Tallassee, Alabama | ||
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City | ||
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Nickname(s): "Treasure on the Tallapoosa" | ||
Location of Tallassee |
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Coordinates: 32°32′22″N 85°53′35″W / 32.53944°N 85.89306°W | ||
Country | United States | |
State | Alabama | |
Counties | Elmore, Tallapoosa | |
Incorporated | October 24, 1835 | |
Government | ||
• Mayor | Johnny Hammock | |
Area | ||
• Total | 10.2 sq mi (26.3 km2) | |
• Land | 9.6 sq mi (24.9 km2) | |
• Water | 0.5 sq mi (1.4 km2) | |
Elevation | 390 ft (119 m) | |
Population (2000) | ||
• Total | 7,500 | |
• Density | 512.2/sq mi (197.8/km2) | |
Time zone | CST (UTC-6) | |
• Summer (DST) | CST (UTC-5) | |
ZIP codes | 36045, 36078 | |
Area code(s) | 334 | |
FIPS code | 01-74688 | |
GNIS feature ID | 0153643 | |
Website | http://www.tallassee-al.gov |
Tallassee (pronounced |ˈtæːləsi|) is a city on the Tallapoosa River, located in both Elmore and Tallapoosa counties in the U.S. state of Alabama. At the 2010 census the population was 4,819. It is home to a major hydroelectric power plant at Thurlow Dam operated by Alabama Power Company.
Tallassee is part of the Montgomery Metropolitan Statistical Area.
The historic Creek peoples in this area are believed to have descended from the Mississippian culture, which flourished throughout the Mississippi and Ohio river valleys and the Southeast from about 1000 to 1450. They were mound builders, who created massive earthwork mounds as structures for political and religious purposes. They relied greatly on fishing and riverway trading at their major sites (c.f. Moundville, Tuscaloosa).
Talisi was a town of the Coosa Province of the Mississippian culture; it was visited in 1540 by Hernando de Soto and his expedition through the Southeast. Later it was occupied by the historic Creek people. The Tallassee area was the location of the Creek capital city, Tuckabatchee, as well as the location of the seven sacred plates.
Tensions first broke out as a civil war among the Creek, but US forces also got involved. Trying to intercept a Red Sticks party who were bringing back arms thought to be purchased from the Spanish in Florida, United States Army forces attacked the Creek at the Battle of Burnt Corn. The Creek band ultimately defeated the soldiers. In retaliation, the next month the Red Sticks attacked Fort Mims, about 35 miles north of Mobile, Alabama, killing most of the more than 500 settlers and mixed-race Lower Creek who had taken refuge there.