The Alabama city was once one of the world's biggest producers of coal. James Cain and Steve Busby were active in mining, handling, and shipping coal back in the early 1830s. They were the first coal operators in Walker County. In the late 1800s and the early 1900s, the huge underground mines brought into the area thousands of workers from many European countries.
The town slogan of "working people, working together" still describes the salt-of-the-earth, down-home people who work hard and are there for their neighbors
The Alabama city was once one of the world's biggest producers of coal. James Cain and Steve Busby were active in mining, handling, and shipping coal back in the early 1830s. They were the first coal operators in Walker County. In the late 1800s and the early 1900s, the huge underground mines brought into the area thousands of workers from many European countries.
The town slogan of "working people, working together" still describes the salt-of-the-earth, down-home people who work hard and are there for their neighbors. Just 40 miles northwest of Birmingham, Jasper is within Alabama's coal belt. It shouldn't be surprising then that Jasper's history includes time as a mining center. Today, its economy is more diversified with timber and poultry processing also contributing to the town's growth over the years.
The area that is now present-day Jasper was settled in the early 1800s. Named after Revolutionary War hero, Sergeant William Jasper, the town was incorporated in 1886. It was around this time that the town saw a major growth spurt when railroads first started coming to the area from as far away as Memphis, Kansas City, and southern parts of Alabama. The town saw some Civil War excitement when Union troops marching towards Selma, Alabama, stopped in Jasper long enough to torch the courthouse and other buildings and "appropriate" supplies from residents. More excitement, although a subdued version of it, happened for the town when President Franklin Roosevelt came to town to attend the funeral of resident and state politician William Bankhead.
Moving to Jasper
If you're looking for a home for rent in Jasper, give yourself at least a month or so to search for the right place. When you tour apartments or meet with landlords, take with you proof of employment as well as your complete rental history. Be ready to pay at least a months' rent in security deposits as well.
Jasper Neighborhoods
Macedonia: Just south of the Bankhead National Forest, Macedonia is on the northern side of town. Look for smaller rental houses and even mobile homes to rent in this rural neighborhood.
Townley: Highway 78 / 4 cuts through Townley in the westernmost part of the city. Just as rural as Macedonia, Townley tends to have slightly larger homes here. It might be easier to find landlords more willing to agree to a month to month lease in this area than in areas with more established apartment communities.
Bankhead: Named after the prominent Jasper political family, Bankhead is on the southern side of town and has plenty of rental apartments, especially on the northern side close to downtown Jasper.
Hillsdale: Just north of the downtown business district, Hillsdale is pretty much the geographically centered neighborhood. In addition to houses, you can also find townhouses for rent here.
Frisco Quarters: Walker County Lake is the main attraction in this neighborhood just south of Hillsdale. Hwy 78 and Old Hwy 78 roughly form the boundaries, making this an ideal spot for commuters.
Union Chapel: You probably will find it difficult to find duplexes for rent in this rural area on the southeastern side of town, but you can point out the Sleepy Holler Campground to all your out-of-town friends. Who knows, they may even want to camp out there!
Living in Jasper
In Jasper, history is still alive and well. In addition to the historic First United Methodist Church in downtown Jasper, the city has other places listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In fact, the entire downtown area is considered an historic district! You can also tour the John Hollis Bankhead House built in a Classical Revival style and see where the illustrious Bankhead family first rose to prominence. In addition to patriarch John, his sons, John Jr. and William, were politicians and his granddaughter (William's daughter), Tallulah, was a famous actress in the 1930s and 1940s. Jasper is also a town that has plenty for its residents to enjoy. In addition to recreational areas like the Bankhead National Forest, Walker County Lake and Smith Lake, there are also plenty of parks operated by the city where residents can enjoy an afternoon stroll, a jog along a trail or even a day of fishing.
