Local Spotlight: World’s Smallest City Block

World’s Smallest City Block

From big to small, Dothan has it all. Dothan is home to the largest peanut festival in the world—and the world’s smallest city block. But don’t let the block’s diminutive size fool you; it’s become a local legend and major tourist draw.

About the Block

Sited at the union of three streets, the world’s smallest city block holds a stop sign, yield sign, street sign, and a granite monument. This modest triangle makes up an entire city block. But, originally, it was bigger.

During the 1920s, the world’s smallest city block stretched to Adams Street—instead of intersecting Troy, Appletree, and Museum streets. In fact, the now car-length triangle was at one time 20 feet by 20 feet by nine feet. This time period also saw the block as the site of a snack shop. Later on, the block housed a two-story building, beginning in 1931.

Sometime in the 1930s a gas station called the first floor of this two-story building home, along with a restaurant. The building remained this way until at least the 1940s.

The world’s smallest city block would achieve fame in the 1960s when Ripley’s Believe It or Not affirmed its claim. On May 1, 1964, the Camellia Garden Club of Dothan erected the still-standing granite monument. The monument marks it as the spot of the smallest city block in the world. According to the Dothan Convention and Visitors Bureau, the world’s smallest city block boasts a Guinness Records verification.

Summary

Have you happened upon the world’s smallest city block? It’s a Dothan area attraction you won’t want to miss out on—but can if you’re not looking!

One of our city blocks might be super small, but we still like to live large. Live with us at Colony Square! Our residents enjoy pet-friendly living, places to relax and play, and plenty of space. Visit us online to apply or call us at (334) 794-5292 for more info. To learn more about life in Dothan, keep searching through our blog!