Population: 1,838
County: Lamar County
About: Sulligent is located near the Alabama-Mississippi border in the northwest portion of the state. The earliest settlers of the area that would eventually become Sulligent built homes near Andrew Jackson’s Military Road. This allowed for convenient travel and ease of access to other communities. The railroad was built in 1887, and the area was named Elliot after the chief engineer of the railroad. Later, it was renamed Sulligent after the last names Sullivan and Sargent, two other railroad engineers. In 1897, the town was officially incorporated. In the first half of the twentieth century, cotton was the economic engine in Sulligent. Many of these cotton manufacturers and businesses processed and shipped cotton to Memphis and Birmingham. The Sulligent Oil Company was considered “the largest cotton gin under one roof” and was a vital business to Sulligent. A bank, brick kiln, milling company, and warehouses were also constructed in the early 1900s. Industries in Sulligent can be volatile. For example, there were previously six garment factories in Lamar County, including one in Sulligent. But, as of 2006, all are closed. However, the people of Sulligent are resilient and adaptable. Some have started to commute further for work while others have changed professions. Today, manufacturing remains the most prevalent form of business. About half of all workers are employed in manufacturing. Educational services, health care, and social assistance are the second most popular industry, employing nearly one-fifth of all workers. In Sulligent, the James Greer Bankhead Home, the Ogden House, and the Moore-Hill House are all historic buildings constructed at various times in the nineteenth century. Each year, Sulligent hosts an Old Fashion Day. Activities include a carnival, parade, antique car show, and a 5k run.
Fun Fact: Bubba Harris, MLB pitcher from 1948-51, was born in Sulligent.
Community Website: City of Sulligent Website
Community Social Media: City of Sulligent Facebook
News and More
-
Sulligent Welcomes ENI | August 18, 2023
Meet the Sulligent Community Liaison, Kacie Long
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.
Kacie says she has been blessed to work and volunteer in many aspects of her community. She has worked at Sulligent Elementary, where she taught for the deaf and hearing impaired. She has an Early Childhood Development specialization in language development. She is also the leader of Women of Worth, where they build confidence in oneself to help women see their true value and worth. Kacie also volunteers at any community function she can. She finds great joy in working with and for the people of Sulligent.
256-668-9478