Irondale, Alabama


Irondale is a city in Jefferson County, Alabama, United States. It is a suburb of Birmingham, northeast of Homewood and Mountain Brook. At the 2010 census the population was 12,349. The setting of the book Fried Green Tomatoes, by Irondale native Fannie Flagg, is loosely based on the town and the landmark Irondale Cafe, known as The Whistle-Stop Cafe in the book & film. Irondale is also the location of Catholic radio/television broadcaster EWTN. The city's annual Whistle-Stop Festival attracts thousands to its eclectic mix of art, food and music.

History

On October 5, 1887, the people of Irondale petitioned for incorporation. The town incorporated as Irondale on October 19, 1887 following a vote on October 17, 1887.
The 1916 Irondale earthquake, magnitude 5.1, caused some damage in the area, and was felt in neighboring states.
In 1981, Mother Angelica founded the Eternal Word Television Network, after starting from a garage.

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the city has a total area of, of which is land and 0.11% is water.

Demographics

According to the 2010 census results, the population of the area was approximately 12,349 people. From 2000 to 2010, Irondale's population growth percentage was 25.8%. 23.1% of the Irondale city residents were under 18 years of age. Census 2010 race data for Irondale city include the racial breakdown percentages of 56.33% white, 35.38% black, 1.43% Asian and 7.78% Hispanic. Also, there were 5,495 housing units in Irondale city, 92.5% of which were occupied housing units.

Education

Irondale is served by Jefferson County Board of Education and is home to Shades Valley High School, Grantswood Community School, Irondale Community School, Irondale Middle School, Shades Valley Theatre Academy, Jefferson Christian Academy, and the Jefferson County International Baccalaureate School.

Notable people