How a small Alabama college town rebuilt itself after a devastating EF3 tornado strike
In short: In March 2018, an EF3 tornado tore through Jacksonville, Alabama, causing nearly $42 million in damage to the city and its university. Yet, through a remarkable display of community resilience, the town managed to hold its spring graduation ceremony just weeks later, turning a disaster into a celebration of recovery.
Nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Jacksonville has evolved significantly since its founding in 1833. Originally named Drayton, the city was renamed in 1834 to honor President Andrew Jackson. For much of its early history, it served as the county seat for Calhoun County, a role it eventually ceded to Anniston in the 20th century. Today, the city is defined by its youthful demographic, with a median age of 24.2 years as of the 2020 census, largely influenced by the presence of Jacksonville State University.
The university, established in 1883, remains the city's economic heartbeat and a primary employer. Its importance was underscored during the 2018 tornado, which damaged over 20 campus buildings, including the Pete Mathews Coliseum. Despite the scale of the destruction, the community response was immediate, with over 1,000 volunteers assisting in relief efforts. The university's president, Dr. John Beeler, noted that the subsequent graduation ceremony served as a powerful symbol of how quickly the institution and the surrounding community could rally to overcome such a significant setback.
Beyond its resilience, Jacksonville maintains a distinct cultural footprint. The city is home to a variety of media outlets, including the student-run newspaper The Chanticleer and a widely distributed Christian magazine, House to House Heart to Heart, which boasts a circulation of over 2.5 million per issue. The area has also produced notable figures across diverse fields, ranging from Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Rick Bragg and activist Lilly Ledbetter to country music artist Riley Green. This blend of academic life, historical legacy, and a tight-knit community spirit continues to shape the identity of this Alabama valley city.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Jacksonville, Alabama
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