As Montgomery, Alabama's WSFA 12 reported, the series has catapulted Wetumpka into the spotlight, helping them attract new visitors and perhaps even new residents. 1906 L&N Railroad built a new depot in Wetumpka. 139). 2009 First Mardi Gras Parade was held. The 1874 house, which sits perched upon a hill, overlooks the entire downtown of Wetumpka. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. That same year, a fire broke out in Wetumpka, burning warehouses and many commercial buildings. Ben and Erin Napier Tackle the House From Big Fish on Home Town Takeover 107). By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. 1932 Ed Sanford was Mayor of Wetumpka. The new HGTV series follows the Napiers as they try to revitalize the small Alabama town just as they helped revitalize their home town of Laurel, Mississippi. The "Takeover" effort took on an entire town for renovations. Ad Choices, The HGTV couple selected the most deserving people in Wetumpka, Alabama, and gave 12 homes and businesses a facelift, Inside the Sag Harbor Home of Interior Designer Bryan Graybill, Tour a Notting Hill Home That Bursts With Color, How to Propagate Succulents for Healthy and Plentiful Plants, HomeRenovating While Black: TheVery Real Costs That Nobody Tells You About, After they finally get the keys, misogynoir persists for many Black women, This Black Queer Architect Laid the Groundwork for the Black Hamptons, Amaza Lee Merediths life and legacy in Sag Harbor is the subject of a new podcast episode from, A Couples Old Furniture Collection Got a Cool Spin in Their New San Francisco Home, Youd never know it wasnt tailor-made for the space, Inside Amanda Seyfrieds Farmhouse-Inspired New York City Pied--Terre. 40). [3] He moved on to Fort Toulouse, where he directed its repair. After moving the 1702 settlement of Mobile to Mobile Bay in 1711, Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne, Sieur de Bienville sent an expedition up the Alabama River to establish a fort in the interior of the colony, known as La Louisiane or New France, to stop the encroachment of British colonists and to foster trade and goodwill with the Creek. ", In fact, one of the homes renovated on "Home Town Takeover" was featured in the movie "Big Fish," which is Erin's favorite film. 1988 Jack Wood was Mayor of Wetumpka. Plan a trip in summer to catch the River and Blues Music and Arts Festival, held along the banks of the Coosa River. 92). A fantastical film directed by Tim Burton and centering around the reconciliation of a man and . 200 were here. Lawn mowing, trimming shrubs and limbs from trees and other yard management . 51). 133). 1925 Fain Theater moved to the foot of the bridge. HGTV is also available on the streaming service Philo. 1841 State named Wetumpka as a site for Medical University, but plans got only as far as paper. 1836 Population was 1,200. The path the militia traveled became known as "Jackson's Trace". After Britain was defeated in the American Revolutionary War, it ceded its territory east of the Mississippi River to the United States in 1783. 33). Known as "The City of Natural Beauty," Wetumpka is a city in Elmore County with a population of more than 5,000. The promise of luxury swayed the vote, and Montgomery won. Clear 1 Table. 49). Travel Alabama Ben And Erin Napier's 'Home Town Takeover' Has Successfully Given New Life To Wetumpka, Alabama Even after filming has wrapped on Home Town Takeover the ripple effect for good in Wetumpka, Alabama, continues. Both the Black Belt cotton barons and the Mobilians wanted the capital moved. The part on the eastern bank of the river was commercial, with banks, stores, and hotels, and was located in Coosa County. Coordinates: 323227N 861228W Wetumpka ( US: / wtmk /) is a city in and the county seat of Elmore County, Alabama, United States. This time, the Napiers searched the country for another town in need of a facelift, with the goal of renovating the entire place within one television season. Every vacation should start with a one-of-a-kind meal, and breakfast at Blue Dog Bistro in Ocean Springs certainly offers that. Between 1800 and 1812, European-American pioneers began to arrive, many with enslaved African-American laborers, and encroach on the lands of the Southeast Indian tribes. Between its diverse menu, which features seafood platters, towering nachos, pasta, burgers and so much more, its fun, laid-back atmosphere, and its beachside location, it's the perfect spot to relax and enjoy your night. Wetumpka is an Alabama tribal name, referring to both a traditional Alabama Indian village and the band of people who lived there. Kelsey Ogletree is an independent journalist contributing to a range of national digital and print outlets, from The Wall Street Journal to Travel + Leisure and AARP The Magazine. 