Outdoor Activities ...
As we travel, we like to pursue some of our interests (such as astronomy and bird watching).
When in Thomas, we use the following websites to find information relevant to Thomas and the surrounding area.
- Weather ...
- Before heading outdoors, you should check the weather:
- The National Weather Service forecast for Thomas
- Astronomy & Satellites ...
- Whether using binoculars, a small telescope or the naked-eye, the Heavens-Above website can help you to find your way around the night-time sky. In addition to detailed sky charts, their website will help you find planets, asteriods, comets, satellites and their tracks across the sky.
- To give accurate results, Heavens-Above requires the latitude and longitude of your location. As a starting point, when we link to Heavens-Above, we pass this GPS location for Thomas:
- 33.532606, -86.856936
- Once you're on the Heavens-Above website, you can improve its accuracy by giving a more precise longitude and latitude as your actual position.
- The Heavens-Above Website, centered on Thomas
- Bird Watching ...
- We enjoy finding new spots for bird watching and we use the eBird website for local sighting reports and to help identify hotspots.
- The eBird website is organized on a county-by-county basis. We have selected Jefferson County as the starting point when you click on the link below:
- eBird sighting report for Jefferson County
- Since Thomas is near Shelby County and also Blount County, we have provided a link to their eBird sighting reports:
- eBird sighting report for Shelby County
- eBird sighting report for Blount County
- Waymarking ...
- Looking for somewhere out of the ordinary? Find a unique place and want to share it with others? Then it's time to visit Waymarking.com:
- Waymark.com
Communities Also Named Thomas ...
We found 37 communities that share the name Thomas.
Within Alabama, the name Thomas is unique.
Beyond Alabama, we know of another 37 communities that are located throughout in the United States and Canada. Of these 37 communities, 36 are located in the United States and one is in Canada.
- Communities Elsewhere In North America ...
- Arkansas
- Georgia
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Bureau County
- This Thomas is located in Bureau County and lies 574 miles [923.8 km]<3> to the north northwest of the Thomas that is located in Jefferson County.
- For more information, please visit our profile page for the Bureau County community of Thomas.
- Vermilion County
- This Thomas is located in Vermilion County and lies 469 miles [754.8 km] to the north of the Thomas that is located in Jefferson County.
- For more information, please visit our profile page for the Vermilion County community of Thomas.
- Indiana
- Davies's County
- This Thomas is located in Davies's County and lies 351 miles [564.9 km]<3> to the north of the Thomas that is located in Jefferson County.
- For more information, please visit our profile page for the Davies's County community of Thomas.
- Warren County
- We found mention of this community, but have little information.<2> For the information that we do have, please visit our profile page for the Indiana community of Thomas [Warren County].
- Kansas
- Barton County
- We found mention of this community, but have little information.<2> For the information that we do have, please visit our profile page for the Kansas community of Thomas [Barton County].
- Ellsworth County
- We found mention of this community, but have little information. For the information that we do have, please visit our profile page for the Kansas community of Thomas [Ellsworth County].
- Marshall County
- We found mention of this community, but have little information. For the information that we do have, please visit our profile page for the Kansas community of Thomas [Marshall County].
- Kentucky
- Boyd County
- We found mention of this community, but have little information.<2> For the information that we do have, please visit our profile page for the Kentucky community of Thomas [Boyd County].
- Estill County
- This Thomas is located in Estill County and lies 324 miles [521.4 km]<3> to the north northeast of the Thomas that is located in Jefferson County.
- For more information, please visit our profile page for the Estill County community of Thomas.
- Floyd County
- This Thomas is located in Floyd County and lies 373 miles [600.3 km] to the northeast of the Thomas that is located in Jefferson County.
- For more information, please visit our profile page for the Floyd County community of Thomas.
- Pike County
- We found mention of this community, but have little information. For the information that we do have, please visit our profile page for the Kentucky community of Thomas [Pike County].
- Louisiana
- Bienville Parish
- This community is historic<1> and we have very little information. For the information that we do have, please visit our profile page for the Louisiana community of Thomas [Bienville Parish].
- Rapides Parish
- This community is historic and we have very little information. For the information that we do have, please visit our profile page for the Louisiana community of Thomas [Rapides Parish].
- Washington Parish
- This Thomas is located in Washington Parish and lies 256 miles [412 km]<3> to the southwest of the Thomas that is located in Jefferson County.
- For more information, please visit our profile page for the Washington Parish community of Thomas.
- Maryland
- Michigan
- Oakland County
- This Thomas is located in Oakland County and lies 673 miles [1,083.1 km]<3> to the north northeast of the Thomas that is located in Jefferson County.
- For more information, please visit our profile page for the Oakland County community of Thomas.
- Tuscola County
- This Thomas is located in Tuscola County and lies 724 miles [1,165.2 km] to the north northeast of the Thomas that is located in Jefferson County.
- For more information, please visit our profile page for the Tuscola County community of Thomas.
- Van Buren County
- We found mention of this community, but have little information.<2> For the information that we do have, please visit our profile page for the Michigan community of Thomas [Van Buren County].
