History

Adamsville grew from a railroad depot and coal boom town into a close-knit Jefferson County city. Explore its history, from the 1889 depot to the 1953 reincorporation.

Adamsville was first settled as early as 1862 and takes its name from William Adams, who donated land in 1889 for a Kansas City, Memphis and Birmingham Railroad right of way and depot. When coal was discovered nearby around 1890, the little railroad stop became a boom town of mines and coke ovens.

Fire destroyed much of downtown in 1918, the city was reincorporated in 1953 with a new city hall and fire station, and today traditions like the early December Christmas parade and tree lighting keep the community close.