establishing small farms that relied on the region's fertile soils and proximity to water sources like the . The oldest surviving structure in the vicinity, the Sadler Plantation House, exemplifies this pioneer era; its original single-pen was constructed between 1817 and 1820 by John Loveless, a settler from , on land along Eastern Valley Road near what would become McCalla. The home was later expanded in 1835 by Isaac Wellington Sadler into a more substantial with Georgian elements, reflecting the transition from rudimentary frontier dwellings to plantation-style architecture suited for cotton and subsistence farming. Additional pioneer homes in the surrounding West Jefferson County area highlight the gradual development of settled communities during the mid-19th century. The Owen Plantation Home, built starting in 1833 by Thomas Hennington Owen and expanded in 1838, served as a residence for a family prominent in local politics and education, underscoring the role of influential settlers in shaping early social structures. Similarly, the McAdory Plantation Home, constructed around 1840 by Thomas A. McAdory Jr., represented the growing agricultural economy, with its design accommodating larger-scale farming operations. These structures, preserved by the and listed on the in the 1970s, illustrate the practical, cedar-log construction typical of Alabama's frontier homes, adapted to the local environment of rolling hills and oak-hickory forests. Throughout the , the McCalla region formed part of Alabama's early territorial landscape, where farming dominated but was increasingly supplemented by nascent iron production tied to abundant local resources. Settlers exploited deposits and timber for , laying the groundwork for industrial activity; by 1830, the nearby Tannehill Ironworks had begun operations as one of the state's first furnaces, drawing workers and spurring economic ties to broader Jefferson County development. This blend of agrarian and extractive pursuits defined the pioneer experience, transforming the area from untamed territory into a hub of self-sufficient communities before formal emerged later in the century.

Naming and development

The community of McCalla, Alabama, derives its name from Richard Calvin McCalla (1826–1899), a prominent who played a pivotal role in surveying and constructing railroads across the American South during the mid-19th century. As chief engineer for the South & North Railroad, McCalla contributed significantly to regional infrastructure development, including routes that facilitated industrial transport in central . The McCalla was established in 1873, formalizing the area's identity in his honor, after he settled in nearby Tuscaloosa County following his service as a Confederate engineer during the Civil War. A cornerstone of McCalla's early industrial development was the Tannehill , which marked the area's transition from rural farming to a hub of iron production. Initially established as a bloomery forge in 1830 by Daniel Hillman, the site expanded with the construction of three massive sandstone blast furnaces between 1859 and 1863, utilizing enslaved labor under the direction of Moses Stroup. These furnaces, known as Tannehill No. 1, produced up to 22 tons of iron daily using charcoal, water from Roupes Creek, and steam power, supplying critical materials for Confederate ordnance and civilian goods during the Civil War. The ironworks became a strategic target, suffering destruction by Union forces under General on March 31, 1865, which halted operations and shifted the site's legacy toward preservation. Today, the remnants form the core of Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park, spanning 1,500 acres and highlighting McCalla's foundational role in Alabama's iron industry. Throughout the late 19th and 20th centuries, McCalla's growth was propelled by the interplay of railroads and steel production, building on the ironworks' legacy to attract further industrial investment. The South & North Alabama Railroad's lines, engineered by figures like McCalla, connected the area to broader markets, enabling the transport of raw materials and finished goods from emerging steel mills in the Birmingham district. This infrastructure spurred a shift from agrarian isolation to an interconnected industrial community, with steel expansion in the early 20th century reinforcing economic ties to Jefferson and Tuscaloosa counties. McCalla was first officially recognized as a census-designated place (CDP) in the 2020 U.S. Census, reflecting its evolution into a defined populated area with 12,965 residents.

