Population: 1, 376 (2020)
County: Coosa
About: Goodwater, AL, is a quaint city located in the northeast corner of Coosa County, which is also home to the beautiful Coosa River and Weogufka State Forest. Although Goodwater is home to just 1,376 residents, it is the largest town in Coosa County. The city was originally named Adkins Gap but later became known as Goodwater because of its location near the spring which is the source of Hatchett Creek. The city boomed when the Central of Georgia Railroad ran a line through the town from Columbus, Georgia to Birmingham, AL. Goodwater quickly became incorporated in 1875 as it became a shipping center for area farmers to ship their crops and goods throughout the state. The Goodwater Depot also was the only stop on the route that had a coal chute for refueling causing more trains to stop and driving greater economic growth. However, with the development of diesel train engines, this stop in Goodwater was no longer needed.
Today, Goodwater is a beautiful community with over 82% of its population identifying as Black or African American as of 2020. Goodwater, like many Alabama communities, historically was largely an agricultural community. Due to the history of slavery in the agricultural south, many African Americans then stayed in these areas after emancipation.
Fun Fact: Professional basketball players Jamario Moon and Xavier Moon are from Goodwater, AL.
Community Website: City of Goodwater Website
Community Social Media: Goodwater Facebook Page
ENI advisory groups and first responders in our partner communities are being trained in Mental Health First Aid, a course that gives participants the tools needed to help determine if somebody needs mental health care. Pictured is the MHFA training for Goodwater. 
Community Liaison Tracy Burton attended the workshop YourTown Alabama to learn more about rural community planning and development. 
Goodwater’s YCC kickoff was a huge success at Coosa Central High School 
Dr. Earl Suttle & Goodwater Community Liaison Tracy Burton shake hands at Goodwater’s YCC kickoff
Resources
News and More
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Faith in Your Journey to a Healthy Life | September 29, 2023
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ENI Prioritizes Health Equity this Juneteenth | July 18, 2023
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What is Mental Health First Aid? | May 1, 2023
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Goodwater Welcomes ENI | December 8, 2022
Meet the Goodwater Community Liaison, Tracy Burton
ENI is a community-focused, community-shaped initiative. Community Liaisons act as a resource to help communities shape ENI to fit their needs and wants. If you want to learn more or get involved with ENI, reach out to your Community Liaison.
Tracy Burton is a native of Coosa County and a graduate of Goodwater High School. He attended Nunnelley State Technical College, Central Alabama Community College, and Auburn University. Tracy is married to Alison Russaw Burton, and has two daughters, Erin and Rebekah. Tracy is an ordained minister, a member of the Goodwater Ministerial Alliance, and Vice Moderator of the Early Rose District Baptist Association in Alexander City, Alabama.
Tracy is the Vice President of Donations for the Coosa County High School Quarterback Club, and he is an active member of the Coosa County Chamber of Commerce. He is also a former member of the Coosa County Career Technology Advisory Board.
Tracy is the founder and owner of Central Alabama Reach Out Center, which is a Community Rehabilitation Partner that assists and trains individuals with disabilities to obtain and maintain employment.
Tracy’s true passion is missionary work, which includes promoting faith and providing services to people, such as education, literacy, healthcare, and economic development.
256-307-0390