Cities in Coffee County, Alabama
Coffee County, located in southeastern Alabama, is known for its rich agricultural history and military significance. Established in 1841, the county was named after General John Coffee, a hero of the War of 1812. The county’s fertile lands have made agriculture—particularly cotton and peanuts—a central part of its economy, while Fort Rucker, the U.S. Army’s primary aviation training base, has also contributed to its growth. Coffee County is divided into two judicial districts, with the cities of Elba and Enterprise serving as county seats. The county offers a blend of rural charm, historical significance, and modern development, with five incorporated cities and towns: Enterprise, Elba, New Brockton, Kinston, and Goodman.
Enterprise
City Overview
Enterprise is the largest city in Coffee County and serves as one of its county seats. The city was founded in 1896 and grew rapidly as a result of the local agricultural industry, particularly cotton. However, after the boll weevil infestation devastated cotton crops in the early 20th century, the city transitioned to peanut farming, which became its mainstay. Enterprise is famous for its Boll Weevil Monument, a symbol of resilience and diversification. Today, Enterprise is a thriving city that combines its agricultural roots with the influence of Fort Rucker, the nearby U.S. Army base, which has spurred economic and population growth.
City Facts
- Population: Approximately 28,000
- Household Income: Median household income around $55,000
- Airports: Enterprise Municipal Airport; Dothan Regional Airport (30 miles away)
- Highways: U.S. Route 84, Alabama State Route 167, Alabama State Route 27
Major Landmarks and Hotels
Enterprise’s most famous landmark is the Boll Weevil Monument, located in the heart of downtown, celebrating the insect that prompted the shift from cotton to peanuts and symbolizing the city’s resilience. Other notable sites include the Enterprise Depot Museum, which highlights the city’s history, and the nearby Fort Rucker Army Aviation Museum, dedicated to military aviation history. For outdoor enthusiasts, Johnny Henderson Family Park offers trails, fishing, and picnic areas. Enterprise boasts a variety of accommodations, including the Hampton Inn, Fairfield Inn & Suites, and Holiday Inn Express, making it a convenient base for visitors exploring the region and its military history.
Elba
City Overview
Elba, one of the county seats of Coffee County, is a historic town located along the banks of the Pea River. Established in 1853, Elba quickly grew into a commercial hub for the region due to its position on the river, which facilitated trade and transport. Agriculture has always been at the heart of Elba’s economy, with cotton, peanuts, and timber being the main industries. Elba has a rich history of flooding due to its river location, but it has always rebuilt stronger. The city retains much of its small-town charm, with a historic downtown area that reflects its past as a regional trade center.
City Facts
- Population: Approximately 3,800
- Household Income: Median household income around $32,000
- Airports: Dothan Regional Airport (30 miles away)
- Highways: U.S. Route 84, Alabama State Route 189, Alabama State Route 87
Major Landmarks and Hotels
Elba’s most notable landmark is the Elba Theatre, a historic movie theater located downtown that has been a gathering place for the community since the early 20th century. The Pea River Historical and Genealogical Society operates a museum that showcases the town’s history, including exhibits on the devastating floods. Elba is also home to the annual Elba Pea River Day festival, celebrating the town’s history and river culture. For accommodations, Elba offers local inns, and travelers can find additional hotel options in nearby Enterprise, such as the Days Inn and Quality Inn, both of which provide modern amenities for visitors.
New Brockton
City Overview
New Brockton is a small town located just a few miles from Enterprise, serving as a quiet rural community with a close connection to agriculture. Established in the late 19th century, New Brockton grew as a result of the region’s thriving cotton and peanut farming industries. Named after Hugh Brock, one of its early settlers, the town retains much of its rural charm while offering residents easy access to the amenities and economic opportunities of nearby Enterprise. New Brockton is known for its peaceful atmosphere, small-town community events, and strong ties to Coffee County’s agricultural heritage.
City Facts
- Population: Approximately 1,100
- Household Income: Median household income around $36,000
- Airports: Enterprise Municipal Airport; Dothan Regional Airport (35 miles away)
- Highways: Alabama State Route 122
Major Landmarks and Hotels
New Brockton’s landmarks include its quaint downtown area, which reflects the town’s agricultural history with historical buildings and storefronts that harken back to its founding days. The town is also home to several local parks, including a community baseball field and playground, which host various local events throughout the year. While New Brockton does not have hotels, visitors can easily stay in nearby Enterprise, where accommodations such as the Candlewood Suites and Courtyard by Marriott offer convenient lodging for those exploring the region.
Kinston
City Overview
Kinston is a small, close-knit town located in the southern part of Coffee County. Founded in the early 20th century, the town developed as a rural farming community, with cotton, peanuts, and cattle being the primary agricultural products. Kinston is known for its peaceful rural environment and strong community values, with local schools, churches, and events playing a central role in town life. The town has remained largely agricultural, with much of its population still involved in farming and related industries. Its location near the Florida state line adds to its unique character as a border town.
City Facts
- Population: Approximately 540
- Household Income: Median household income around $35,000
- Airports: Dothan Regional Airport (40 miles away)
- Highways: Alabama State Route 189
Major Landmarks and Hotels
Kinston’s rural landscape provides a peaceful backdrop for those looking to explore Coffee County’s natural beauty. The town is home to several historic churches, reflecting its deep-rooted community and faith. Kinston’s agricultural festivals and events bring the community together throughout the year. While Kinston does not have its own hotels, visitors can find accommodations in nearby cities like Enterprise or Opp, where options such as the Econo Lodge and Best Western provide comfortable stays for travelers exploring the area’s rural attractions.
Goodman
City Overview
Goodman is a small, unincorporated community in Coffee County known for its agricultural heritage and rural charm. Goodman remains a quiet, farming-centric area where agriculture, particularly peanuts and timber, plays a significant role in the local economy. Although small in size, Goodman is part of the broader Coffee County region’s agricultural identity and offers a peaceful, community-centered lifestyle. While it may not have the infrastructure of larger towns, Goodman provides a close-knit environment with easy access to nearby towns like Enterprise and Elba.
City Facts
- Population: Approximately 250 (unincorporated)
- Household Income: Median household income around $34,000
- Airports: Dothan Regional Airport (35 miles away)
- Highways: U.S. Route 84, Alabama State Route 189
Major Landmarks and Hotels
As a small unincorporated community, Goodman is primarily a residential and farming area with limited commercial infrastructure. The surrounding natural landscape offers opportunities for outdoor activities like hunting, hiking, and birdwatching. Nearby towns such as Elba and Enterprise offer historical sites, museums, and parks for visitors. For accommodations, Goodman residents and visitors typically stay in Enterprise or Elba, where hotels like Hampton Inn and the local motels provide convenient lodging options for those traveling through Coffee County.
