History of Barbour County, Alabama
Barbour County, located in southeastern Alabama, has a rich and complex history rooted in Native American heritage, European settlement, and significant agricultural development. Founded in 1832, the county was named after James Barbour, a prominent Virginia statesman. Over the years, Barbour County played a key role in Alabama’s antebellum economy, heavily reliant on cotton production, and later, in the Civil War. With its fertile land, waterways, and historical landmarks, Barbour County remains an integral part of Alabama’s history, culture, and rural economy. Today, it offers a blend of historical sites, outdoor activities, and scenic beauty.
Early History: Native Americans and European Settlement
The Indigenous People: The Creek Nation
Before European settlers arrived, the region that would become Barbour County was inhabited by the Creek (Muscogee) people. The Creeks were one of the largest Native American groups in the southeastern United States and occupied much of present-day Alabama, Georgia, and Florida. They were skilled farmers, hunters, and traders, with a rich cultural tradition that included a sophisticated social structure, elaborate ceremonies, and a thriving economy based on agriculture, including the cultivation of corn, beans, and squash.
The Creek people’s settlements were often located along rivers, which provided water, transportation, and fertile land for farming. They also engaged in trade with neighboring tribes and European settlers, exchanging goods such as deer skins, furs, and agricultural products for European goods like metal tools and firearms.
European Exploration and Settlement
The first Europeans to arrive in what is now Barbour County were likely Spanish explorers in the early 16th century. However, it was not until the 18th century, when the British and later the Americans began to encroach on Creek lands, that significant settlement occurred. After the Revolutionary War, the newly formed United States gained control over much of the Southeast, and settlers began pushing into the lands of the Creek Nation, which had maintained semi-autonomy under the British.
By the early 19th century, American settlers were encroaching more on Creek territory. The U.S. government, seeking to expand its territory and control, initiated the forcible removal of the Creek people, leading to the tragic period of the Trail of Tears in the 1830s. This forced relocation from Alabama to what is now Oklahoma decimated the Creek population and altered the demographic and cultural landscape of the region.
Formation of Barbour County
In 1832, Barbour County was created from parts of Pike, Russell, and Macon counties. It was named after James Barbour, a Virginia statesman and Governor of Virginia from 1812 to 1814. The county was established as a part of Alabama’s push for growth, and its fertile land quickly attracted settlers, particularly those seeking to cultivate cotton. The county was designated as a cotton kingdom, with agriculture driving its economy throughout the 19th century.
The town of Clayton, which is now the county seat, grew in prominence as the county’s administrative and commercial center. By the 1840s and 1850s, Barbour County had established a reputation for its vast cotton plantations, and the plantation economy became deeply entrenched in the county’s social fabric. Slavery played a key role in the success of this agricultural economy, with enslaved Africans making up a significant portion of the county’s labor force.
The Civil War and Reconstruction
Barbour County and the Civil War
The Civil War had a profound impact on Barbour County. As a deeply entrenched part of the South, the county supported the Confederacy, and many of its men enlisted in the Confederate Army. The agricultural economy, which was reliant on slave labor, faced significant upheaval as the war progressed. Barbour County residents witnessed battles and skirmishes between Confederate and Union forces, though it was not the site of major battles like other parts of Alabama. Nonetheless, the war disrupted local economies, transportation networks, and agricultural production.
During the conflict, Barbour County, like much of the South, experienced significant hardship. Union forces raided the area, seizing supplies and livestock, while Confederate forces attempted to maintain control. The war’s conclusion in 1865 brought with it the end of slavery, and Barbour County’s economy had to transition from an agricultural-based system dependent on forced labor to a free labor system.
Reconstruction
The period following the Civil War, known as Reconstruction, was a time of profound social and political change in Barbour County. As the South struggled to rebuild after the war, Barbour County’s white population grappled with the loss of their enslaved labor force. The Reconstruction era saw the expansion of civil rights for African Americans, but also the rise of segregation and Jim Crow laws that would shape the region for generations.
During Reconstruction, African Americans in Barbour County began to assert their rights, and some were able to gain political representation, albeit briefly. The end of Reconstruction in 1877 saw the return of white Democratic rule, and many of the gains made by African Americans were rolled back. Sharecropping and tenant farming became widespread, which economically re-subjugated many African Americans in Barbour County, keeping them tied to the land in an exploitative system.
