Pelham, AL
- About the City
- Geography
- Climate and Weather
- Landmarks and Attractions
- Transportation
- Sport and Sports Legends
- Universities and Educational Institutions
- Healthcare Facilities
Pelham is a suburb of Birmingham with a rich history dating back to 1820, home to Alabama's largest state park and a popular destination for outdoor recreation.
About the City
Official Status and Administrative Affiliation
- Full Official Name: Pelham, Alabama.
- Administrative Role: Pelham is a city in Shelby County and a prominent suburb within the Birmingham-Hoover Metropolitan Area in central Alabama .
- Regional Context: The city is located in a region known for its rapid growth since the late 20th century, as Birmingham's population expanded southward. Shelby County itself is one of the fastest-growing and most affluent counties in Alabama .
Historical Names and Nicknames
- Historical Names: The first settlement at this site was established in 1820 and was named Shelbyville. It served as the first county seat of Shelby County until 1826 .
- Current Name Origin: The town was renamed Pelham in 1867 in honor of Maj. John Pelham, a Confederate Civil War hero from Alabama who fought in over sixty battles. Legend holds that he camped overnight with his troops near the old Shelbyville settlement during the war .
Founding Date and Age
- Founding and Incorporation: The original settlement of Shelbyville was established in 1820. However, the modern City of Pelham was officially incorporated on July 10, 1964. This move was prompted by an annexation attempt by the neighboring city of Alabaster .
- Age: From its incorporation in 1964, the city is 61 years old. From its original founding in 1820, it is 205 years old.
- Founder: The first settlers were pioneers who established Shelbyville. The city's first mayor after incorporation was Paul Yeager Sr. .
Geographic Location and Coordinates
- Coordinates: 33°18′16″N 86°47′5″W (33.304581, -86.784620) .
- Setting: Pelham is located in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, with a significant portion of its northeast quadrant covered by Double Oak Mountain . It lies approximately 20 miles (32 km) south of downtown Birmingham .
- Elevation: The city's elevation is approximately 152-253 meters (500-830 feet) above sea level, varying across its area .
City Type and Economic Specialization
Pelham functions primarily as a residential suburb and regional recreation hub. Key sectors of its economy include:
- Educational Services, Health Care, and Social Assistance: The largest employment sector (22.7%) .
- Recreation and Tourism: Largely driven by Oak Mountain State Park, which offers golf, hiking, mountain biking, and other outdoor activities .
- Retail and Local Services: The city serves as a retail center for the surrounding area .
Population and Demographics
- Population: As of the 2020 census, the population was 24,318. A 2022 estimate placed it at 24,755 .
- Population Class: Pelham is a small city .
- Demographic Note: The city has seen significant growth (over 600% between 1970 and 1980) and diversification since its incorporation. As of 2020, the population was 65.7% White, 15.0% Hispanic or Latino, 12.8% African American, and 2.4% Asian . It is part of a metropolitan area with nearly 1.2 million residents .
City's "Calling Card" (Brief)
Pelham, Alabama, is best known as the home of Oak Mountain State Park, the largest state park in Alabama, offering a vast outdoor playground for hiking, biking, and golf just south of Birmingham. It is a suburban community with deep historical roots, originally serving as the first county seat of Shelby County .
Geography
Mountains and Ranges
- Double Oak Mountain: A significant portion of Pelham's northeast quadrant is occupied by Double Oak Mountain, which forms the heart of Oak Mountain State Park. The mountain provides a dramatic natural backdrop and is the site of numerous trails and scenic overlooks. Peavine Falls is located on its slopes .
Water Features
- Peavine Falls: A stunning 65-foot waterfall located within Oak Mountain State Park, cascading into a gorge. It's a popular hiking destination, especially after heavy rains .
- Double Oak Lake and Other Park Lakes: Oak Mountain State Park features several man-made lakes totaling around 230 acres, including Double Oak Lake, which has a public swimming beach. These lakes are stocked with fish for anglers .
National and State Parks
- Oak Mountain State Park: This is Alabama's largest state park, encompassing 9,940 acres (4,020 ha), much of which lies within Pelham's city limits . It offers an immense variety of activities, including:
- Hiking: Over 51 miles of trails .
- Mountain Biking: The park's 29-mile Red Trail is designated an "Epic Trail" by the International Mountain Bicycling Association, one of only 52 worldwide. It also features a BMX track and a pump track .
- Golf: An 18-hole public golf course, rated among the top public courses by Golf Digest .
