Ozark – noted as the “Heart of Dale County” and proud to be the “Home of Fort Rucker” is a truly unique city that offers its residents and visitors the charm and grace of the Old South while allowing access to all of the modern technology you need in a fast-paced world. As the county seat of Dale County, this southeast Alabama city of approximately 14,900 residents is a great place for people of all ages and in all stages of life.
Ozark is located in Southeast Alabama; our appealing year-round climate provides exceptional outdoor recreational opportunities. Access to the Pea River, Choctawhatchee River, lakes, parks, tennis courts, walking and birding trails, family-friendly festivals, golf course and an active parks and recreation department provide endless opportunities to enjoy our beautiful surroundings.
Ozark/Dale County residents have access to first-class education through Ozark City and Dale County Schools, Alabama Aviation College, Wallace Community College and Troy University. Excellence in education is a priority for our city. Ozark also features an award-winning hospital, an active civic and spiritual community, modern business sites and our rich heritage, which can be seen in many historic sites and homes.
Ozark is proud to be known as the “Home of Fort Rucker,” home to the U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence and the primary flight training post for Army Aviation. Everything from flight simulator cockpit design and training to MRO is happening in Dale County. Local colleges provide employers with a continual stream of aerospace ready employees to select from when hiring. Commercial, general and military aviation pilots are also in abundance in Dale County with the presence of Ozark Airport Blackwell Field and multiple U.S. Military air fields.
In this high-tech age when you can do business from anywhere in the world, consider Ozark! The cost of doing business is reasonable, real estate is still a good value and the quality of life is superb. Ozark is the principal city of the Ozark Micropolitan Statistical Area as well as part of the Dothan, Enterprise, Ozark Combined Statistical Area. Ozark Airport Blackwell Field is a tremendous asset, with a 5,000-foot runway that can accommodate just about any size corporate jet. Ozark also boasts a diverse range of industrial properties ready for occupancy. If you are building or expanding your business, Ozark is the place for you.
Interesting facts about Ozark
The first known European settler in Ozark was John Merrick, Sr., a veteran of the Revolutionary War, in 1822. In honor of him, the town was named Merricks. It was later changed to Woodshop, which was its name when the town received its post office. The first appearance of the name Ozark was in 1855, when the citizens requested a name change.
The county seat was moved from Newton to Ozark in 1870.
Ozark is home of The Southern Star, Alabama’s oldest family-owned newspaper
Ozark is home to three sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places: Claybank Log Church, circa 1852; Samuel Lawson Dowling House; and J.D. Holman House.
Notable Natives
Meg McGuffin, Miss Alabama 2015
Jack Deloney, painter, illustrator
Wilbur Jackson, National Football League
Judge Val McGee, judge, author, historian
Steve McLendon, Pittsburgh Steelers
Byron Mitchell, former super middleweight boxing champion
Marc Ronan, Major League Baseball catcher
Larry Donnell, New York Giants
Naseeb Sailba, co-founder of Tutor-Saliba Corporation
Sam Judah, III, professional baseball player