Enterprise tourist information
The City of Enterprise has a strong history of growth and progress. Its diversity of people, occupations, lifestyles and interests come together to produce the community spirit that has been passed down for generations. The residents of Enterprise still enjoy the security of a concerned smaller city, even though it has become larger and more progressive. The people are warm and accepting of all who visit or choose to live in Enterprise. The deep South friendliness combined with the new South progressive attitude make Enterprise a wonderful place to visit, to call home and to raise a family. Today's Enterprise is a far cry from the piney woods with two small wagon roads running through what is now a densely populated area.
The founder of Enterprise, John Henry Carmichael, moved to Coffee County and settled in the area in 1881. Carmichael built a small store on what is now North Main Street. In 1882 as others moved to the area, the post office was moved from Drake Eye, located about 5 miles north, to Carmichael's new community. Enterprise was incorporated in 1896 with a population of 250. Two years later the Alabama Midland Railway Company located in Enterprise and with it came growth and progress. By 1906 the population grew to 3,750. Because early residents believed so much in their own town, they had a battle cry in the form of a banner stretched across the street saying, "Pull for Enterprise or Pull Out."
Property was threatened in 1915 as the Mexican boll Weevil found its way into Alabama from Texas and wreaked havoc on the cotton crop. In Coffee County, almost 60 percent of the cotton production was destroyed. Farmers faced bankruptcy and the area economy was at stake. Farmers turned to peanuts and other crops to overcome the damage wrought by the boll weevil.
By 1917, Coffee County produced and harvested more peanuts than any other county in the nation. (In 1993, Coffee County ranked 4th in the state of Alabama with 128,000 acres planted in peanuts.) In gratitude for the lessons taught, residents erected the world's only monument to an agricultural pest, the boll Weevil Monument. The monument, dedicated on December 11, 1919, stands in the center of the downtown district at the intersection of Main Street and College Street. The Boll Weevil Monument is a symbol of man's willingness and ability to adjust to adversity. Citizens continue to remind visitors and newcomers to the city the lesson of the boll weevil.
The base of the monument is inscribed: "in profound appreciation of the boll weevil and what it has done as the herald of prosperity this monument was erected by the citizens of Enterprise, Coffee County, Alabama. "
Other reminders of Enterprise's beginnings are located throughout the city. The Pea River Historical and Genealogical Society Library is a repository of historical documents. The library and gift shop are of special value to students of history. Books, microfilm, newspaper files, and old photographs can be viewed by those interested in investigating their roots or the history of Enterprise.
Today, the broadened and diversified agricultural economy, local industry, and the presence of the Army Aviation Center at nearby Fort Rucker are largely responsible for Enterprise's relative immunity to economic catastrophe.
Enterprise is located in Dickinson County near I-70 on the Smoky Hill River in scenic country with lots of woods and streams.
The Abilene and Smoky Valley excursion train brings visitors to town from Abilene, crossing the Smoky Hill just west of Enterprise. It runs on track that was once part of the Rock Island Line.
Enterprise Oregon is in one of the most beautiful settings on the planet. Wide open grassy meadows surround the town, pine forests to the north and the incredible Wallowa Mountains to the south. It’s an outdoor paradise. Full food, lodging and automotive services are available. It has also become one of the centers for western bronze art. A foundry and several artists are in the area. There are several places to access the Mountains but the most popular is through Joseph to Wallowa Lake. At the south end of the lake is a great recreation area. An ol’ lodge, cabins, camping and a tramway to the top of the mountain
Enterprise aerial map
Please click on any icon on the Enterprise aerial tourist map, to find close by places, offering hotels and tourist information. You can zoom in and zoom out our touristical map as well as switch between satelite and map view of Enterprise.
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