Welcome to Atmore, Alabama

Nestled in the heart of southern Alabama, Atmore is a town rich in history, culture, and community spirit. From its beginnings as a railroad hub to its thriving downtown district today, Atmore blends historic charm with modern vitality.

A Town with Heritage

Atmore proudly celebrates its past while embracing the future. Historic buildings, cultural landmarks, and long-standing traditions reflect generations of stories and community pride. Residents work to preserve the character that makes Atmore truly one of a kind.

Community & Culture

Life in Atmore revolves around connection. Annual celebrations like Williams Station Day honor the town’s roots, while parades, festivals, and holiday traditions bring neighbors together throughout the year. The town also shares a meaningful bond with the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, whose Thanksgiving Pow Wow has showcased over 50 years of culture and heritage.

A Main Street Worth Exploring

Atmore’s downtown district is the heart of the community—filled with local shops, dining, historic architecture, and welcoming spaces for both residents and visitors. Recent revitalization efforts have brought new energy to the area, with the iconic Strand Theatre and the historic Atmore Hardware store serving as major focal points.

Downtown Atmore’s atmosphere is inviting, friendly, and full of enthusiasm. The philosophy of “working together for success” shines through as businesses support one another, share promotions, and collaborate on Main Street Atmore initiatives.

Among the district’s standout businesses is The Gather, a premier restaurant awarded Alabama’s Best Beef in 2020. Another local favorite is Philanthropic Seed, affectionately known as “the little shop that gives back,” donating a portion of profits to community causes—perfectly reflecting the spirit of Atmore.

Parks, Murals & Recreation

Downtown Atmore offers a variety of recreational spots and green spaces:

• American Legion Butterfly Garden – A beautifully landscaped oasis with blooming flowers, fruit trees, a pavilion, walking path, and a memorial honoring soldiers. A vibrant flag mural by local artist Wes Hardin adds to the charm.

• Box Car Willie Park – A versatile greenspace with benches, lighting, and an entertainment venue inside a train boxcar, hosting everything from concerts to church revivals.

• FNB&T Greenspace – Cozy seating areas perfect for resting or enjoying the view. This spot also becomes home to the downtown Christmas tree and holiday photo ops with Santa.

Beautifully painted murals throughout the district add a burst of creativity, while the renovated Strand Theatre sign lights up the night with a renewed sense of energy.

Community Support & Initiatives

Local banks—First National Bank & Trust and United Bank—serve as major supporters of both the Main Street program and the wider community. Their involvement, along with contributions from local partners, helps keep downtown thriving.

Looking ahead, Main Street Atmore is supporting several exciting initiatives planned for the next 2–5 years:

• Economic Vitality Programs – Including interior grants, micro-loans, and marketing support to help businesses grow.

• Arts & Entertainment District – Strengthening Atmore’s cultural presence through more events and artistic opportunities.

• Downtown Living Expansion – Encouraging mixed-use development and exploring ordinance updates to allow residential units above storefronts.

Why Visit Downtown Atmore?

Whether you’re a history enthusiast, foodie, art lover, or traveler seeking a welcoming community, Downtown Atmore has something special to offer:

• Unique shopping and Southern hospitality

• Preserved architecture and a captivating mural trail

• A strong sense of community and year-round events

Atmore is a place where history, culture, and community come together—making the Main Street District a destination worth exploring and a town worth calling home.

History of Atmore

Atmore, Alabama, nestled in southwestern Escambia County just north of the Florida state line, has a rich and layered history that reflects its growth from a small railroad stop to a thriving and vibrant city.

Early Origins

• Before European-American settlement, the area around Atmore was inhabited by the Creek Indians, and today nearby the Poarch Band of Creek Indians remains the only federally recognized tribe in Alabama. Alabama Communities of Excellence+1

• After the Civil War (in the 1860s), the Mobile & Great Northern Railroad extended through the area, which spurred development. Alabama Communities of Excellence+2U-S History+2

• In 1866, a supply depot was established along the railroad to serve William Larkin Williams’s logging operation; this early settlement was known as Williams Station. U-S History

Growth and Incorporation

• Over the next decades, the community gradually grew: a post office, a small store, dwellings, and a sawmill founded by William Marshall Carney helped catalyze growth. U-S History

• As the town prospered, it was renamed Atmore in 1897, in honor of Charles Pawson Atmore, who was the general passenger agent for the Louisville & Nashville Railroad. Encyclopedia Britannica

• On May 23, 1907, Atmore officially incorporated as a municipality. atmoreadvance.com+1

Economic Foundations

• Timber and agriculture were central to Atmore’s early economy — the region’s forest resources and fertile farmland drew settlers and businesses. U-S History+1

• Over time, other industries developed, including manufacturing. Encyclopedia Britannica

Cultural and Community Milestones

• In modern times, Atmore has focused on historic preservation and downtown revitalization. In 2020, Atmore was designated a Main Street Alabama community, joining a national model for downtown development. atmoreadvance.com

• As part of this effort, the Strand Theatre (on Main Street) and the neighboring former Atmore Hardware Store have been restored into cultural spaces. Atmore News+2Atmore News+2

• The city also celebrates Williams Station Day each October to honor its origins. atmoreadvance.com

Notable Figures and Events

• Evander Holyfield, the world-famous boxer, was born in Atmore in 1962. U-S History

• Local lore includes the story of Railroad Bill, an infamous train robber who died following a shootout in the area in 1896. atmoreadvance.com

• Luverne Wise Albert, recognized as the first female football kicker to score in a game, played for Escambia County High School in 1939; her legacy is part of Atmore’s storied past. Atmore News

Today

• Atmore is now the largest city in Escambia County, with a growing and diverse population. en.wikipedia.org

• The city continues to balance growth and preservation: it emphasizes community development, arts, recreation, and economic vitality, while honoring its history. Atmore Area Chamber of Commerce+1

• The Poarch Band of Creek Indians, located nearby, also contributes to the region’s cultural richness and heritage. Alabama Communities of Excellence