History of Auburn, Alabama in Timeline

Auburn is the largest city in eastern Alabama, located in Lee County. The 2020 census recorded a population of 76,143 residents. It is a principal city within the Auburn-Opelika Metropolitan Area, which had a population of 193,773 in 2020. Auburn is also part of the larger Columbus-Auburn-Opelika, GA-AL CSA, with a total population of 563,967 as of 2020.

1910: Auburn Population Returns to Antebellum Level

By 1910, Auburn's population had returned to its antebellum level, supported by the college's growth and success of its football team.

1930: Auburn Beat Census

In 1930, Auburn Beat showed a Black majority when racial demographics were reported on the U.S. Census.

1940: Auburn Beat Census

In 1940, Auburn Beat showed a Black majority when racial demographics were reported on the U.S. Census.

1957: Interstate 85 Construction Begins

In 1957, construction of Interstate 85 began, connecting Auburn to major cities in Alabama.

1960: Auburn University Renamed

In 1960, Auburn college was renamed Auburn University.

1960: Precinct changed to Census Division

In 1960, the precinct was changed to "census division" as part of a general reorganization of counties.

1971: Passenger Train Service Discontinued in Opelika

Until 1971, neighboring Opelika saw daily passenger train service on the City of Miami.

1973: Auburn Mall Opened as Village Mall

In 1973, the Auburn Mall opened as "Village Mall".

July 15, 1980: Record High Temperature

On July 15, 1980, Auburn reached a record high temperature of 103 °F (39 °C).

August 10, 1980: Record High Temperature

On August 10, 1980, Auburn reached a record high temperature of 103 °F (39 °C).

1980: Population and Economic Growth

Between 1980 and 2003, Auburn's population grew by 65%, and the economy expanded by 220%.

1980: Jan Dempsey Elected Mayor

In 1980, Jan Dempsey was elected mayor, leading to the removal of the previous city government system in favor of a council-manager system.

1980: Auburn-Opelika Census Division Consolidated

In 1980, the census divisions of Auburn and Opelika, along with parts of Loachapoka-Roxana, Opelika Rural-Pepperell were consolidated into the new division of Auburn-Opelika.

January 21, 1985: Record Low Temperature

On January 21, 1985, Auburn reached a record low temperature of −7 °F (−22 °C).

1990: Fastest-Growing Metro Area

Since 1990, Auburn has been Alabama's fastest-growing metropolitan area and the 19th-fastest-growing metro area in the United States.

1995: Hurricane Opal Affects Auburn

In 1995, Hurricane Opal affected the Auburn area, bringing torrential rains and high winds.

1996: Auburn Links Opens

Auburn Links was rated as one of the top three new courses in the nation when it opened in 1996.

2000: Area of Auburn

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 39.6 square miles in 2000.

2000: Population Growth Acceleration

From 2000 to 2020, Auburn's population grew over 77%.

2003: Population and Economic Growth

Between 1980 and 2003, Auburn's population grew by 65%, and the economy expanded by 220%.

2003: Plainsman Park Ranked Top Collegiate Ballpark

In 2003, Baseball America named Plainsman Park the top collegiate ballpark in the nation.

2004: Hurricane Ivan Affects Auburn

In 2004, Hurricane Ivan affected the Auburn area, bringing torrential rains and high winds.

2005: Auburn Metro Area Ranked Number 1 for Golf

In 2005, the Auburn Metro Area was ranked number 1 in the United States for golf by Golf Digest.

2006: Auburn High School Ranked Top Non-Magnet Public High School

In 2006, Newsweek ranked Auburn High School as the top non-magnet public high school in Alabama.

September 2008: Auburn Research Park Opened

In September 2008, the 156-acre (0.63 km) Auburn Research Park opened, anchored by a firm specializing in high-resolution, dark field optical microscopy.

2009: Top Ten Best Places to Live

In 2009, U.S. News ranked Auburn among its top ten list of best places to live in the United States.

2009: Wrights Mill Road Elementary recognized

Wrights Mill Road Elementary School was recognized as a national Blue Ribbon school in 2009.

2010: Census Data

As of the census of 2010, Auburn had a population of 53,380 people, 22,111 households, and 9,939 families residing in the city.

2017: New Auburn High School Opened

In 2017, a new 350,000 square-foot Auburn High School facility opened, housing students in 10th through 12th grade.

2018: Ron Anders Elected Mayor

Ron Anders was elected mayor of Auburn in 2018.

2020: Census Data

As of the 2020 census, Auburn had a population of 76,143 people, 26,156 households, and 13,269 families.

2020: Population Growth Acceleration

From 2000 to 2020, Auburn's population grew over 77%.

2020: Auburn Population at 76,143

In 2020, the census recorded Auburn's population at 76,143, making it the largest city in eastern Alabama and a principal city of the Auburn-Opelika Metropolitan Area.