Saturday, March 24, 2007

http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Meadows/4826/Dekalb/history_dekalb_city_fort_payne.htm

Fort Payne

Fort Payne has a rich history including its early settlement, politics and its mill heritage. The following are a few key dates in the community.

1889: The Town of Fort Payne is incorporated and Major Chester Orlando Godfrey, a former chaplain of the Union army who became a financier and promoter of boomtowns, is chosen as Mayor.

1890: Coal and Iron prospects appear to be much below expectations. Investors had been told of vast mineral deposits waiting in the hills called "Iron Mountain." A $5 million bond issue fails to keep the boom going.

1892: The once mighty Fort Payne Coal and Iron Company goes bankrupt and its assets are sold to the city for taxes...more