ABOUT US

Cordova was originally a settlement on the Warrior River Called “Dent” or “Dent’s Place.” The city was dubbed “Cordova” by Captain Benjamin M. Long in 1859. He named the city after a city in Mexico in which he was stationed during the Mexican War. Long himself opened a mercantile shop in the city and helped lure other industries into the city by providing the land necessary for their operations. The company that had the biggest impact on the City was Nashua Manufacturing Company out of Nashua, NH, which brought in the Indian Head Textile Mills. The mill brought with it many jobs, and as was customary of the day its own village. The company built over 100 houses in the city, many of which are still standing, and occupied today. The company even built the Indian Head school on the site of present-day “Cordova Health and Rehabilitation Center.” The mill helped to bring two major railways to the city, which at the time helped connect the city to much of the surrounding area. The mill eventually became its own “town” and even had its own separate police force. The same way the mill shaped the city around the tum of the 20th century it also shaped it upon its closing in the middle of the century. The population declined and industry slowed while neighboring Jasper took a stronghold on the county seat as the largest city in the county.

Present Day Cordova
Currently, Cordova’s main industries include liquid asphalt production, steel fabrication, the county school system, and elderly care facilities. In 2005, these industries supplied only about 400 jobs whereas, in 1970, there were approximately 1,200 jobs produced by these and other local industries, including coal mining, a cotton gin, and a brick plant.

Before the tornadoes of April 27, 2011, Cordova’s downtown area contained several businesses including a grocery store, two restaurants, a Laundromat, two miscellaneous stores, two banks, two drug stores, City Hall, a senior citizens’ building, the City Library, and a gas station. After the devastation of April’s tornado, only one bank and the gas station remain downtown. The remaining buildings were heavily damaged to an unsafe condition or completely destroyed. In addition to the destruction of these buildings/businesses, approximately 5 homes and 14 additional businesses were destroyed and about 340 homes were heavily damaged. The community is saddened to have lost 4 residents to this terrible storm that will live on in our memories.
Since the tornado, a new City Hall and Police Station/Jail has built back on Main Street, the Water and Gas Board reside next to the City Hall, The Senior Center is now located in the old VFW Hall. There was a grocery store constructed to serve the community by the Industrial Board. Piggly Wiggly occupies the store.

The City is currently under the leadership of Mayor Jeremy Pate, who has a great vision to see the town grow and prosper. He is working hard on bringing a subdivision that will consist of 90 new homes located on the Warrior River off of Horse Creek Blvd. There are builders with prospective interests in the rebirth of Main Street. He is asking the citizens to invest in the community by keeping it clean and presentable. He has also visited the children, in a public school setting, encouraging their involvement as well. He encourages churches to coordinate a mission of benevolence for the City of Cordova.

The City of Cordova has many transportation alternatives. Cordova is located just five miles south of US Highway 78 along County Road 22. The existing City of Cordova corporate limits will be within two miles of the new Birmingham to Memphis Interstate 22 by taking exits 70 and 72. Two national railways, Southern and Burlington Northern, currently pass through the center of Cordova. In addition, four dock facilities for barge traffic are located throughout Cordova at Vulcan Refinery, G&G Steel, and the old BFP Facility.

The monthly board meeting is held on the second Tuesday evening at 5:30 pm at Cordova City Hall.

Superintendent – Mayor Jeremy Pate
Secretary/Treasurer – Susan Brown

Current Board Members
Jason Daniel – Chairman
Melody Dawkins– Vice-Chairman Kenny Allen-Director
Larry Sides – Director
Natalie Daniel – Director

Brett Dawkins-Director

Jake Kilpatrick-Director
Velda Pettit – Director

 

Employees

Blake Findley-General Manager
Phillip Reed – Foreman
Tim Farley – Water & Gas Operator
Chris Stacks – Water & Gas Operator
Susan Brown – Office Manager
Hattie Black – Billing Clerk

 

Important Dates to Remember

  • Meters are read around the 11th day of each month.
  • Bills are processed and mailed around the 25th day of each month.
  • Bills are due upon receipt.
  • To avoid a $15.00 late fee, the bill must be paid by 3:30 on the 20th day of the month.
  • You are subject to be disconnected on the 5th of the month if past due isn’t paid by 3:30 on the 4th. Disconnect notices are not given.
  • Cordova Water & Gas allows up to 48 hours after payment is received to reconnect any services.

Water Tap – no bore $1000.00
Water Tap – with bore $1200.00