Hometown Declarations - America's Self Proclaimed World Capitals: 2nd Edition

By Mark Usler

In Hometown Declarations, you will find out how these self proclamations came about.  First, it takes a lot of courage to say you are the best in the world at something.  There is definitely a lot of competition out there.  You may find some "World Capitals" in the right places.  Cotton is in Greenwood, Mississippi, country music is in Nashville and entertainment is in Las Vegas.  But you will be surprised to find some of our "World Capitals" are not where you imagine.  What town is the king of horseradish and has the world's largest bottle of ketchup?  Who do you think has made over a million fire hydrants?  Who is proud of their rhubarb?  You will find a lot of these communities are near you.  Interesting and surprising discoveries await you and your family.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Mark Usler
• Release date: Sep 12, 2018
• ISBN: 9781386241959

Mark Usler

If you have never heard of Mark, he's the guy along the side of the highway looking at the funny road sign or historical marker. Please don't hit him!

Book preview

Dedication

THERE ARE MANY PEOPLE I need to give credit for the contents of this book.  Through years of travel and many conversations with people across the United States, I want to thank:

United States Chambers of Commerce, National Historical Societies, State Historical Societies, State Historical Markers, Library of Congress, New York Public Library, County and local museums

And

The great citizens of these great hometowns, the many friends and acquaintances who contributed to this hobby of mine, and to the many people at restaurants, cafes, police and fire stations, convenient stores, hotels, motels, tourist stops and anywhere else along the way!

Acknowledgements

All artwork by Brother Warren

Edited by Dolores Cook and Jennifer

Photos Courtesy Library of Congress Public Domain

New York Public Library

All other photographs are by the author

Inspiration by Jennifer

Contents

Introduction

World Capitals of the United States

Categories of World Capital

Introduction

THERE ARE MANY AMERICAN communities that are famous for a product, festival, or other monikers.  A community may host the largest event of some kind or claim titles like the Golden City.  The hometowns featured in this book have strived for an even higher achievement.  These communities are the world capitals.  To qualify as a world capital in this book, the community must have been ordained by a leader in their hometown, a chamber of commerce, a mayor, or by their state legislature.  Most of these hometowns have a welcome sign claiming their world title status when you enter their city limits.  Today, many of them have also boasted their claim on the internet.  The American spirit runs deep in these world capitals.  They are all proud of their history, traditions, culture, and achievements.  However, due to a growing global economy, some hometowns are having difficulty holding on to their world title.  The cheap labor force coming from Asia and the rest of the world has made it difficult to compete.  But, America’s world capitals are adapting and many are relentless not to become second best.  That is what makes America so great.  These hometowns will not give up.  Each day they continue to make their community number one.  Where else, but in America, can you find hometown declarations of this magnitude?

World Capitals of the United States

ALABAMA

ALBERTVILLE, AL

Fire Hydrant Capital of the World

Albertville became home to one of the Mueller Company plants.  The Mueller Co. is well known for manufacturing fire hydrants.  In 1989, the Albertville plant produced the millionth fire hydrant for the Mueller Co.  Ten years later, Albertville produced the two millionth fire hydrant.  Because of Albertville’s accomplishments for producing fire hydrants, you can find a nickel-plated fire hydrant mounted on marble at the Chamber of Commerce.

BAYOU LA BATRE, AL

Seafood Capital of the World

This community is located on the southern gulf coast of Alabama.  It has one of the largest seafood fishing and processing industries in the United States.  Nearly 85% of the town’s economy comes from the seafood industry.  The town is also known for its ship building.  Today, Bayou La Batre hosts annual festivals celebrating the Blessing of the Fleet and the Miss Seafood Contest.  Sounds like a great place to eat!

CEDAR BLUFF, AL

Crappie Capital of the World

Weiss Lake was constructed here in the early 1960’s.  The lake has become the largest freshwater lake east of the Mississippi.  The lake is located on over 30,000 acres and has over a 400 mile shoreline.  Originally created for hydro-electric power, Lake Weiss has become a great place for fisherman to catch crappie.  Numerous fishing tournaments are held here each year.  Locals proclaim, without a doubt, that this is the Crappie Capital of the World.

DOTHAN, AL

Peanut Capital of the World

Okay, now hold on everyone that is from Georgia!  The citizens in Dothan are really proud of their peanuts too.  When you visit Dothan you can find over 60 peanut statues in town.  Each is over five feet tall and feature different characterizations of peanut personalities.  You can even find an Elvis Peanut!  These statues are made of fiberglass and filled with cement.  Each weighs over 400 lbs. so don’t even think about taking them back to Georgia!  Each fall, Dothan hosts the largest peanut festival in the world.  The festival honors all the peanut growers in the area.  Don’t worry, Georgia, your story is coming later!

FORT PAYNE, AL

Sock Capital of the World

In 1907, the first hosiery business opened in Fort Payne.  Throughout the twentieth century the town was host to over 150 sock factories.  At this time, the town boasted that it was undoubtedly the Sock Capital.  However, the global economy has struck and sock manufacturers in Honduras are getting the business.  Hopefully, the government will equalize the playing field and help this community keep its capital!

ORANGE BEACH, AL

Red Snapper Capital of the World

If you want to catch a red snapper, this is the place to visit.  The community hosts the Red Snapper Championship of the World.  Starting June 1st, anglers from around the world come to compete for over $150,000 worth of prize money each year.

SCOTTSBORO, AL

Lost Luggage Capital of the World

Legend has it that in 1970 local citizen Doyle Owens started his lost luggage business with the major airlines.  Owens borrowed a pickup truck along with three hundred dollars and headed for Washington, D.C.  There he picked up a load of lost luggage and sold the