8). 167). It has been so wonderful, says Erin. Despite this, the city's future seemed grim. The entire family will love the Mississippi Aquarium. but one of the most significant ones is Tim Burton's 2003 opus, calls itself the "City of Natural Beauty.". 66). Call it the HGTV effect. The First Baptist Church, Wetumpka Police Department, Fain Senior Center and First Presbyterian Church were among the places that received significant damage in the storm, according to AL.com, but no one was killed in the tornado. Their descendants became important Creek leaders because of their mothers' status. In 1866, a Reconstruction government drew up a new plan of counties for the state, and Elmore County was created out of parts of Coosa, Autauga, and Montgomery counties, with Wetumpka as its county seat. 149).1984 Jeanette Barrett was Mayor of Wetumpka. The ride takes less than an hour, and grab a drink at the bar, enjoy the view, and even catch a glimpse of some bottlenose dolphins while aboard. If youve ever visited Wetumpka, Alabama, what were some of your favorite things to see and do? 1838 First hospital/clinic was opened with three beds. 7). Another favorite in Wetumpka is Must Stop Cafe, whose name says it all. Other state highways that run through the city include Alabama State Route 9 and Alabama State Route 170. When deciding which homes and businesses they would renovate, we had to find the best people who were doing the most for that town, says Ben. Wetumpka, Alabama - Wikipedia 5. 114). To revisit this article, visit My Profile, then View saved stories, To revisit this article, select My Account, thenView saved stories. The first paved road linking Wetumpka with Montgomery was completed in 1924. 1968 C.E. The lynching of Robin White and the confession of George Howard 174). 46). They settled on Wetumpka, Alabama, which has a population of roughly 8,371 and is about half an hour north of the state capital, Montgomery. The new city was divided in half. Several small towns, especially here in Alabama, offer a variety of things to see and do. 2002 Wetumpka was officially recognized as the site of an Impact Crater. 112). 1922 Alabama Mills was opened in Wetumpka. The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. 1964 Demp Thrash was Mayor of Wetumpka. One cant help but admire the fact that HGTV has a show with just about every premise under the sun. Erin tells House Beautiful that getting to work on the classic movie home was a "once-in-a-lifetime project." Among those small businesses are many creative galleries, art studios, and museums. "The Wetumpka Astrobleme" by John C. Hall, Learn how and when to remove this template message, Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne, Sieur de Bienville, "Census Info Shows Growth Rate of Two Alabama Rural Counties Exceeds National Average", "Wetumka | The Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History and Culture", "Wetumpka cat ladies were convicted, but the city will pay the price", "US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990", "Alabama tornado: See before, after photos of Wetumpka churches damaged in storm", "First Presbyterian Church destroyed, pastor reflects", "Geographic Identifiers: 2010 Demographic Profile Data (G001): Wetumpka city, Alabama", "Wetumpka, Alabama Kppen Climate Classification (Weatherbase)", "PRISM Climate Group at Oregon State University", "U.S. 1938 Wetumpka was hit with another flood. (Visit Coastal Mississippi), SATURDAY:Get breakfast at Blue Dog Bistro. For every 100 females, there were 62.1 males. A meteorite, estimated to be 1,000 feet (300m) wide, hit the area about 80 million years ago. Wetumpka is currently growing at a rate of 1.76% annually and its population has increased by 5.39% since the most recent census, which recorded a population of 7,065 in 2020. Try your luck at the Silver Slipper Casino. The one we were most excited about, however, was a restoration of Wetumpka's most recognizable house. Before the war (in 1850), the population had reached 3,824 to become the 3rd largest city in the state (behind Mobile and Montgomery). Wetumpka attracting new visitors, residents following Home Town Takeover, Man arrested after driving 13-year-old from Alabama to Nashville to have sex with her, police say, July 4 multi-vehicle crash claims life of Dothan man, Newest Montgomery Chick-fil-a opening Thursday, Whitewater Grand Opening Festival happening this weekend, Morning Smile: Hammerhead shark swims near kayaker off Orange Beach. [33], The Julia Tutwiler Prison for Women of the Alabama Department of Corrections is in Wetumpka. The same year saw the majority of Wetumpka's male population going off to war. Veterans of the war returned to a city and a region whose economy had been completely destroyed. Big Fish (2003) Official Trailer 1 - Ewan McGregor Moviewww.youtube.com, A few movies have been filmed in Wetumpka over the decades, but one of the most significant ones is Tim Burton's 2003 opus, "Big Fish. 1906 Wetumpka Fire Department was formed. 