Demographics

2020 census

According to the , McCalla had a total population of 12,965 residents. McCalla first appeared as a (CDP) in this census, spanning approximately 33.8 s in Jefferson and Tuscaloosa counties, with a of 383.9 people per square mile. The racial and ethnic makeup of McCalla reflected a diverse , as detailed in the census data. The table below summarizes the key demographic categories:
Race/EthnicityPercentage
(non-Hispanic)56.48%
or African American35.45%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)3.47%
Two or more races/other3.49%
Asian0.93%
Native American0.18%
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander0.01%
These figures highlight the predominant and populations, with smaller proportions from other groups. As the first decennial for this CDP, the data established foundational metrics for households and housing, including occupancy rates and unit types, serving as a baseline for future demographic analysis without prior detailed CDP-specific enumerations. McCalla, Alabama, experienced steady throughout the early , transitioning from a rural to a burgeoning . Prior to its designation as a CDP in , estimates for the McCalla area placed the at 6,574 in and 10,207 in , reflecting a 55.3% increase driven by residential development and economic opportunities tied to nearby urban centers. The growth continued into the , when the reached 12,965, a 27.0% rise from the 2010 estimate, fueled by industrial expansion in the area, including major investments like J.M. Smucker Co.'s $1.1 billion and distribution facility announced in 2021. In the late , pre-2020 estimates placed McCalla's between approximately 10,000 and 12,000 residents, aligning with county-level data indicating suburban spillover from Birmingham. This expansion was propelled by the community's proximity to Birmingham, providing access to employment and infrastructure, as well as rezoning efforts for industrial parks that brought thousands of jobs to the . Post-2020, the estimate climbed to 13,939 by 2023, based on 5-year data, marking continued and a roughly 7.5% increase from the 2020 census figure. Overall, these trends signify a shift from rural isolation to semi-urban vitality, with a diverse influx of residents contributing to the community's evolution; for instance, the 2020 census highlighted a more balanced racial composition compared to earlier decades.

Economy

Major industries

McCalla's economy is anchored by manufacturing and logistics sectors, leveraging its proximity to Interstate 20/59 and rail infrastructure for efficient transportation. The area's industrial base has evolved from 19th-century iron production to modern facilities focused on automotive parts and food processing. The legacy of Tannehill Ironworks, where iron production began with a in 1830 and the blast furnaces were built starting in 1858, and operational until its destruction by Union forces in 1865, laid the foundation for McCalla's industrial heritage, producing up to 22 tons of iron daily for Confederate efforts and inspiring subsequent . This historical iron-making complex has transitioned into contemporary developments, such as the Jefferson Metropolitan Park, which hosts advanced operations. Recent expansions include a $30 million permit for a new 275,000-square-foot distribution/ facility at Jeff Met Industrial Park issued in November 2024. In manufacturing, automotive suppliers dominate, with companies like Gestamp Alabama producing metal components in a 280,000-square-foot facility and Mobis US Alabama assembling chassis modules as a Tier 1 supplier to . Food manufacturing has surged with the J.M. Smucker Company's $1.1 billion Uncrustables plant, opened in 2024 on 230 acres, creating over 750 jobs and marking the largest capital investment in Jefferson County's history. Steel-related activities persist through fabrication firms, though the sector emphasizes support for broader industrial needs rather than primary production. Logistics and distribution thrive due to McCalla's strategic location, supporting freight operations and warehousing through providers like Unis Logistics, Cubeworks, and , which facilitate fulfillment and LTL shipping. Recent expansions include improvements along McAshan Drive and the Jeff Met , attracting new businesses with enhanced rail, water, and sewer access. Retail and services play a supporting role, with local shops and commercial developments catering to the growing residential population and industrial workforce, including extensions of utilities to new subdivisions and mixed-use sites. Statewide workforce training through the Alabama Industrial Development Training (AIDT) agency, budgeted at $85 million annually, bolsters these sectors by providing free customized programs to employers in McCalla.

Employment and income

The median household income in McCalla was $83,782 between 2019 and 2023, reflecting a stable economic base for families in the community. during the same period stood at $40,239, indicating moderate individual earnings amid regional cost-of-living factors. These figures position McCalla above the state average for household income while highlighting disparities in personal earnings compared to nearby urban areas like Birmingham. The rate in McCalla was 6.7% from 2019 to 2023, lower than 's statewide rate of approximately 15.6%, which underscores relatively stronger household financial security. in the area aligns closely with Jefferson County's rate of 2.8% as of August 2025, supported by a labor force participation rate typical of suburban communities around 57-58%. This low contributes to economic resilience, though broader metrics like the line serve as indicators of ongoing needs for about 929 residents below that threshold. McCalla's workforce comprises a diverse mix of young professionals and families, with a notable concentration in sectors that provide thousands of jobs across local industrial plants. This composition supports steady employment opportunities, particularly in entry-level and skilled trades, fostering community growth without heavy reliance on .

