Introduction to Gadsden, Alabama
Gadsden, Alabama, in Etowah county, is 57 miles NE of Birmingham, Alabama (center to center) and 94 miles W of Atlanta, Georgia.
Gadsden History
Gadsden was first settled by John Riley in 1825. At that time, the settlement was known as Double Springs and was a stagecoach stop on the Huntsville-Rome route. The first steamboat that came to the area was piloted by Captain James Lafferty. It arrived on July 4, 1845. Originally, it was proposed that the city's name be changed to Lafferty's Landing. However, when Lafferty declined the city was named after Colonel James D. Gadsden, who became famous for the Gadsden Purchase.
Gadsden and nearby Attractions
- Noccalula Falls Park
- Gadsden Museum of Fine Arts
- James D. Martin Wildlife Park
- Imagination Place Children's Museum
- Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark
- Huntsville - Madison County Botanical Garden
Things To Do In Gadsden
There are many parks and open spaces in Gadsden including Gadsden Kiwanis Park, North Gadsden Park, Central Recreation Area, Sequoyah Park, and Gadsden Moragne Park. You can also visit Noccalula Falls Park, James D. Martin Wildlife Park, Coosa River, Lookout Mountain, and Gilliland-Reese Covered Bridge. Shopping can be enjoyed at the Gadsden Mall Shopping Center, Agricola Shopping Center, and Genie Drew Village Shopping Center.
Gadsden Transportation
Flights are available from Talladega Municipal Airport.
Gadsden Higher Education
Gadsden State Community College is the local college. George C Wallace State Community Coll-Hanceville, Jacksonville State University, Jefferson State Community College, and many other colleges and universities also offer higher educational facilities.