141).1972 First Christmas Parade in Wetumpka. This is the year maybe when small-town America gets to shine, she says. 1984 Poarch Band of Creek Indians were recognized officially by the US Bureau if Indians. 1841 Wetumpka State Penitentiary was complete, it was surrounded by 25 foot high walls. Our office recently got into a chat about Coke salad, and while some of us said it was a staple found on every holiday dessert table, there were others who had never heard of it. Ben and Erin with Sheryl Crow (right) pose outside the Tapp18, a boutique renovated on Home Town Takeover. Maybe your great aunt Kathy brought it to Christmas every year when you were a kid or maybe she's still bringing it? 129).1950 A City Planning Board was formed. 15 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Alabama - The Crazy Tourist (Rockford was chosen as seat of the "new" Coosa County.). It was near Fort Toulouse, built by French colonists in 1717, when they had claimed this territory for the king. The population of Wetumpka in 1880 was 1,500; 1890619; 1900 562; 19101,103. [11] The racial makeup of the city was 64.88% White, 32.83% Black or African American, 0.40% Native American, 0.40% Asian, 0.07% Pacific Islander, 1.38% from other races, and 0.94% from two or more races. "I learned so much about how this house that we renovated was really just the shell that they turned into a film set," she tells us. Geologists study the impact crater to learn more about asteroids. Stop in to say hello to storeowner Tabatha, browse the racks, and if you take a selfie, don't forget to post it with hashtag #tappintofashion to show your support! More. The per capita income for the city was $15,729. Crows own home is an antique-filled Nashville compound which AD visited in 2019, and which she decorated herself. Also, according to Goat Hill History, the impact from the crater is about 5 miles wide. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. 62).1886, April to 1867, Oct. there was no bridge to cross the river. [11], The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters. 9). Elmore Count Courthouse was completed. This outdoor museum was built in the 1930s on the estate of the Fitzpatrick family, who spent many years in Greece collecting replicas of ancient statuary to adorn their formal gardens at Jasmine Hill. 168). Then when the pandemic happened, all that got put on hold. First Baptist Church of Wetumpka. 1838 May 15- a dancing school was opened, lessons were offered to young men. There are plenty of recipes out there for it, and each one tends to differ a little. 1937 The downtown Post Office was completed. Feeling lucky? Pine knots were piled about him the flames was started by the husband of the victim.[6]. 29). Get more stories delivered right to your email. 11). 1970 The Historical Commission was formed. With that heat usually comes a few afternoon thunderstorms, and with those thunderstorms usually comes at least one Southerner (but probably a lot more) stepping outside and declaring the rain to be a "real gullywasher". Map. 16). These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. 88). Meghan Overdeep Updated on October 1, 2022 For a small town, Wetumpka, Alabama, has its fair share of Hollywood history. During his absence, the site was renamed Fort Jackson in his honor. Each year people flock to this town to enjoy themselves at the W.C Handy Music . Board at the Gulfport Small Craft Harbor and bring along your favorite drinks and a picnic dinner, or even pick up take-out from one of the nearby restaurants to have a relaxing and memorable evening with that Gulf breeze blowing in your hair and the waves crashing around you. 86). 1886 Cotton was selling for .24 cent by the pound. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Downtown Wetumpka covers two city blocks, and is bordered on the northwest by the Coosa River. Wetumpka attracting new visitors, residents following 'Home Town Takeover' Contact Montgomery Advertiser reporter Marty Roney at mroney@gannett.com. Driving there for the first time, Erin tells AD she was struck by the majestic Coosa River and the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. 