Brundidge

History

The town was founded prior to the Civil War by George C. Collier, who established a trading post and saloon. First called "Collier's Store", the town changed its name around 1854 to honor James M. Brundidge, a prominent citizen and founder of the local Masonic lodge. During the Civil War, men from Pike County joined "Company F", the "Brundidge Guards", of the 15th Regiment Alabama Infantry. Brundidge grew as an agricultural center after the war. A depot of the newly constructed Alabama Midland Railway was established in Brundidge in 1889. Several hotels and businesses followed. Passenger trains such as the South Wind once passed. The railway line is now the Dothan Subdivision, used for freight operations by CSX Transportation. Brundidge incorporated in 1893. In 1900, the Brundidge Banking Company opened, followed by the First National Bank in 1904. Brundidge has had three newspapers: the Brundidge News began publication in 1893, the Brundidge Sentinel began in 1926, and the Brundidge Banner in 1962. All have ceased publication. In the 1920s, Brundidge native Alonza E. Johnston opened a peanut butter mill, and his Johnston Oil Company was soon shipping more than two million jars per year. The company also produced velvet bread and mayonnaise, and operated warehouses, gins, and an ice plant. The business has ceased operation. The old Johnston Mill and General Store has been adapted as a museum. The mill, as well as the Lightfoot House in Brundidge, are both listed on the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage.

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the city has a total area of , of which is land and (0.31%) is water. The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Brundidge has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps.

Race & ethnicity

Most-observed species

• Northern Mockingbird

  Mimus polyglottos (Linnaeus, 1758) · Aves
  299
• Northern Cardinal

  Cardinalis cardinalis (Linnaeus, 1758) · Aves
  246
• Blue Jay

  Cyanocitta cristata (Linnaeus, 1758) · Aves
  224
• Carolina Wren

  Thryothorus ludovicianus (Latham, 1790) · Aves
  193
• Turkey Vulture

  Cathartes aura (Linnaeus, 1758) · Aves
  184
• Tufted Titmouse

  Baeolophus bicolor (Linnaeus, 1766) · Aves
  179
• Red-bellied Woodpecker

  Melanerpes carolinus (Linnaeus, 1758) · Aves
  169
• American Crow

  Corvus brachyrhynchos C.L.Brehm, 1822 · Aves
  166

Largest nearby schools

• Charles Henderson High School
  High · Troy · 515 students · 17.2:1 ratio
• Pike County High School
  High · Brundidge · 493 students · 18.3:1 ratio
• Pike County Elementary School
  Elementary · Brundidge · 462 students · 16.5:1 ratio
• Banks School
  Elementary · Banks · 351 students · 16:1 ratio