Welcome to Piedmont
Families across northeast Alabama know that the right dental care is worth a little extra travel. At William L. Ingram V DMD, we are proud to be the trusted dentist near Piedmont, AL for patients who want experienced, comprehensive care from a practice that has served our region since 1982.
Our Huntsville office offers cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, dental crowns, Invisalign, and full mouth reconstruction. We also provide sedation dentistry, TMJ treatment, and emergency appointments. Many of these treatments take fewer visits, so the trip from Calhoun County is easy to plan around.
Getting here is simple. Take US Highway 278 west from Piedmont to Gadsden, then follow US Highway 431 north through Guntersville and into Huntsville. From there, take Memorial Parkway south to the Drake Avenue exit. You’ll find us at 2227 Drake Ave SW, Suite 10B.
A Brief History of Piedmont
The community that became Piedmont took shape in the 1840s where two early post roads crossed. Local lore says the first settlers called it Hollow Stump because mail was once left in a hollow tree stump and picked up there. In 1848, Major Jacob Forney Dailey of North Carolina bought land in the area and named it Cross Plains. A post office by that name opened in 1851.
Everything changed when the Selma, Rome and Dalton Railroad arrived in 1868. Homes and businesses quickly grew up around the new depot, and Cross Plains was incorporated in 1871. Within a decade the town had general stores, churches, schools, and a steady flow of travelers and freight.
The Reconstruction era also brought one of the darkest chapters in the town’s story. In 1870, Klan violence near the depot led to the killing of a northern missionary and several other men. After that, the railroad dropped its plans to put its headquarters and repair shops in town, and nearby Anniston grew into the county’s leading city instead.
In 1888, residents renamed their town Piedmont, which means “foot of the mountains.” The name fits its setting in the Appalachian foothills. The Standard Coosa-Thatcher textile company was founded here in 1891, and cotton mills powered the local economy for generations. Today the restored Southern Railroad Depot, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, houses the Piedmont Museum. The town is also the birthplace of acclaimed author Rick Bragg.
Living and Working in Piedmont
Piedmont has the friendly, close-knit feel of a small Southern town with a surprising amount of energy. Several state highways meet here, connecting the town to Gadsden, Jacksonville, Anniston, and Centre, so residents can easily reach jobs across the region. Jacksonville State University is a short drive south, which puts higher education close to home.
Piedmont City Schools serve students from pre-K through high school, and the Piedmont Bulldogs bring the whole community together on Friday nights. With affordable homes, a walkable downtown, a seasonal aquatic center, and miles of trails right outside the door, it’s a wonderful place to raise a family.
The Must-Sees of Piedmont
Piedmont packs plenty of adventure and history into a small footprint. Here are a few local favorites:
- Chief Ladiga Trail: Alabama’s first rails-to-trails project, this paved 33-mile path runs right through downtown and connects with Georgia’s Silver Comet Trail. It’s perfect for biking, walking, and running.
- Eubanks Welcome Center: Located on Dailey Street, this is the go-to stop for trail riders, with parking, restrooms, water, and a shaded gazebo.
- Piedmont Museum: Housed in the historic 1868 Southern Railroad Depot, the museum tells the story of Cross Plains and Piedmont through exhibits, artifacts, and a restored caboose.
- Terrapin Creek: This clear, scenic creek is a favorite for kayaking, canoeing, and tubing, and nearby outfitters can help you plan a float trip.
- Dugger Mountain Wilderness: Home to Alabama’s second-highest peak, this wilderness area offers rugged hiking along the Pinhoti Trail.
- Piedmont Aquatic Center: A summertime favorite for families, with a large outdoor pool, water slides, and splash pads.
- Crossroads Antiques and Things: Antique lovers can spend an afternoon browsing treasures from yesteryear in the heart of downtown.
Schedule Your Visit Today
Whether you need a single crown, a complete smile makeover, or dental implants to replace missing teeth, Dr. Ingram and our caring team are ready to help. Consultations are free unless X-rays are needed. We’re Delta Premier Providers, we file insurance for every patient, and we offer payment plans through CareCredit.
If you’re searching for a dentist near Piedmont, AL who combines decades of experience with advanced technology, William L. Ingram DMD would love to welcome you to our practice. Call us today at (256) 883-7832 to schedule your visit and discover why patients from across northeast Alabama trust us with their smiles.