5). [42][44][45][46][47], Paul M. Bates House, Mrs. Mary Jesse House (Bates-Jesse House; ca. 1880 Cabot Lull was mayor of Wetumpka. What better way is there to wrap up your Sunday than by setting sail on the beautiful Mississippi Sound and Gulf of Mexico with North Star Sailing Charters. We are ready to do things, go places, see things, touch things. Some have thought the arrests and sentencing were overzealous.[7]. His father was John D Airey and his mother was Elizabeth Mary Lock. Many people were forced to let their land be sold for taxes. 1838 Malaria was one of the most common diseases in Wetumpka. 130). General Andrew Jackson led a militia with members from Tennessee, Mississippi, and Georgia and attacked the Creek in Alabama. 1836 Wetumpka commissioned its own steam boat, The Coosa Belle to ferry passengers & cotton between Wetumpka and Mobile. Please let us know in the comments. Florida artist Don Sawyer also opened a studio downtown, and Big Fish Art Studio is located in the iconic house from the movie. Wetumpka was the site of a huge cosmic event. Among the notable landmarks are the Wetumpka crater and the Jasmine Hill Gardens, with a full-sized replica of the Temple of Hera of Olympia, Greece. 161). What will your first stop be in Wetumpka? After all, there's plenty more to see and do in Coastal Mississippi. 1896 June- Lock # 31 was completed and never used for the purpose it was built. [26][27] In 2002, Auburn University researchers published evidence and established the site as an internationally recognized impact crater. Email . Get in line at Grumpy Dog, a family-friendly joint, for the Frito Bandito topped with cheese sauce, chili, Fritos, and jalapenos. In 2022, the city of Wetumpka jailed two elderly women attempting to feed and neuter stray cats. They promoted a plan to build a lock and dam so that boats would be able to pass above the Fall Line and travel up the Coosa as far as Rome, Georgia. Jackson's forces won a decisive victory at the Battle of Horseshoe Bend. [19] The population density was 645 inhabitants per square mile (249.2/km2). 1910 Frank W. Hull was Mayor of Wetumpka. Now, as far as where it originated, that's even more up in the air. 1865 Federal soldiers opened the doors of the penitentiary and turned prisoners loose. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. 27). They were also ordered to each pay $100 in fines, plus court costs. Published on December 15, 2022 at 7:52 am CST. The six-episode series follows the couple as they breathe new life into Wetumpka, Alabama, through 12 major renovation projects. To get to the island, take the Ship Island Excursions ferry, which launches daily from the Gulfport Yacht Harbor and Biloxi Margaritaville Resort dock. Copyright 2021 WSFA 12 News. 117). 1830), 311 Government Street[48][49], John Bullard House (1823), Harrogate Springs Road [50][51]. We all know and love the classics you can find at almost any Sunday potluck, like chicken salad, potato salad, macaroni salad and more, but there are some other equally as Southern "salads" that are not quite as common these day -- and are even more of a stretch for the word. Wetumpka city, Alabama. As the first vegan, keto, paleo and gluten-free friendly restaurant on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, the Blue Dog Bistro's eclectic menu offers something for everyone regardless of their dietary restrictions, from blueberry ricotta pancakes and praline pecan bacon to smoked salmon lox bagels and vegetable frittatas. "It has been a much larger increase in crowds and we've loved having all the people that want to see what going on here," echoed Market Shoppes employee and Wetumpka resident Marilee Tankersley later in the clip. It was like the employees of this city, the citizens of this city, came together jointly, all of us working for one cause, Willis said. 1938 Cartoon character Popeye was based on the life of Tom Sims, who. 12 Things to Do in Wetumpka, AL | Home Town Takeover | HGTV Each spring, Main Street plays host to CoosaPalooza Brewfest, which celebrates dozens of craft breweries and local food vendors. Wetumka, Oklahoma has many residents who formerly lived in Wetumpka Then shopping at The Tapp18. Official page of Wetumpka's Premiere Adventure Race. In their series Home Town Takeover, Ben and Erin Napier tackled a dozen major renovation projects. 