While 2020 has turned out so far to be a year unlike any other, it is also a year of celebration for those who call Hartselle home. It was 150 years ago when the City of Southern Hospitality first got its start.

In this special issue of Hartselle Living, we take a look back at Hartselle’s roots – roots that run deep and are still growing and changing year by year. When Hartselle made a name for itself, “Cotton was King,” and days weren’t quite so fast-paced. An acre of land cost $5, and a nickel would buy a pound of rice to feed a family.

From the people who molded the City of Hartselle into what it is today, to the events that are still part of its rich history and character, we take a look at how far we’ve come and celebrate Hartselle’s sesquicentennial with a yearbook of old photos that will guide you through the past century and a half.

We asked those who know her best to write about their love of Hartselle. Bettye English and David Burleson, two people who have been instrumental in Hartselle’s growth and revitalization, were kind enough to do so. Jennifer L. Williams, who is involved with the Hartselle Historical Society and various civic clubs, dug into mounds of research to bring us one story that tells the history of Hartselle from its humble beginnings to present time.

Scenes of Hartselle’s downtown and the railroad that plays a big role in how Hartselle came to be are pictured throughout this magazine. We specially curated these photos, with great help from the Historical Society, with our readers in mind. We hope you enjoy joining us on this walk down memory lane and through the City of Hartselle’s first 150 years.

Thanks for reading,