Dothan, AL
Welcome to the Circle City, the Hub of the Wiregrass
and now the “Mural City”.
Incorporated on November 11, 1885, Dothan, Alabama was first known as Poplar Head prior to 1871. This area was well known for trade and meeting places for the Creek Confederacy in the early stages of incorporation and after the Indian wars in Alabama were considered to be over. The fort soon disappeared and new construction was being considered. The new settlers realized that if the city were to grow, they were going to need a governing body and local law enforcement due to the amount of new settlements that did not have respect for others. After the civil war many of our establishing fathers were of strong Christian faith and work ethics. Determination was considered to be the word in the English language that would describe them. Their belief in God brought the name Dothan from the biblical verse of Genesis 37:17 as quoted from the King James Bible Version: “And the man said, They are departed hence; for I heard them say, Let us go to Dothan. And Joseph went after his brothers, and found them in Dothan.”
Srong>Houston County, was formed February, 9th, 1903 from portions of Dale, Henry and Geneva counties and is located in the southeastern corner of Alabama. At that time,  Dothan, Alabama became the county seat for Houston County, Alabama. It is bordered on the east by the State of Georgia at the Chattahoochee River and on the south by the State of Florida that covers 578 square miles. The little Choctawhatchee forms the boundary in the northwestern part of the of the county with Dale County. Houston County lies on the coastal plain with an elevation that ranges from 120 feet above sea level in the southeastern corner to about 345 feet above sea level at a point near Webb in the north central part of the county. The topography is mainly level to gently sloping, with scattered hilly sections found in the northeastern part of the county towards Eufaula. This, explaining the reason for some of the best climates and water reservoir used to grow some of the best tasting vegetables in the nation.
Today, the Historic Downtown District of Dothan, Alabama has been transformed into an Eco-Museum of History and local culture. Visiting our city without walking or driving our downtown district could be a cultural mistake. If you do, you will get a sense of how our forefathers and ancestors lived and traded and how these places and events shaped our area and leave you with a feeling of how very important their contributions are to the people of this community. “The Wiregrass Festival of Murals” formed by, “The Downtown Group“, has not only given this community and it’s visitors a visual idea of our history, but improved our downtown landscape to somewhat of an artistic nature of beauty for the beholder. Our community support and appreciation of our men and women who have the courage to fight for our freedom is also shown by the many statues and memorials within the Historic Downtown District.
A rapidly growing and thriving city, Dothan Alabama is built around the landmarks of it’s past while developing an epi-center for it’s future.  With two major medical centers and other medical facilities to employ the majority of our locals, the Industrial and manufacturing facilities are another primary source of employment to our area. Some included are Perdue Farms, Inc., McLane Company, Michelin Tire Corporation, Sony Magnetic Products of America, Pemco World Air Services and Southern Nuclear (Farley).
We have seen our northwestern side of the city grow in just two short years going north from the circle on Highway 231N, leading to Ozark and Ft. Rucker which is our local Army Aviation Base and Museum close to Enterpise, Alabama. And from 231 South leading to the Florida Line is a master plan for a new development approved by our city commissioners recently. “Country Crossing“, a Ronnie Gilley Development will be similar to a Branson, Missouri synopsis of a Country Music Resort and Entertainment Center. There is also a plan for a water park, amphitheaters, resorts and a beautiful Bingo Hall that will offer our local charities a donation of up to 1 to 3 million dollars a year from it’s profits. This will not be a Biloxi style resort as reported in many internet blogs and some opponents of this development.
Yes, our people are proud of our community, and we have been quoted as saying that we are the “Peanut Capital of the World.“ By having the only Peanut Festival of it’s kind in our area of Southeast Alabama; Dothan, and the entire Wiregrass, is known for our “friendly southern hospitality”, as quoted by our visitors from all over the world. Although Dothan is the center of the Wiregrass area for recreation, business, industry, agriculture, healthcare and retail trade; all of the Wiregrass townships and cities have a pride filled atmosphere. Visit our communities and learn about it’s people and businesses. Thank you for visiting Dothan, one of the fastest growing cities in the southeastern United States…. “A Showcase of the South.”
Written by:
Jan Renae Walding
For municipal information about Dothan click www.dothan.org, for information about starting your own business in Dothan, click www.Dothan.com.
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