Kimberly, Alabama, is an unincorporated census-designated place (CDP) in Jefferson County. As of the 2010 census, its population was 281. It is part of the Birmingham metropolitian area.

It was founded by Herman Dennison, who bought an unplatted tract of land in 1886 and sold off the blocks at a profit to new settlers. The community that grew up there was named for his wife, Kimberly Clark Dennison. It quickly became a major shipping point for area coal mines. A post office has been in operation since 1888. Coal mining was the basis of Kimberly’s economy until the last mine closed in 1966.

Although the area has a dark history, the residents are actively working to improve the community. The Kimberly Community Association, formed in 2000, has since collected over $35,000 for beautification projects that include new plantings along Fourth Street and other roads in town.

The City of Kimberly is not an actual incorporated city or town, so no mayor or city council exists. The community does have a local volunteer fire department and Jefferson County Sheriff’s office does maintain a small substation out of one of the buildings downtown. On July 1, 2004, Tommie Cole Jr., began serving as postmaster after being appointed by President George W. Bush. Kimberly is represented politically at the state level by District 47 State Representative Mac McCutcheon and at the federal level by Senator Richard Shelby.

Lodging near Kimberly, AL

Mount Zion Conference Center is located at 1004 Mount Zion Road in Kimberly. It was built in 1587 by the First Baptist Church of Birmingham and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Things to do in Kimberly:

The area offers a lot to do, but most recreation activities are outdoor-related, including hiking trails at Ruffner Mountain Nature Center. Ruffner is located between Kimberly and nearby Bessemer.

Ruffner Mountain Nature Center is a Birmingham, Alabama nature center that consists of Ruffner Mountain Park and Little Cahaba River Preserve. The City of Birmingham purchased the property from the U.S. Army in 1984, renaming it Ruffner Mountain Nature Center at Jefferson State Community College. It is used as an outdoor classroom for students within the college, as well as a resource for environmental research and wildlife education.

Ruffner Mountain Nature Center offers diversity in its programming at Ruffner Mountain Park; including; Junior Rangers, Trails Forever (a conservation alliance with Alabama 4-H), summer camps, teacher workshops, home school, and several community events.

Overall Kimberly Alabama is a wonderful rural area close to many beautiful Alabama sights and the beautiful city of Birmingham.