Alabama Power Company (Specimen)

The Alabama Power Company was founded in Gadsden on December 4, 1906 by third-generation river boat captain William Patrick Lay. Although he had the vision and Congressional approval to build a dam, Lay lacked the money to make that dream a reality until meeting James Mitchell. When Lay turned over control of the company to Mitchell in 1912, he did so with these words, which continue to guide the company today: "I now commit to you the good name and destiny of Alabama Power. May it be developed for the service of Alabama."

Today, Alabama Power Company provides electricity service to 1.3 million homes, businesses, and industries in the southern two-thirds of Alabama. It is one of four U.S. utilities operated by the Southern Company, one of the nation's largest generators of electricity.

Alabama Power's hydroelectric generating plants encompass several lakes on the Tallapoosa, Coosa, and Black Warrior Rivers.


Certificate: First Mortgage Bond, specimen, 1970’s

Printer: Security-Columbian Bank Note Company

Dimensions: 8” (h) x 12” (w)

State: AL-Alabama

Subject Matter: Utility Companies | Electric Companies | Specimen Pieces

Vignette Topic(s): Male Subject | Industrial Scene | Dynamo Featured | Laboratory Equipment Featured

Condition: Vertical fold lines, punch hole cancels in signature areas and body, and some toning from age.