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The Story of Goodwater

From a gap in the hills to a railroad stop like no other — the history of a city named for its water.

How Goodwater Got Its Name

Before it was Goodwater, this community was called Adkins Gap — a modest settlement tucked into the hills of Coosa County. The name changed when settlers discovered a remarkable spring feeding Hatchet Creek. The water was clear, cold, and clean. Someone called it good water, and the name stuck.

The Central of Georgia Railroad ran its line through the area in 1874, and by 1875 the community had grown enough to incorporate as the City of Goodwater. The railroad changed everything.

1875

City of Goodwater incorporated

A Fact Worth Knowing

The Only Coal Chute on the Line

When the Old Goodwater Train Depot opened in 1887, it held a distinction that made it a mandatory stop on the entire route between Columbus, Georgia and Birmingham, Alabama: it was the only coal chute on the line.

Every steam locomotive running that corridor had to stop in Goodwater to refuel. For a brief but important era, Goodwater wasn't just on the map — it was a place every train had to pass through.

1891

The burning trestle over Hatchet Creek

Drama on Hatchet Creek

In 1891, a railroad trestle over Hatchet Creek near Goodwater caught fire and collapsed while a train was crossing it. The incident became part of local legend — a vivid moment in the story of a town built around the tracks.

Today the old Goodwater Train Depot building still stands. It serves as the home of the local Ruritan Club, an active community service organization — a living connection between the railroad era and the Goodwater of today.

Notable Goodwater Residents

For a city of roughly 1,300 people, Goodwater has produced a remarkable number of people who made their mark beyond Coosa County.

Jamario Moon

Professional NBA basketball player, born in Goodwater. Played for the Toronto Raptors and Cleveland Cavaliers.

Xavier Moon

Professional basketball player from Goodwater, who played in European leagues and the NBA G League.

Robert Daniel Carmichael

Mathematician born in Goodwater in 1879. Carmichael numbers — a class of special composite numbers — bear his name to this day.

Col. Hartley A. Moon

Served as Adjutant General of Alabama, representing Goodwater in the state's military leadership.