Sipsey

Sipsey Mine Workers, 1913 Sipsey is located in east-central Walker County in the central part of the state. It has a mayor/city council form of government.

History

Sipsey was founded in 1912 as a company town to serve employees of nearby coal mines. It was laid out by mining engineer Milton Fies. Mine production began in 1913, and at one time Sipsey had as many as 900 residents.

Sipsey suffered direct hits by two tornadoes during the record outbreak of April 27, 2011. Two residents were killed and 84 homes were either destroyed or rendered unfit for habitation.

Demographics

According to 2020 Census estimates, Sipsey recorded a population of 289. Of that number, 49.8 percent of respondents identified themselves as African American, 49.8 percent as white, and 0.3 percent as two or more races. The town’s median household income was $20,000, and the per capita income was $12,242.

Employment

According to 2020 Census estimates, the workforce in Sipsey was divided among the following industrial categories:

  • Transportation and warehousing, and utilities (29.6 percent)
  • Arts, entertainment, and recreation, and accommodation and food services (28.2 percent)
  • Construction (11.3 percent)
  • Other services, except public administration (11.3 percent)
  • Manufacturing (7.0 percent)
  • Educational services and health care and social assistance (5.6 percent)
  • Public administration (4.2 percent)
  • Retail trade (2.8 percent)

Education

Schools in Sipsey are part of the Walker County school system; the town has one combined elementary and junior high school.

Transportation

State Highway 5 lies about two miles southwest of Sipsey, running northwest-southeast, and Interstate Highway 22 is located about six miles to Sipsey’s southwest, running in the same direction.

Events and Places of Interest

Sipsey’s eastern town limit lies on the Sipsey Fork of the Black Warrior River, which offers boating, swimming, and fishing.

Further Reading

  • Walker County Heritage Book Committee. The Heritage of Walker County, Alabama. Clanton, Ala.: Heritage Publishing Consultants, 1999.

External Links

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