- Water Activities: Swimming beach, paddle boat and canoe rentals, and fishing in three lakes .
- Camping and Equestrian: Improved and backcountry campsites, plus equestrian camping and guided horseback rides .
- Alabama Wildlife Center: The state's oldest and largest wildlife rehabilitation facility is located here .
Climate and Weather
Climate Type and General Characteristics
Pelham has a humid subtropical climate, characteristic of the southeastern United States. This climate is defined by hot, humid summers and mild winters, with significant precipitation year-round .
Average Monthly Temperatures
The climate features a wide seasonal variation. The tables below show average temperatures in °C and °F.
Average Temperatures (°C)
| Month | Min Temp (°C) | Max Temp (°C) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 1°-3° | 12°-13° |
| February | 4°-5° | 15°-16° |
| March | 7°-9° | 19°-20° |
| April | 11°-13° | 24° |
| May | 16°-17° | 28° |
| June | 21°-22° | 31°-33° |
| July | 22°-23° | 34° |
| August | 22° | 34° |
| September | 18°-20° | 30°-32° |
| October | 12°-13° | 24°-26° |
| November | 6°-7° | 18°-19° |
| December | 3°-5° | 14° |
| *Source: * |
Average Temperatures (°F)
| Month | Min Temp (°F) | Max Temp (°F) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 34°-37° | 54°-55° |
| February | 39°-41° | 59°-60° |
| March | 45°-48° | 65°-68° |
| April | 52°-55° | 75°-76° |
| May | 61°-63° | 80°-82° |
| June | 70°-71° | 88° |
| July | 72°-73° | 89°-90° |
| August | 72° | 89° |
| September | 65°-67° | 86° |
| October | 55° | 76° |
| November | 43°-45° | 65° |
| December | 39°-41° | 57° |
| *Source: * |
- Hottest Months: July and August, with average daily highs around 34°C (90°F) .
- Coldest Month: January, with average daily highs around 12°C (54°F) and lows near 1°C (34°F) .
Precipitation and Humidity
- Average Annual Rainfall: Approximately 1250-1400 mm (49-55 inches) per year, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year .
- Wettest Month: February, averaging around 171 mm (6.7 inches) of precipitation .
- Driest Month: October, averaging around 69 mm (2.7 inches) of precipitation .
- Snowfall: Snow is rare, averaging only about 6 mm (0.2 inches) annually, with the small chance typically occurring in January and February .
Seasonality and Best Time to Visit
- Spring (March-May): A beautiful time to visit with warming temperatures (highs from 19°C to 28°C / 67°F to 82°F) and increasing sunshine. Wildflowers bloom, making it excellent for hiking and enjoying the parks .
- Summer (June-August): Hot and humid, with highs frequently around 34°C (90°F). This is the best time for swimming at the beach in Oak Mountain State Park and other water-based activities, but hikers should start early to avoid the midday heat .
- Fall (September-November): Arguably the best time to visit, with pleasantly warm days (highs from 30°C down to 18°C / 86°F to 65°F) and cool, crisp nights. The humidity drops, and the foliage puts on a colorful display, perfect for all outdoor pursuits .
- Winter (December-February): Mild but can be cool, with average highs in the low teens Celsius (50s°F). While it's the off-season for some activities, it's a great time for hiking without the crowds, and the golf courses remain playable on many days .
Landmarks and Attractions
Oak Mountain State Park
As the dominant natural feature and attraction, Oak Mountain State Park is Pelham's crown jewel. While detailed in the Geography section, its status as a landmark is paramount. Key features within the park include:
- Peavine Falls: A 65-foot waterfall, a premier scenic destination .
- Oak Mountain Interpretive Center: Features 2,500 square feet of natural history exhibits, including live native snakes, fish, and turtles, explaining the area's geography and geology .
- Alabama Wildlife Center: The state's oldest and largest wildlife rehabilitation facility, offering visitors a chance to learn about native birds and conservation efforts .
Pelham Civic Complex and Ice Arena
This community hub at 500 Amphitheater Road is a unique landmark for the region, featuring two full-sized ice hockey rinks. It hosts ice skating, hockey games, concerts, meetings, and various community events throughout the year .
Ballantrae Golf Club
An 18-hole public golf course known for its challenging layout and beautiful, manicured grounds. It's a significant recreational amenity in the city .
Pelham Racquet Club
A major tennis facility offering 20 clay and five hard courts, serving as a hub for local and regional tennis enthusiasts .
