Gurley

History

The community takes its name from the Gurley family, who settled in the area in 1817. The town gradually formed around a water and coaling stop of the Memphis & Charleston Railroad and was originally known as "Gurley's Tank". In 1866, the post office opened, and the name was changed to "Gurleysville"; it was later shortened back to Gurley. Gurley was incorporated in 1891 with 250 residents. Soon after, the population peaked at 1,000. The business district was nearly completely destroyed by fire in 1923, when a bucket brigade was able to save only two businesses. Most of the town is now included in the Gurley Historic District, which was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2004.

Geography

Gurley is located in eastern Madison County along U.S. Route 72. Huntsville is to the west, and Scottsboro is to the east. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Gurley has a total area of , all land.

Race & ethnicity