1903 Lancaster Hotel was built and offered shuttle service to and from Montgomery. According to Alabama Travel, Wetumpka was the site of a meteor impact approximately 80-83 million years ago. Same. Kick off day two of your visit by learning about the animals, plants, and more that call the Magnolia State's aquatic resources home at Mississippi Aquarium. 1836 Daniel Pratt passed Wetumpka in his search for a location for his Cotton Gin. 1, October 3rd, 1900. What to See and Do in Wetumpka, Alabama - Southern Living 10).1818 William Walker opened a trading post at Harrowgate (*sic) Springs. 1. You can find Wetumpka's Wind Creek Casino at 100 River Oaks Dr. tripadvisor/management For an amazing dinner, look no further than Our Place Cafe. 170). 1905 Electric power and water arrived in Wetumpka. 1948 Virtually all of Wetumpkas streets had been paved. Florence Bateman House (Bates-Jesse House), 311 Government Street[48], "Wetumpka" redirects here. 101). 1840 Plank roads were used, the most common being Central Plank Road which started in Montgomery and passed through Wetumpka. 1922 J.R. Airy was Mayor of Wetumpka. Very inviting, said Stacy Blumenthal, a visitor from Virginia. Amber Sutton Erin and Ben Napier took Wetumpka, Alabama, by storm when they announced it would be the focus of "Home Town Takeover." This Stupendous Alabama Retreat Is Beyond Your Wildest Dreams, Anything And Everything Goes On A Sandwich At Stanlieos Sub Villa In Alabama, Enjoy Wine, Food, And Music At The Lush Garden, A Garden-Themed Wine Bar In Alabama, The 10 Best Waterfall Trails In Alabama To Hike Right Now, 8 Enchanting Spots In Alabama You Never Knew Existed, One Of The Oddest Geological Wonders Is Located Right Here In Alabama, The One Place In Alabama That Offers The Ultimate Outdoor Adventure, This Breathtaking Trail Is The Best Way To See Alabama From Up Above. 135). Four major films have been filmed on location in downtown Wetumpka. Whether you want to go for something filling, like their sunrise breakfast wrap or the ham and pimento cheese sandwich, or just grab one of their uniquely flavored coffee drinks s'mores latte, anyone? 1814 Red Eagle surrendered to Andrew Jackson at Fort Touloose. The newly created Montgomery County held its courts there. If not, maybe it's time she starts. 1996 Jasmine Gardens was selected for the Olympic torch relay for the Summer Olympic Games in Atlanta. [9][10], According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 10.5 square miles (27.2km2), of which 10.1 square miles (26.2km2) is land and 0.39 square miles (1.0km2), or 3.66%, is water. 80). For the community in Florida, see. Rest easy, Wetumpka, the cat ladies have been brought to justice. Bienville selected this area as a strategic locale for a fortification. ", As seen on (HG)TV:Wetumpka's national spotlight leads to increase in tourists. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Having watched Big Fish so many times and then getting to actually step foot into the house where a huge part of it was filmed was an eye-opening experience for Erin. Grab a late brunch at White Pillars Restaurant. Call it the Ben and Erin Napier magic wand. HGTV Love knowing what your favorite HGTV stars are up to? First Presbyterian Church of Wetumpka. The event series showcased 12 major renovations all over Wetumpka, including restaurants, shops, historic homes, public spaces, a new farmers marketand an entire downtown street. [34] Wetumpka was previously the site of the Wetumpka State Penitentiary. No matter your interests spending time on the water, trying your luck in a luxurious casino, having a meal accompanied by gorgeous beach views, or all the above you can experience them all and so much more while visiting Coastal Mississippi. 127). I'm seen it a million times and I can recite the script." [1] and from Swanton's The Indian Tribes of North America [2]. 155). A "gully," also according to Dictionary.com, is a large ditch, valley or ravine worn away by running water so that it essentially serves as a drainageway after prolonged heavy rains. The stars of the "Home Town Takeover" show did 12 renovations, including Powe's Tabb 18 business, a boutique shop in downtown Wetumpka. When the U.S. declared war on Britain in June 1812, the Upper Creek lost the assistance of the British, but they persisted with war against American settlers in the area. During that time, the city has seen new life in some of its older homes and businesses, and now its attracting both tourists and potential new residents. The restaurant itself, a favorite among locals for special occasions and date nights, is cozy and welcoming, with a menu heavy on seafood. 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