Satsuma

James P. Kaetz, Auburn University
Satsuma is located in northeast Mobile County in the southwest corner of the state. It has a mayor/city council form of government.
History
Satsuma Harvest
Satsuma was initially known as Fig Tree Island and in 1915 was renamed Satsuma after the booming satsuma orange-growing industry in the area. That industry collapsed by 1924, after the vast longleaf pine forests to the north of the town, which shielded Satsuma from cold northern winds, had been cut down. Satsuma was incorporated in 1959.
Demographics
According to 2016 Census estimates, Satsuma recorded a population of 6,159. Of that number, 84.7 percent of respondents identified themselves as white, 11.3 percent as African American, 2.3 percent as American Indian, 0.8 percent as two or more races, 0.4 percent as Asian, 0.3 percent as Hispanic. The town's median household income was $61,836, and the per capita income was $29,373.
Employment
According to 2016 Census estimates, the workforce in Satsuma was divided among the following industrial categories:
  • Manufacturing (28.9 percent)
  • Educational services and health care and social assistance (20.1 percent)
  • Construction (9.3 percent)
  • Transportation and warehousing, and utilities (7.7 percent)
  • Finance and insurance, and real estate and rental and leasing (6.4 percent)
  • Retail trade (5.9 percent)
  • Arts, entertainment, and recreation, and accommodation and food services (5.8 percent)
  • Public administration (4.7 percent)
  • Other services, except public administration (4.6 percent)
  • Professional, scientific, and management, and administrative and waste management services (3.2 percent)
  • Wholesale trade (2.3 percent)
  • Information (1.2 percent)
Education
Schools in Satsuma are part of the Satsuma City Schools; the city has one elementary school and one high school.
Transportation
Satsuma is served by U.S. Highway 43, which runs north-south through the town and Interstate 65, which runs northeast-southwest.
Events and Places of Interest
Old Satsuma School
Satsuma has three city parks with facilities such as tennis courts, baseball and softball fields, a walking track, and playground equipment. The city also owns a lodge that may be rented for special occasions and parties.
Annual events in Satsuma include a Memorial Day Celebration, a Christmas Tour of Homes, and a Christmas Parade.
The Old Satsuma School, now the town's library, is listed on the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage.
Additional Resources
Mobile County Heritage Book Committee. The Heritage of Mobile County, Alabama. Clanton, Ala.: Heritage Publishing Consultants, 2002.
Published:  September 28, 2012   |   Last updated:  October 30, 2020