Population: 2,161 (2022)
County: Marion County
About: Guin is situated in northwest Alabama along Interstate 22. The city is named after Dr. Jerry Guin. In 1886, Frisco Railroad was constructing a rail between Birmingham and Memphis. Dr. Guin traded some of his land to the railroad in exchange for a rail stop. The stop became known as “flagstop Guin.” The railroad brought business and people to Guin, including Irish immigrants. Farming was the occupation of most individuals in Guin in the early twentieth century. Cotton, corn, and soybeans were all harvested. Initially, a well in the center of First Street served as the town’s water supply. A water system was installed in the 1930s and a water filtration plant was constructed in 1955 and still functions today. In the middle years of the twentieth century, companies such as 3M and Coca Cola opened warehouses and plants in Guin, boosting the economy. In 2003, Guin was chosen as a pilot city for the Alabama Communities of Excellence Program. The focus of this program is to support and develop communities to be competitive in attracting industry. In 2009, Guin began work to become a “Mural City,” with 4 murals complete. Guin places an emphasis on education. It is home to the only public/school library in Alabama. Guin also implemented a reading program for elementary school students in an effort to boost reading levels. Today, about half of all workers are employed in manufacturing, educational services, health care, and social assistance. Each year, the festival Mayfest is held in Guin. Mayfest includes a car show, food, live entertainment, and showcases the camaraderie and community found in Guin.
Fun Fact: Hayden Riley, head coach of basketball (1960-68) and baseball (1970-79) at The University of Alabama, was born in Guin.
Community Website: City of Guin Website
Community Social Media: City of Guin Facebook
News and More
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Honoring Veterans Day: Healthcare Challenges and Goals | November 10, 2023
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Faith in Your Journey to a Healthy Life | September 29, 2023
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Guin Welcomes ENI | September 7, 2023
Meet the Guin Community Liaison, Robert Keith Rhudy
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.
Keith Rhudy is a pastor with over 25 years of experience. He is currently serving Academy Baptist Church (SBC) in Vernon, AL. Keith has also worked as an Enviromental Health and Safety Manager and has six years of experience as Park Director for the City of Guin. He holds an MA in Theological Studies from Liberty Seminary and studied Marketing and Management at The University of North Alabama. He also served eight years in the U.S. Army as a UH-1H “Huey” helicopter crew chief and is a Gulf War veteran. Keith brings an eclectic background of experience and education to ENI. He has spent much of his career working with a volunteer workforce teaching him to utilize a positive and encouraging attitude to lead others to success. Keith has been married for 33 years to Tammy. They have three children and two grandchildren. In his free time, Keith enjoys golfing, travel, and spending time with his grandchildren.
205-712-8536