Introduction to Decatur, Alabama
Decatur, Alabama, in Morgan county, is 108 miles S of Nashville, Tennessee. The city is part of the Huntsville metropolitan statistical area (MSA).
Decatur History
Decatur was originally named Rhodes Ferry Landing. It was named after an early landowner, Dr. Henry W. Rhodes. It was incorporated in 1821. Later on, the city was renamed in honor of Commodore Stephen Decatur, a U.S. naval officer. In the late 1820s, the city served as the eastern terminus of the Decatur-Courtland-Tuscumbia Railroad. It merged with the city of New Decatur, Alabama, in 1925.
Decatur and nearby Attractions
- Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge
- Old State Bank Museum
- Point Mallard Water Park
- Cook's Natural Science Museum
- Sauta Cave and Fern Cave National Wildlife Refuges
- Huntsville - Madison County Botanical Garden
Things To Do In Decatur
Decatur is home to many parks and open spaces including Malone Park, Morgan Lake Park, Decatur Day Use Park, Point Mallard Park, Rhodes Ferry Park, and Delano Park. The Albany Heritage Neighborhood Historic District and Bank Street-Old Decatur Historic District are also worth visiting. The Cedar Ridge Golf Course and Decatur Golf and Country Club are ideal destinations for golf lovers. Shopping facilities are offered at the Decatur Shopping Center, Westmead Plaza Shopping Center, Beltline Plaza Shopping Center, Gateway Shopping Center, and Beltline Mall Shopping Center.
Decatur Transportation
Huntsville International Airport-Carl T Jones Field can be reached within several minutes.
Decatur Higher Education
John C Calhoun State Community College is located in Decatur. Many other colleges and universities offer higher educational facilities including the George C Wallace State Community College Hanceville, University of Alabama in Huntsville, and University of North Alabama.