DECATUR

city, seat (1823) of De Kalb county, Georgia, U.S. It is an eastern suburb of Atlanta. Named for Stephen Decatur, the American naval hero, it was originally a trading centre for small farmers. Rock quarrying was an early activity in the surrounding area, and nearby Stone Mountain, which rises to more than 800 feet (245 m) in a memorial state park, constitutes the largest mass of exposed granite in North America. The likenesses of the American Civil War Confederate generals Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson and of the Confederate president, Jefferson Davis (dedicated 1970), are carved on the side of the mountain. With the decline of local agriculture, the city experienced residential growth, and industry assumed some importance in zoned areas. Agnes Scott College for women (1889), Columbia Theological Seminary (1828; Presbyterian), and Decatur (junior) College (1964) are in the city. Inc. town, 1823; city, 1922. Pop. (1990) 17,336. city, Macon county, central Illinois, U.S.. It lies along a bend in the Sangamon River (there dammed to form Lake Decatur). Founded in 1829 as the county seat, it was named for the American naval hero Stephen Decatur. The Lincoln family, migrating from Indiana, lived for a year (183031) near the city; Lincoln Trail Homestead Park, 10 miles (16 km) southwest of Decatur, commemorates the site. The restored log courthouse where Abraham Lincoln often transacted business is preserved on the grounds of the city's Macon County Historical Society Museum. Lincoln's first political speech was delivered in what is now downtown Lincoln Square, and he was formally endorsed as a presidential candidate by the Republican state convention in Decatur (May 9, 1860). The first post of the Grand Army of the Republic (an American Civil War veterans' organization) was established in Decatur (April 6, 1866). The modern city of Decatur is an important communications and distribution centre, with large corn (maize) and soybean processing plants and varied industries, including the manufacture of tractors and motor-driven graders, tires, and gas- and water-main equipment. Decatur is also the seat of Millikin University (1901) and Richland Community College (1971). Inc. village, 1836; city, 1855. Pop. (1990) city, 83,900; Decatur MSA, 117,213; (1994 est.) city, 83,105; (1995 est.) Decatur MSA, 116,414. city, seat (1891) of Morgan county, northern Alabama, U.S. It lies along the Tennessee River. Incorporated in 1820 as Rhodes Ferry, it was chartered in 1826 and renamed to honour Stephen Decatur, the American naval hero of the War of 1812. In 1832 it became the terminal for Alabama's first railroad from Tuscumbia. Occupied by both sides and practically destroyed during the American Civil War, the city was gradually rebuilt during the Reconstruction period. The present city was formed by the consolidation in 1927 of Decatur and Albany (formerly New Decatur, founded 1886). The city's growth was stimulated by the Tennessee Valley Authority, and its river location has led to growing port traffic, diversified manufacturing, and recreational development. Decatur is the site of John C. Calhoun State Community College (1965). Pop. (1990) city, 48,761; Decatur MSA, 131,556.