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Once upon a time, nestled on the border of Talladega and Calhoun counties in Alabama, there was a quirky little unincorporated community called Eastaboga. And oh, what a name it was! Some say it sounds like a tongue-twister, while others find it amusingly unforgettable. But beyond its whimsical name, Eastaboga has a history that's as colorful as the name suggests.
Long, long ago in the 1850s, a family named McFall settled in this charming town, and the community was aptly named McFall in their honor. But as fate would have it, the winds of change blew in, and the town was rechristened as Eastaboga. Why? Well, it seems someone thought "Eastaboga" sounded better than "McFall," and so the transformation occurred. The original Eastaboga, however, was located to the south, earning itself the moniker "Old Eastaboga" after the name change. Quite the twist, isn't it? In the late 19th century, Eastaboga decided to take the plunge and become an incorporated town in 1898. Oh, how the residents must have cheered and celebrated their newfound status! But alas, the festivities were short-lived, for just three years later, in 1901, Eastaboga decided to go solo again and disincorporated. Talk about a change of heart! But fear not, for Eastaboga's story doesn't end there. Its resilient spirit endured, and the town continued to thrive as an unincorporated community. The post office may have closed under the name McFall in 1906, but Eastaboga had other plans. It embraced its current name with pride, and the nearby southern community gracefully assumed the title "Old Eastaboga," preserving the history of this whimsical place. Nowadays, Eastaboga stands tall, with its charming Jemison House Complex, a historic gem that captures the essence of days gone by. The town's geography adds to its allure, surrounded by the natural beauty of Talladega and Calhoun counties. And let's not forget its amusing claim to fame - Eastaboga means "where the people reside" in Muscogee, a Native American language. How fitting for a place that has welcomed generations of residents and visitors alike! Eastaboga has produced its share of notable characters, including Howie Camp, a former Major League Baseball outfielder for the New York Yankees, and the talented NASCAR drivers Johnny Ray and Kevin Ray. And let's not forget about the local legends like William "Bill" Brewer and Darrell Ingram, whose names echo through the pages of Anniston Star and Talladega Daily home newspapers. So, the tale of Eastaboga continues to unfold, with its amusing past and a cast of colorful characters that make this unincorporated community truly one-of-a-kind. If you ever find yourself passing through Alabama, don't miss the chance to visit Eastaboga - the land of laughter and legends, where the spirit of adventure and a funny name reside side by side. Comments are closed.
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AuthorThe Birmingham Free Press was established in 1997 as an independent news and entertainment source. We publish a variety of books, magazines, and comics, along with our flagship, broadsheet newspaper. Archives
August 2023
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