Alabama, predominantly located in the Central Time Zone (CT), presents a unique situation with certain areas observing Eastern Time (ET). This article delves into the complexities of Alabama’s time zones, exploring which regions operate on ET, why this arrangement exists, and the potential implications for residents and visitors.
Most Alabamians are taught that the state operates within the Central Time Zone. This is indeed the official designation according to the federal government, which established standard time zones in 1918. However, a historical anomaly persists in a few eastern Alabama cities.
Four cities in Alabama voluntarily operate on Eastern Time year-round. These cities are:
- Phenix City (population 38,441)
- Valley (population 10,308)
- Lanett (population 6,751)
- Smiths Station (population 5,384)
Notably, in Valley, this also includes the campus of Southern Union State Community College. This discrepancy can lead to confusion, especially for students commuting from areas observing Central Time.
Alt Text: Map showing the location of Columbus, GA-AL Metro Area, highlighting the Alabama cities that observe Eastern Time.
These cities are situated along the Chattahoochee River, bordering the state of Georgia. This geographical proximity played a significant role in their adoption of Eastern Time.
The primary reason for this divergence from the rest of Alabama lies in the area’s historical employment patterns. Until the 1990s, the West Point Pepperell textile mills were the dominant employers in the region. While many of these mills were located in Alabama, the corporate headquarters were based in West Point, Georgia, which operates on Eastern Time.
The governments of these Alabama towns eventually reached a consensus to use Eastern Time to align with the business operations centered in Georgia, confirmed Valley City Clerk Kathy Snowden. The exact year of this decision is unknown, but it reflects the strong economic ties between these Alabama communities and the Georgia-based textile industry.
However, the textile industry faced significant challenges in the 1990s. “Gradually… the textile mills closed, and employment shrank,” wrote historian Robin Watson in an article on the Encyclopedia of Alabama. “Lower-cost products manufactured overseas by companies that paid very low wages cut into domestic production. In 1996, the Riverdale Mill, which dated to 1866, closed.” By the 2000s, most of the mills had ceased operations.
Despite the decline of the textile industry, these Alabama cities continue to observe Eastern Time. This raises questions about the ongoing relevance of this arrangement and whether a change to Central Time might be considered.
Snowden indicates that there are frequent discussions among residents about reverting to Central Time, but no official action has been taken. The debate continues, weighing the historical ties to Georgia and the potential benefits of aligning with the rest of Alabama.
In conclusion, while the majority of Alabama operates within the Central Time Zone, the cities of Phenix City, Valley, Lanett, and Smiths Station observe Eastern Time due to historical economic connections with Georgia. This unique situation can create confusion but reflects the complex interplay of geography, industry, and local decision-making in shaping the state’s time zone landscape.