Education

Public schools

Public schools in McCalla, Alabama, serve students through both the Jefferson County School District and the Tuscaloosa County School System, depending on attendance zones determined by county boundaries and specific addresses. Facilities focus on elementary and secondary education needs in the local community, emphasizing academic preparation, diversity, and involvement. Jefferson County Schools McAdory Elementary School, located at 6251 Eastern Valley Road, enrolls approximately 634 students in grades through 5, with a student-teacher ratio of 18:1. The school supports foundational learning in core subjects, where 36% of students demonstrate proficiency in math and reading based on state assessments. It serves a diverse student body in the McCalla area, promoting inclusive educational environments. McCalla Elementary School, situated at 2020 McCalla School Road in nearby Bessemer but drawing from the McCalla community, serves 765 students in grades through 5, maintaining a student-teacher of 21:1. The institution focuses on early childhood development and academic growth, with programs tailored to support local families' educational goals. McAdory Middle School, at 5450 Yellow Jacket Boulevard, educates 857 students in grades 6 through 8, with a student-teacher ratio of 20:1. Reflecting the area's demographics, the school's population includes 61% African American, 20% Caucasian, and 17% students, fostering a multicultural learning atmosphere. It offers curricula aligned with state standards to prepare students for high school transition. McAdory High School, located at 4800 McAdory School Road, is a primary secondary institution for McCalla, serving 1,240 students in grades 9 through 12 with a student-teacher ratio of 19:1. The school emphasizes college and career readiness, with 30% of students participating in courses and 84% minority enrollment. Additionally, 73% of students qualify as economically disadvantaged, highlighting the school's role in supporting underserved local youth. Tuscaloosa County Schools Lake View Elementary School, located at 21610 Youngblood Parkway, serves approximately 764 students in grades pre-kindergarten through 5 from the Tuscaloosa County portion of McCalla, with a student-teacher of 18:1. The school focuses on core academic skills, with 38% proficiency in math and 59% in reading based on state assessments as of 2023-2024. It promotes a supportive environment for diverse learners in the community. Students from this area typically progress to Northside Middle School and Northside High School or Brookwood High School, depending on specific zones within the Tuscaloosa County School System.

School districts

McCalla, Alabama, a spanning Jefferson and Tuscaloosa counties, has school assignments determined by precise attendance zones rather than CDP boundaries. Portions in Jefferson County fall under the Jefferson County School System, the second-largest district in , serving approximately 35,951 students and encompassing communities like McCalla, Bessemer, and surrounding suburbs. Portions in Tuscaloosa County are served by the Tuscaloosa County School System, which educates over 19,000 students across 36 campuses. McCalla residents benefit from state-funded educational support services, including access to programs offered by the Alabama Industrial Development (AIDT), Alabama's primary workforce development agency, which provides customized vocational training, apprenticeships, and recruitment services at no cost to prepare individuals for careers in growing industries such as and logistics. These initiatives are particularly relevant given McCalla's proximity to industrial parks and expanding business hubs, enabling seamless integration of vocational preparation into the local educational framework. For post-secondary education, McCalla is situated near major institutions, with the in Tuscaloosa approximately 25 miles away, offering residents convenient access to a comprehensive range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. This proximity supports pathways from local K-12 systems to higher education, enhancing opportunities for advanced learning and career advancement in the region.

Recreation

Tannehill State Park

Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park, located in McCalla, , spans over 1,500 acres across three counties and preserves a significant 19th-century iron-making complex central to the region's industrial heritage. The park's core attractions include three massive stone blast furnaces, the Iron and Steel Museum, which houses artifacts from Alabama's early iron industry, and restored historical buildings such as a , pioneer farm, and a working . These elements provide visitors with an immersive look into the iron production processes that fueled the . The were constructed between 1859 and 1863, with enslaved laborers building the furnaces using local under the direction of operators like Moses Stroup for Tannehill No. 1. During the Civil War, the facility produced up to 22 tons of iron daily, supplying the Confederacy with essential tools, ordnance, and cookware until its destruction on March 31, 1865, by the Eighth Iowa Cavalry during Union General James H. . Preservation efforts transformed the site into a , highlighting its role in Southern industrial history, including remnants of enslaved workers' lives such as a slave accessible via park trails. Annual Civil War reenactments, such as the Battle of Tannehill Furnace, commemorate this era through staged battles and demonstrations. Key features of the include 195 improved campsites for RV and tent camping, rental cabins, and over 17 miles of and biking trails winding through woodlands along Roupes Creek. Notable trails encompass the Tannehill Tramway National Recreation Trail, a path following an old mule-drawn tramline from the to nearby ore beds, and loops like the Iron Works Trail that pass historical ruins. Craft demonstrations in restored pioneer cabins showcase blacksmithing and milling, complementing the museum's educational exhibits. Visitors engage in various outdoor activities, including in trout-stocked creeks, picnicking in designated areas, and guided educational tours of the furnaces and that explain iron production techniques. The also hosts festivals like fairs, providing opportunities for hands-on learning about 19th-century life, though broader community events extend beyond its boundaries.