David Lindsay Historical Cemetery Site
Listed on the Alabama Historic Cemetery Register in 2017, this is the burial site of Pvt. David Lindsay, a Revolutionary War soldier and Shelby County pioneer. It serves as a tangible link to the area's earliest settlers .
Historic Shelbyville Site
While no structures remain, the area near Pelham is the site of Shelbyville, the first county seat of Shelby County, established in the Alabama Territory in 1818. Historical markers note this significant location .
Transportation
Major Airports
- Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM): Located approximately 20 miles (32 km) north of Pelham, this is the closest major airport, serving the entire Birmingham metropolitan area. It offers commercial services from carriers like American, Delta, Southwest, and United .
Major Highways
Pelham is exceptionally well-connected by road, serving as a transportation hub for the region:
- Interstate 65 (I-65): The city's primary artery, running just east of the city center with access from exits 242 and 246. It connects Pelham north to Birmingham (20 miles) and south to Montgomery (72 miles) .
- U.S. Highway 31 (US-31): Runs directly through the heart of Pelham, serving as the main local thoroughfare .
- State Highway 119: Accessed at the city's edge, providing a route to areas east of Pelham .
- Regional Access: Easy access to Interstates 459, 59, 20, and U.S. Highway 280 connects Pelham to the wider southeastern United States .
- Highway Distances: Atlanta is 154 miles away; Nashville is 201 miles; Memphis is 254 miles .
Local Public Transit
- ClasTran: Provides dial-a-ride transit services on weekdays for residents who need transportation within Pelham and the surrounding area .
- Ride-Sharing: Uber and similar services are available in Pelham, providing an alternative means of getting around the city .
Rail and Waterway Access
While Pelham itself has no passenger rail station, its location allows it to utilize the transportation services of the Birmingham area.
- Waterway: The Warrior-Tombigbee Waterway, accessed at Port Birmingham, connects the region via barge to the Port of Mobile on the Gulf of Mexico .
Sport and Sports Legends
Notable Sports Venues in Pelham
Pelham is home to the Pelham Civic Complex and Ice Arena, a key community hub for ice sports . This venue is notable for hosting ice hockey games and is the home rink for the University of Alabama's Frozen Tide hockey team . The complex also offers public ice skating and has been used for concerts and other events, making it a central piece of the city's recreational landscape . For tennis enthusiasts, the Pelham Racquet Club is a significant facility, offering 30 clay and hard courts for public use, along with hosting social tournaments and events .
Nearby Major Sports and Entertainment Venues
Just a short drive from Pelham, the Oak Mountain Amphitheatre is a prominent outdoor music venue that hosts major national performers, linking the city to large-scale entertainment events . For water-based family fun, Splash Adventure (formerly Alabama Adventure) in nearby Bessemer is a large water park featuring numerous slides, a wave pool, and other attractions .
Universities and Educational Institutions
Pelham has a strong focus on K-12 education, having established its own Pelham City School District in 2014, which is noted for its ambitious plans to improve technology and curriculum . While Pelham itself does not host a major university, its proximity to Birmingham provides residents with access to higher education institutions in a major city . Bloomberg Businessweek has recognized Pelham as the best place to raise kids in Alabama, highlighting the quality of its family-oriented environment and schools . The city is also home to private schools such as Pelham Christian Academy .
Healthcare Facilities
Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Shelby County
Pelham hosts a significant specialized medical facility, the Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Shelby County. This inpatient rehabilitation hospital is part of the Encompass Health national network, which has been named "America's Most Awarded Leader in Inpatient Rehabilitation" by Newsweek and Statista . The hospital provides comprehensive rehabilitative care for patients recovering from life-changing illnesses or injuries, including:
- Stroke rehabilitation
- Care for neurological conditions such as Parkinson's and multiple sclerosis
- Spinal cord injury rehabilitation
- Orthopedic conditions including joint replacements, amputations, and prosthetic training
The facility features advanced services like robot-assisted walking therapy, an assistive technology center, and onsite dialysis, allowing patients to receive necessary procedures without transferring to another facility . It is accredited by The Joint Commission for stroke and hip fracture rehabilitation .
Other Medical Facilities
Pelham also hosts several other medical practices and community health resources. These include the Shelby Baptist Medical Center group practice located at 30 Racquet Club Pkwy, which specializes in general practice . Additionally, a behavioral health center, BHC-Pelham, and the Chilton Shelby Mental Health Center are located in the city, providing mental health services . A group practice at 333 Business Cir offers specialties in nursing, psychiatry, and clinical psychology .