Lauderdale County
County Offices
Court Street
Florence 256-760-5747
www.lauderdalecountyonline.com
Chamber of Commerce
20 Hightower Place
Florence 256-764-4661
http://shoalschamber.com
Lauderdale County was created by the Alabama Territorial legislature in 1818 and was named for Col. James Lauderdale, a Tennessean killed at the Battle of New Orleans. Lauderdale County is in the northwestern corner of the state. It is bounded on the north by Hardin, Wayne, and Lawrence Counties in Tennessee, and on the west by the State of Mississippi. The Tennessee River forms the southern boundary between Lauderdale County and Colbert and Lawrence Counties. The county covers approximately 660 square miles. Lauderdale is part of the Florence-Muscle Shoals Alabama area, also known as “The Shoals”.
Lifestyle
Lauderdale County and the surrounding region is considered a very affordable and likable place to live. Northern Alabama is a region of natural beauty where resident and visitors find miles of riverside parks, diverse communities, and an outstanding quality of life. The region has been ranked very highly on various lists of places to live and work.
Lauderdale County is an outdoor lover’s dream. Golfers can choose from several public and private courses. The Tennessee river and its system of lakes offers boaters and fishermen a variety of water-based activities. Those who enjoy the outdoors for more peaceful pursuits will find much to enjoy in the public parks, camping areas and walking trails throughout the county. Those who enjoy shopping, or the arts only have to turn to the town and city centers throughout the region to find shops and restaurants. The arts are served well by The Kennedy-Douglass and Tennessee Valley Art Centers. These offer exhibits, classes and art shows. Theater groups and dance studios perform throughout the year and museums offer educational programs as well.
Services
The commitment to lifelong learning in quality educational facilities is evident throughout Lauderdale County. The county school system combines the advantages of a rural community where students receive a high level of personalized attention with contemporary, well-equipped classrooms and dedicated instructors. Florence City Schools is the organization of the K–12 public school system. It is made of: Florence High School (grades 10-12,) Florence Middle School (grades 7-8) and the Florence Freshman Center (grade 9.) Elementary age children are served by three primary schools in the district. There are also four private schools in Florence: St. Joseph Regional Catholic School for grades K–8, and Mars Hill Bible School, Shoals Christian School, and Florence Christian Academy, which are multi-denominational K–12 schools.
Higher education is served by The University of North Alabama, which was established in 1830, and is in Downtown Florence. The campus was designed by well-known landscape architect, Frederick Law Olmsted, who designed Central Park and the Mall area of Washington D.C. Approximately 7,000 students attend UNA including, international students from over 50 countries. UNA is also home to the only live Lion mascots in the country. The lions that live on campus, Leo III and Una, born on November 18, 2002, now reside on the campus in the 12,764 square-foot George H. Carroll Lion Habitat. Making for a unique feature of the university.
Residents of Lauderdale County enjoy the benefit of a full-service hospital just around the corner from home. Should advanced diagnostics or treatment become necessary, the surrounding region is home to a selection of highly respected hospitals and famous healthcare centers that are recognized for leading-edge research and care.
A broad mix of manufacturing business, service industries, retail, medical and financial institutions ensure that Florence has strong economic stability. This ensures that residents have a broad opportunity for success without having to leave their local area.
Florence
City Offices
256-760-6300
www.florenceal.org
Chamber of Commerce
Florence 256-764-4661
http://shoalschamber.com
Situated on the banks of the beautiful Tennessee River, Florence has a rich history. Florence is the largest city in Lauderdale County. The small-town flavor and the amenities of a larger city are evident as you explore the charming historic districts and enjoy everything that a southern city has to offer. Florence enjoys four distinct seasons with moderate climates. Florence hosts numerous festivals and events throughout the year including the NCAA Division II Championship Football Game. Florence is the site for the Alabama Renaissance Faire, held each October, as well as Arts Alive, Frontier Days Celebration, the Freedom of America Celebration on the fourth of July, an annual Trail of Tears Celebration, and many others.
Residents who enjoy the outdoors have their choice of activities. Golfers can choose from a variety of public and private courses throughout the region. Water sports enthusiasts can explore the Tennessee river and its system of lakes which offer a variety of exciting activities. The area’s public parks, camping areas and walking trails offer a relax way for families to enjoy a quiet day together. Every season in Florence offers residents a new chance to enjoy local fun. Whether it’s a day spent strolling and exploring the city or enjoying a spring time meal at an outdoor café. Not to be outdone by nature, indoor activities can be enjoyed at several different venues; The Kennedy-Douglass offer exhibits and art classes. Theater groups and dance studios perform; and the local museums offer educational programs.
Newcomers to the city will quickly recognize that the residents of Florence and the entire region have a strong connection to their past. A day spent walking Downtown Florence shows this through the many delightful shops and a variety of eateries are housed in buildings of diverse architectural styles. Florence is also known for its quaint Sears and Roebuck Catalog homes, and its collection of Victorians. Those who enjoy architecture should plan to visit the Rosenbaum House, a National Historic Property, designed by famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright.
Residents and their families can enjoy a pleasant day in Wilson Park in the heart of the city. This park is just a small part of the community feel of living in Florence. It also plays host to many events throughout the year including the annual Frontier Day Celebration, held in June. Hosted by Pope’s Tavern, a local museum, the event features an abundance of art, crafts, and exceptional dulcimer music. Florence’s most celebrated event is the W.C. Handy Music Festival, which celebrates the “father of the blues”. This week-long affair is held in August, and draws local, as well as national musicians to the stage. But more than just a fantastic music festival, the event also incorporates bike rides, plays, education programs, running events, and mini-concerts held throughout the city.
Florence offers its residents an exceptionally high quality of life, with a solid base of local amenities located close to home. Florence is a fantastic place to call home.