Community events and activities

McCalla hosts the annual Southern Appalachian Dulcimer Festival, a week-long event featuring workshops, performances, and lessons on , , and instruments, typically held in late April or early May at Tannehill State Park. The 2025 edition was held April 27 to May 4, attracting musicians and enthusiasts to celebrate traditional Southern . Trade Days occur monthly from March through November, drawing vendors and visitors for antiques, handmade crafts, soaps, jewelry, and other goods. These events emphasize Southern heritage through artisan demonstrations and community gatherings, particularly during the summer months when attendance peaks for outdoor browsing and local interactions. The Tannehill Woodcarvers Club conducts monthly demonstrations and meetings on the second , showcasing techniques and crafts in a historic schoolhouse setting, open to the public for observation and participation. Local sports leagues, such as those organized by the McCalla Youth Athletic Association, provide and programs for children ages 4 to 12, fostering community engagement through seasonal games and practices. Community fairs, including the recurring Trade Days, serve as hubs for social interaction beyond vending, with additional family-oriented gatherings at venues like the Jerry Tingle Activity Center. Outdoor pursuits in McCalla extend to on nearby trails such as the Ridge Walk and Grace's Gap Overlook, offering scenic routes through wooded areas independent of boundaries. and programs, including group fitness classes, indoor pool activities with slides, and multipurpose room events at the Jerry Tingle Activity Center, promote physical health and social bonds in a community-focused environment. These initiatives, often tied to local schools, emphasize inclusive recreation for all ages.

Notable people

Sports figures

Vincent Edward "Bo" Jackson, born on November 30, 1962, in nearby , grew up in the McCalla area and attended McAdory High School, where he excelled in multiple sports, including football, , and track, winning two state championships. At , Jackson became a standout athlete, rushing for 4,303 yards and 40 touchdowns in football while also contributing to the team; he won the in 1985 as the nation's top player. Professionally, Jackson played as an outfielder for the from 1986 to 1990, earning three selections and leading the in in 1989 with 332; concurrently, he was a running back in the for the from 1987 to 1990, rushing for 2,782 yards and 16 touchdowns before a career-ending hip injury in 1991. Jackson's dual-sport success made him a cultural icon in McCalla and , inspiring local youth programs and earning induction into the in 1998, where he is remembered as a symbol of the community's athletic heritage. Rodney Chad Smith, born on June 8, 1995, in McCalla, Alabama, developed his baseball skills at McAdory High School before playing collegiately at Wallace State Community College and the University of Mississippi. Drafted by the Miami Marlins in the 11th round of the 2016 MLB Draft, Smith progressed through the minors and made his Major League debut with the Colorado Rockies on May 29, 2022, after being acquired in a trade. Over his MLB career to date, the right-handed relief pitcher has appeared for the Rockies (2022) and Oakland Athletics (2023), posting a 7.11 ERA in 25 appearances. As of November 2025, Smith is in the New York Mets' minor league system, having signed a minor league contract with the organization in December 2023; his journey from local fields to the majors highlights the area's growing pipeline of baseball talent and motivates community sports initiatives.

Other notable residents

Morris Higginbotham (1925–2011) was a longtime coach in who spent his later years residing in McCalla. Born in Birmingham, he began his coaching career in 1952 after serving in the U.S. and earning a degree from the . Over 27 years, Higginbotham compiled a record of 190–73–8 while leading teams at Walnut Grove, West Blocton, , Enterprise, and notably Hueytown High School from 1963 to 1979, where he achieved multiple undefeated seasons and mythical state championships. He also served as at Livingston College (now the ) from 1967 to 1969, guiding the team to a 19–9–2 record, including a 9–2 season in 1968. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1993, Higginbotham was remembered locally for his contributions to youth athletics and passed away at his McCalla home in 2011 at age 86. Sherri Martel (1958–2007), known professionally as Sensational Sherri, was a prominent figure in who spent her final days at her mother's home in McCalla. Born Sherry Lynn Russell in Birmingham, she broke into wrestling in the late , initially training and competing in the as a wrestler before transitioning to a and manager role. Martel gained widespread fame in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) during the 1980s and 1990s, managing stars like , , and , and performing as the first woman to compete in the 1991 . Her career also included stints in as Sensuous Sherri and Sister Sherri, where she managed to multiple titles. Recognized for her charisma and versatility, Martel was posthumously inducted into the in 2006 and the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2014; she died of an accidental overdose in McCalla at age 49.

References

Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.