Brand Statement Brand Statement

Our history is rooted by the intersection of land and agriculture. Creek Indians first inhabited the land long before settlers established Williams Station as a logging community along the Mobile and Great Northern Railroad in 1866.

The sawmill here helped build the booming coastal cities of Mobile and Pensacola forever tying this place to gulf coast cities.

By 1897, the community grew and was renamed Atmore as lumber and turpentine continued to thrive as early industries.

Incorporated in 1907, Atmore emerged as a crossroads of commerce as two railroads intersected in the heart of the growing town where farmers produced co^on, potatoes, corn, and the sweet satsuma that fed the region.

By the mid twentieth century, Atmore’s economy continued to diversify with manufacturing and industry.

In 1985, the Atmore community transformed yet again as the Poarch Band of Creek Indians opened a bingo hall as a major visitor destination. This decision would cement a partnership between Atmore and the Poarch Band of Creek Indians that exists to this day.

Downtown Atmore thrived as a center of commerce for the rural lands in Escambia County. The strategic locaLon of downtown as a railroad crossroads was enhanced by the crossing of major highways to and from coastal Alabama and Florida to points north.

Stores, restaurants, banks, and services clustered here making downtown a regional destination.

Like many communities, Atmore experienced downtown decline as businesses vacated historic buildings for suburban shopping.
Today Atmore is undergoing a dramaLc transformation.

Downtown is reemerging as a focal point for independent businesses, unique dining, community celebrations, and historic renovations that are leveraging downtown’s status as one of America’s newest National Register Districts.

Undaunted, Atmore residents rallied around the idea that downtown is a place for all. Smart Growth America explored best practices nationally while Pride of Atmore launched ambitious plans to restore the Strand Theatre.

Main Street Atmore is furthering existing partnerships while fostering new initiatives in downtown.

Together, Atmore residents recognize our downtown is much more than a collection of historic buildings, it is our community gathering place to play, dine, shop, work, and live. We are downtown Atmore: More to love, more to experience, more to discover.