The community of Orange Beach goes back to at least
1838, as evidenced by property deeds. As an incorporated
city, it is quite young. Following Hurricane Frederic on
September 12, 1979, with all its publicity, Orange Beach
was 'discovered'! The building boom was on-houses,
marinas, and restaurants, sprang up. The first
condominiums were built in 1984. With this sudden
expansion, it was evident that local control and
guidelines were needed. By August 1984, citizens
voted to incorporate. An election for a Mayor and City
Council was held and officials were sworn in October 15,
1984. Orange Beach became a city with 1,010 official
residents and operated out of a room in the Community
Center.
John and Marjorie Snook, owners of Gulf Telephone
Company and landowners here since the 1950s, donated
five acres for a municipal complex on Hwy 161. The City
of Orange Beach moved into the complex in September of
1988.
Reverse
Electric Service was brought to Orange Beach in 1948. In
1956, John M. Snook developed the first wireless
telephone system in the United States utilizing in-home
hand-held phones that were transmitted to Gulf
Telephones' switching system in Foley from a 113-foot
tower in Orange Beach. The old bricks of the tower can
still be seen across Hwy
161 from the City Complex.
The Orange Beach Volunteer Fire Department was
established in 1961. January 1974 brought a Public Water
service to the area. Sewer service began in 1982 and
local Police protection began in May of 1985. The U.S.
Post Office moved into its new building in 1987. Marjorie
Snook Park was dedicated in October 1999 and the
1910 School House was moved there to become The
Indian and Sea Museum. The main access road into the
complex was named John M. Snook Drive. Today, the
complex consists of City Hall, most city offices, and the
U.S. Post office.
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