Sumiton, AL

Sumiton sits across Jefferson and Walker counties in central Alabama, with most of the city in eastern Walker County. It began after the Civil War as a mining settlement beside the railroad. The place has worn several names—Bald Eagle, Commercial, Democrat, and Summit—before Sumiton was adopted in 1926, a nod to the town's high ground in Walker County. A post office opened in 1924, the first public school followed in 1940, and the city incorporated in 1952. Old U.S. 78/Highway 5 still runs through town, with Interstate 22 to the southwest.

Schools and recreation give the present-day map its local landmarks. Walker County Schools operates the town's K-8 school, and Bevill State Community College's Sumiton Campus occupies a 95-acre site on Highway 78 West with classrooms, labs, a library, and a cafeteria open to the surrounding community. Sumiton Park & Recreation organizes youth baseball through the 31 North league, while the Sumiton Frog Festival brings music, food, crafts, and children's activities to Main Street each October. Sumiton's story runs from mine and rail line to school, college campus, park, and festival.