Addison, Alabama

Addison, Alabama

Addison is a small town in the eastern part of Winston County in the northwestern corner of the US State of Alabama. Initially referred to as Cobb's Store, Addison is one of Winston County's oldest communities. The Mobile Home industry has been the town's most prominent industry since the 1960s. The town offers its residents a charming and peaceful stay in picturesque settings with a suburban rural mix feel. It also provides access to the beautiful William B. Bankhead National Forest and the historic site of Looney's Tavern. 

Geography And Climate Of Addison

US278 West - Winston CR41 - Addison
The US Highway 278 running through Addison. Image credit: formulanone from Huntsville, United States, via Wikimedia Commons

Addison covers a total area of 3.5 square miles, all of which is occupied by land. The town is crisscrossed by US Highway 278, which runs in the east-west direction through the heart of the town. The Addison Municipal Airport is situated approximately a mile northeast of the town's center. Addison is placed about 51.4 miles from Birmingham and 135.8 miles from Montgomery.

According to the Köppen Climate Classification, Addison experiences a humid subtropical climate with hot, muggy summers and mild, cool winters. July is the year's hottest month, with an average high temperature of 88.0°F, whereas January is the coolest month, with an average low temperature of 29.4°F. May, September, and October are the most pleasant months, while July and January are the least comfortable months to visit Addison. The town receives an average of 57 inches of rain and 1 inch of snow per year.

Brief History Of Addison

Addison history
Signboard welcoming visitors to the birthplace of Pat Buttram. Image credit: Jimmy Emerson DVM/Flickr

Addison is one of Winston County's oldest communities, initially named Cobb's Store. Located just to the town's north is the historic site of Looney's Tavern, where the county's citizens held a meeting to decide on secession. During the American Civil War, Winston County voted to remain neutral. By 1888, the town's rapid growth made it suitable for establishing a post office. Two names were submitted to the U.S. Postal Service for selection as the town's name, which was, however, rejected. The Postal Service assigned the name 'Addison' to the city, and in December 1949, Addison was officially incorporated.

Population And Economy Of Addison

As per the latest US Census, Addison has a population of 629 inhabitants with a median age of 42.4 and a population density of 167 people per square mile. The top ethnic groups in Addison include White (Non-Hispanic) at 98.76% and Two and more races (Non-Hispanic) at 1.24%. The average car ownership in the town is two cars per household.

Addison has a median household income of $38,523 and a median property value of $85,400. The economy of Addison employs about 329 people. The biggest industries in Addison include Retail Trade, Manufacturing, and Educational Services. Southern Energy and Cavalier Homes are the two most significant home manufacturers located in Addison.

Attractions In And Around Addison

William B. Bankhead National Forest

Beautiful Caney Creek Falls in the William B Bankhead National Forest of Alabama
Beautiful Caney Creek Falls in the William B Bankhead National Forest of Alabama.

One of Alabama's four National Forests, the William B. Bankhead National Forest, borders Addison on the western town limit. The forest's Sipsey Wilderness is the starting point of the Sipsey Fork River, the state's sole National Wild and Scenic River. Covering an area of 181,230 acres, this National Forest is well-known for various recreational activities, such as swimming, horseback riding, fishing, canoeing, boating, hiking, and many more. Bankhead also houses many Native American relics, petroglyphs, rock carvings, and prehistoric drawings at the Kinlock Shelter. 

Looney's Tavern

Looney's Tavern
A marker for the historic Looney's Tavern site. Image credit: Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr.

Located approximately 3.5 miles north of Addison, the historic Looney's Tavern marks the place of a neutrality meeting of over 2500 Northwest Alabama hill folks in the spring of 1862. Winston's delegate to the Secession Convention, C.C. Sheats, was the meeting's chief speaker. The Looney's Tavern Convention requested that both the Union and the Confederacy leave them alone so that the residents of the hills and mountains of Northwest Alabama could work out their political and financial destinies. 

In addition to the above tourist attractions, Addison also hosts the Pat Buttram Day festival every year in October. This festival is held to celebrate the noted American character actor Pat Buttram who was born in Addison. The festival includes a daylong screening of Buttram's movies and television shows, as well as music, dance, food, and various children's activities.

With its rich history, various scenic locales, and interesting annual festivals, Addison attracts many visitors throughout the year. With its friendly community and peaceful atmosphere, it is also a great place to settle and spend a balanced life with family and friends.

Share
  1. Home
  2. Places
  3. Cities
  4. Addison, Alabama

More in Places