The 20th Century: Agricultural Decline and Economic Shifts
Cotton and Agriculture
For much of the 20th century, Barbour County remained primarily agricultural, with cotton as the dominant crop. However, the decline of the cotton industry in the South, due to factors like the boll weevil infestation and the mechanization of agriculture, began to affect the county in the early 20th century. Cotton’s economic importance waned, and other crops, including peanuts, timber, and cattle, began to take hold as important sources of income.
In the 1920s and 1930s, Barbour County faced further economic decline during the Great Depression. Like much of the South, the county struggled with poverty, and many families left for urban areas in search of better opportunities. Some local industries, including textile mills and sawmills, provided jobs, but the region remained predominantly rural and economically dependent on agriculture.
Post-World War II Changes
After World War II, Barbour County, like much of the South, underwent significant social and economic changes. The mechanization of farming continued to reduce the need for manual labor, contributing to the decline of agricultural jobs. In the 1950s and 1960s, African Americans in Barbour County, like those across the South, began to push for civil rights and greater social equality. The Civil Rights Movement reached Barbour County, where protests and demonstrations for voting rights and desegregation began to take place. By the 1970s, the county had made strides toward racial integration, although challenges remained.
Tourism and Modern Economic Shifts
Today, Barbour County’s economy has diversified somewhat. Agriculture is still important, but the county has also embraced tourism, particularly due to its proximity to Lake Eufaula, a large reservoir that provides opportunities for fishing, boating, and recreational activities. The town of Eufaula, located along the lake, has grown into a small but vibrant community that attracts tourists with its antebellum homes, museums, and parks.
Barbour County also benefits from its position within Alabama’s industrial base, with nearby cities like Montgomery and Columbus, Georgia, providing access to job opportunities in manufacturing, healthcare, and retail. Nonetheless, the county remains largely rural, with agriculture and tourism serving as the main economic pillars.
Historical Sites in Barbour County
1. The Shorter Mansion
Overview
The Shorter Mansion is one of Barbour County’s most notable historic sites, a stunning antebellum mansion built in the 1850s by local planter James Shorter. The mansion is an excellent example of Southern Gothic architecture and serves as a reminder of the county’s antebellum past. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Location
Shorter Mansion, 103 West Barbour Street, Eufaula, AL
Ticket Price
$10 for adults, $5 for children
Parking Information
Free parking is available on-site.
2. The Eufaula National Wildlife Refuge
Overview
Located on the shores of Lake Eufaula, the Eufaula National Wildlife Refuge is an important site for birdwatching, hiking, and outdoor recreation. The refuge covers more than 11,000 acres and is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including migratory birds, waterfowl, and other species.
Location
Eufaula National Wildlife Refuge, 3575 US-431, Eufaula, AL
Ticket Price
Free
Parking Information
Free parking is available at the main entrance and designated parking areas.
3. The Barbour County Historical Society Museum
Overview
The Barbour County Historical Society Museum in Eufaula showcases artifacts and exhibits that tell the story of the county’s history, from Native American heritage to the Civil War and the county’s development in the 19th and 20th centuries. The museum also offers educational programs and events throughout the year.
Location
Barbour County Historical Society Museum, 124 N. Eufaula Avenue, Eufaula, AL
Ticket Price
Free (Donations encouraged)
Parking Information
Street parking is available near the museum.
County Facts
Geography and Climate
Barbour County is located in the southeastern part of Alabama, bordered by Georgia to the east and Montgomery County to the west. The county is characterized by its varied geography, which includes the rolling hills of the Piedmont region and the flatlands near Lake Eufaula. The county has a warm climate, with hot, humid summers and mild winters. The lake is a prominent feature of the area, providing both recreational opportunities and a source of water for agriculture.
Climate
Barbour County experiences a humid subtropical climate, with average summer temperatures reaching into the 90s°F (32-35°C), while winter temperatures generally range from the mid-30s to the 50s°F (1-15°C).
Notable Geography
- Lake Eufaula (an important waterway)
- Rolling hills and fertile farmlands
Key Facts
- Year Founded: 1832
- County Seat: Clayton
- Population: Approximately 27,000 (2020 Census)
- Population Density: 33 people per square mile
- Largest Cities: Eufaula, Clayton, Louisville
- Major Highways: U.S. Highway 431, U.S. Highway 84, Alabama State Route 10
- Adjacent Counties: Russell County, Pike County, Macon County, Bullock County (AL); Stewart County, Georgia