- Missouri
- New Hampshire
- New Mexico
- Oklahoma
- Pennsylvania
- Quebec
- This Thomas lies 1,186 miles [1,908.7 km]<3> to the northeast of the Thomas that is located in Jefferson County.
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Panola County
- We found mention of this community, but have little information.<2> For the information that we do have, please visit our profile page for the Texas community of Thomas [Panola County].
- Rockwall County
- We found mention of this community, but have little information. For the information that we do have, please visit our profile page for the Texas community of Thomas [Rockwall County].
- Upshur County
- This Thomas is located in Upshur County and lies 476 miles [766 km]<3> to the west of the Thomas that is located in Jefferson County.
- For more information, please visit our profile page for the Upshur County community of Thomas.
- Utah
- Virginia
- Washington
- King County
- This Thomas is located in King County and lies 2,065 miles [3,323.3 km]<3> to the northwest of the Thomas that is located in Jefferson County.
- For more information, please visit our profile page for the King County community of Thomas.
- Walla Walla County
- This Thomas is located in Walla Walla County and lies 1,854 miles [2,983.7 km] to the northwest of the Thomas that is located in Jefferson County.
- For more information, please visit our profile page for the Walla Walla County community of Thomas.
- West Virginia
Curious and Interesting Names Near Thomas ...
As we travel, we always see a community with a name that gives pause. While there are names which are interesting or familiar, some catch our attention or strike our fancy. We always wonder about such a name. If time permits and the community is not too far, we'll usually try to make a side-trip.
- Coalburg
(4 miles [6.4 km] to the north) - Falls Junction
(4 miles [6.4 km] to the southwest)- Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Falls Junction have been provided by the GNIS.<4> The coordinates still need to be verified.
- Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Falls Junction
- Falls Junction is located in Jefferson County
- Five Points South
(3 miles [4.8 km] to the southeast)- Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Five Points South have been provided by the GNIS.<4> The coordinates still need to be verified.
- Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Five Points South
- Five Points South is located in Jefferson County
- Forestdale
(3 miles [4.8 km] to the northwest)- Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Forestdale have been provided by the GNIS.<4> The coordinates still need to be verified.
- Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Forestdale
- Forestdale is located in Jefferson County
- Frenchtown
(Less than 2 miles to the southwest)- Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Frenchtown have been provided by the GNIS.<4> The coordinates still need to be verified.
- Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Frenchtown
- Frenchtown is located in Jefferson County
- Glen Iris
(3 miles [4.8 km] to the southeast) - Glenview
(4 miles [6.4 km] to the southwest) - Green Acres
(4 miles [6.4 km] to the southwest)- Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Green Acres have been provided by the GNIS.<4> The coordinates still need to be verified.
- Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Green Acres
- Green Acres is located in Jefferson County
- Grove Park
(4 miles [6.4 km] to the southeast)- Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Grove Park have been provided by the GNIS.<4> The coordinates still need to be verified.
- Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Grove Park
- Grove Park is located in Jefferson County
- Hillview
(3 miles [4.8 km] to the northwest) - Ivanhoe
(4 miles [6.4 km] to the southwest) - Jones Valley
(4 miles [6.4 km] to the south)- Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Jones Valley have been provided by the GNIS.<4> The coordinates still need to be verified.
- Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Jones Valley
- Jones Valley is located in Jefferson County
- Continue List (15 more) ...
- Lewisburg
(4 miles [6.4 km] to the northeast) - Little Italy
(2 miles [3.2 km] to the southwest)- Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Little Italy have been provided by the GNIS.<4> The coordinates still need to be verified.
- Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Little Italy
- Little Italy is located in Jefferson County
- Martins
(3 miles [4.8 km] to the southwest) - Mason City
(4 miles [6.4 km] to the south)- Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Mason City have been provided by the GNIS.<4> The coordinates still need to be verified.
- Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Mason City
- Mason City is located in Jefferson County
- Merrywood
(4 miles [6.4 km] to the northwest) - Minor
(4 miles [6.4 km] to the west) - Park Courts
(4 miles [6.4 km] to the southwest)- Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Park Courts have been provided by the GNIS.<4> The coordinates still need to be verified.
- Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Park Courts
- Park Courts is located in Jefferson County
- Rosedale
(4 miles [6.4 km] to the southeast) - Shadyside
(Less than 2 miles to the southwest) - Sunset Mountain
(3 miles [4.8 km] to the northwest)- Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Sunset Mountain have been provided by the GNIS.<4> The coordinates still need to be verified.
- Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Sunset Mountain
- Sunset Mountain is located in Jefferson County
- Tuxedo Heights
(Less than 2 miles to the west)- Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Tuxedo Heights have been provided by the GNIS.<4> The coordinates still need to be verified.
- Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Tuxedo Heights
- Tuxedo Heights is located in Jefferson County
- Village Creek
(3 miles [4.8 km] to the northeast)- Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Village Creek have been provided by the GNIS.<4> The coordinates still need to be verified.
- Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Village Creek
- Village Creek is located in Jefferson County
- Village Creek Junction
(2 miles [3.2 km] to the west)- Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Village Creek Junction have been provided by the GNIS.<4> The coordinates still need to be verified.
- Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Village Creek Junction
- Village Creek Junction is located in Jefferson County
- Vulcan City
(3 miles [4.8 km] to the northeast)- Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Vulcan City have been provided by the GNIS.<4> The coordinates still need to be verified.
- Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Vulcan City
- Vulcan City is located in Jefferson County
- Zion Heights
(2 miles [3.2 km] to the northeast)- Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Zion Heights have been provided by the GNIS.<4> The coordinates still need to be verified.
- Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Zion Heights
- Zion Heights is located in Jefferson County
- Lewisburg
How Far From Thomas to ...
We spend a lot of time looking through Gazetteers & Almanacs that were published in the late 1800's and early 1900's. Many of the Gazetteers include the distance from a community such as Thomas to various places of note, such as the White House.
With a nod to our favorite Gazetteers, the straight-line distance beginning in Thomas and extending to:
- Birmingham, which is the Seat of Jefferson County, lies just to the East.
- Montgomery, which is the State Capital of Alabama, lies 86 miles [138.4 km]<3> to the south southeast (SSE). If you could drive a straight line from Thomas to Montgomery, with an average speed<5>of 63 miles [101.4 km] per hour, it would take less than two hours to make the trip. A comfortable walk of 2.2 miles [3.5 km] per hour would take 5 days. A horse and buggy averaging 3.2 miles [5.1 km] per hour would take most of three days.
- The White House (Washington, DC) is 660 miles [1,062.2 km] to the northeast (NE). Driving would take just about two full days, a buggy would take 26 days and walking would take 38 days.
- The shortest distance<6> to Jerusalem (specifically the Temple Mount and the Dome of the Rock) is 6,553 miles [10,546 km] and it lies to the northeast (NE).<7>
- The distance to the Great Mosque of Mecca (specifically the Ka'bah - or Kaaba ) is 7,262 miles [11,687.1 km] and it lies to the northeast (NE).<8>
- The distance to Saint Peter's Basilica (The Vatican) is 5,138 miles [8,268.8 km] and it lies to the northeast (NE).<9>
Off-the-Road Links ...
Unfortunately, we don't know of a website for Thomas. If you can help, please contact us through our Feedback Page.
The official website for Jefferson County: www.jeffcointouch.com/
The official website for State of Alabama: https://www.alabama.gov/
Footnotes ...
| <1> | We use the term 'Historic' broadly and it generally means that the community no longer exists. However, it can also mean that the community might still exist, but was significantly larger or had a more 'official' existence in the past than it does now. Unfortunately our sources of data have proven to be unreliable. If you can provide us with more specific information about Thomas, please let us know so that we can improve our accuracy. |
| <2> | If we encounter the name of what might be a community, our methodology is to add that name to our Gazetteer as a placeholder. As we find more information about that community, it will be added to our Gazetteer. Just as a reminder: Our definition of a community is rather broad and includes those places (or areas) where several families lived and had a name which identified that place. For example, you might hear somebody say that they are going over to Mile's to see Pete ... Mile's is just a gas station and a couple of homes at the crossroads. While it might not be on the map, everybody in the area knows it by that name. Places of interest include buildings at a crossroad, several families clustered in a hollow or maybe the location of a way station. It also includes places like mines, lumber camps, ferry crossings, etc. The community might still exist, is now gone or only existed for just a short period of time. Also keep in mind that Thomas could have been on the original document by mistake, misspelled, the original/alternate name of a community that we've listed elsewhere or was placed in the wrong county. Sometimes a post office or train station would have a different name than the community where it's located, so two names might be referring to the same community - we're working to straighten it all out. |
| <3> | Our distances are not driving distances, but are calculated as a 'straight-line' (or point-to-point) distance. A straight line distance ignores things like rivers, canyons, lakes, et cetera - it's truly a line drawn from Point A (ie- Thomas) to Point B.Our distance measurements begin at a specific point in Thomas. The point we use is located at these GPS coordinates - Latitude: 33.5326, Longitude: -86.8569 In this case, the coordinates for Thomas have been provided by the Geographic Names Information System (GNIS). |
| <4> | The location has been supplied by the Geographic Names Information System - which is maintained by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). While these values should be definitive, we found that accuracy can vary and you should double-check the location if accuracy is required. |
| <5> | While we have tried to pick reasonable speeds, the rate of travel is very theoretical - obstacles like fences, hills, lakes, river crossings and rest stops have been ignored. When we say 'Days' of travel, we're assuming 8 hours of travel per day. |
| <6> | The shortest line can be visualized by stretching a string on a Globe from Point A to Point B - this is known as a Great Circle Route. Where you might expect the shortest route from Thomas to the Middle East to be East and South, the Great Circle Route actually lies to the North and East. |
| <7> | The calculated bearing (or angle) to Jerusalem is 313.71 degrees. |
| <8> | The calculated bearing (or angle) to Mecca is 309.328 degrees. |
| <9> | The calculated bearing (or angle) to the Vatican is 310.316 degrees. |