Birmingham, Kentucky, Marshall County is a ghost town that once thrived on the banks of the Tennessee River. Its rich history and ultimate demise reflect the power of human endeavor and natural forces. Below is detailed information about the town.
County: Marshall County
Zip Code: Not available
Latitude / Longitude: Approximately 36.9131° N, 88.2870° W
Elevation: 361 feet (110 meters)
Time Zone: Central Time Zone (CT)
Established: 1840s
Disestablished: 1944
Comments: Birmingham, Kentucky, was established in the 1840s and flourished as a river port town due to its strategic location. The town was named after Birmingham, England, reflecting the aspirations of its founders.
It became a bustling community with various businesses, schools, and churches serving its inhabitants.
Remains: Today, the original site of Birmingham lies submerged under Kentucky Lake, which was created by the impoundment of the Tennessee River by the Kentucky Dam in the 1940s. Very few physical remains are visible, but divers and historians occasionally explore the area when water levels permit.
Current Status: The area that once held Birmingham is now part of Kentucky Lake’s recreational surroundings. No current residents exist, and the town no longer exists as an inhabited settlement.
Remarks: The creation of Kentucky Lake was part of a larger New Deal-era project by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) aimed at flood control and electricity generation. This development led to the relocation of Birmingham’s residents and the subsequent submersion of the town.
Despite its disappearance, Birmingham’s memory is preserved through historical records and the stories passed down by the descendants of its former residents.
