Cities and Towns in Pickens County, Alabama

Founded in 1820, Pickens County is the 50th biggest county by population (out of 67) in the state of Alabama. Historically, Pickens County was formed from Tuscaloosa County. The city of Carrollton is the County seat. With population density of 22.41 residents per square miles, Pickens County has a population of 19,746 and area of 881.41 square miles.

List of all cities and towns in Pickens County, Al

City/Town Postal Code Area Code
Aliceville, AL 35442 205/659
Carrollton, AL 35447 205/659
Coal Fire, AL 35481 205/659
Cochrane, AL 35442 205/659
Ethelsville, AL 35461 205/659
Gordo, AL 35466 205/659
Mc Shan, AL 35471 205/659
McMullen, AL 35442 205/659
Pickensville, AL 35447 205/659
Reform, AL 35481 205/659
Stansel, AL 35481 205/659

Major Cities and Towns in Pickens County, Alabama

Carrollton

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude

  • Area: 2.4 square miles
  • Population: 987 (as of the 2020 census)
  • Zip Codes: 35447
  • Latitude: 33.2618° N
  • Longitude: 88.0953° W

Location and History

Carrollton is the county seat of Pickens County, located in the western part of Alabama. The town was established in 1830 and named after Charles Carroll, the last surviving signer of the Declaration of Independence. Carrollton has a rich history tied to the antebellum South, with agriculture, particularly cotton farming, playing a central role in its early economy. The town is perhaps best known for the “Face in the Courthouse Window,” a local legend that has become part of its identity. The story goes that the face of Henry Wells, a man wrongfully accused of burning the courthouse, appeared in the window after he was struck by lightning in 1878, and it remains visible to this day. Carrollton has maintained its small-town charm and historical significance, serving as the administrative and cultural center of Pickens County.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Carrollton is served by the Pickens County School District, with major schools including Pickens County High School and Carrollton Elementary School. The town is home to several significant landmarks, most notably the Pickens County Courthouse, where the famous “Face in the Window” can be seen. The courthouse, built in 1877, is a central part of the town’s history and continues to function as the seat of county government. Another notable landmark is the Carrollton Historic District, which features well-preserved buildings from the 19th and early 20th centuries. Carrollton’s annual events, such as the Pickens County Fair and Christmas Parade, bring the community together and celebrate the town’s rich heritage. The combination of historical significance, educational institutions, and community spirit makes Carrollton a key town in Pickens County.

Reform

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude

  • Area: 8.1 square miles
  • Population: 1,527 (as of the 2020 census)
  • Zip Codes: 35481
  • Latitude: 33.3797° N
  • Longitude: 88.0150° W

Location and History

Reform is one of the largest towns in Pickens County, located in the western part of the county along U.S. Highway 82. The town was founded in 1898 and is said to have received its name after local residents “reformed” their ways following a period of lawlessness in the area. Reform developed as an agricultural and commercial center, serving the surrounding rural communities. The arrival of the railroad in the early 20th century spurred economic growth, making Reform a key transportation hub for the region. Today, Reform is known for its strong community ties, agricultural roots, and its role as a center for commerce and education in Pickens County.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Reform is served by the Pickens County School District, with major schools including Pickens County High School, which also serves students from surrounding areas. The town is home to several notable landmarks, including the Reform Historic District, which features a variety of buildings that reflect the town’s early 20th-century architecture. The Reform Presbyterian Church, established in the late 19th century, remains a central part of the community. The nearby Aliceville Museum, although located in a neighboring town, offers exhibits on the local history and the role of the area during World War II, including the history of the German POW camp in Aliceville. Reform’s annual events, such as the town’s Fourth of July celebration and community festivals, bring residents together and celebrate the town’s agricultural heritage and strong community spirit. The combination of historical significance, educational opportunities, and community involvement makes Reform an important part of Pickens County.

Gordo

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude

  • Area: 3.2 square miles
  • Population: 1,560 (as of the 2020 census)
  • Zip Codes: 35466
  • Latitude: 33.3210° N
  • Longitude: 87.9028° W

Location and History

Gordo is a town located in the eastern part of Pickens County, along Alabama State Route 82. The town was founded in the late 19th century and was named after the Battle of Cerro Gordo during the Mexican-American War. Gordo developed as a small agricultural community, with cotton being the dominant crop in its early years. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century furthered Gordo’s growth, making it a key shipping point for agricultural products in the region. Over the years, Gordo has maintained its rural character and small-town charm, with agriculture continuing to play a significant role in the local economy.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Gordo is served by the Pickens County School District, with major schools including Gordo High School and Gordo Elementary School. The town is home to several significant landmarks, including the Gordo Historic District, which features buildings from the late 19th and early 20th centuries that reflect the town’s agricultural heritage. The Gordo Baptist Church, established in the early 20th century, is another notable landmark that continues to serve the community. The nearby Sipsey River, a natural resource for the area, offers opportunities for fishing, boating, and enjoying the natural beauty of the region. Gordo’s annual events, such as the Gordo Mule Day, celebrate the town’s agricultural roots and bring the community together for a day of food, music, and festivities. The combination of historical significance, educational opportunities, and community events makes Gordo a valued part of Pickens County.

Aliceville

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude

  • Area: 4.6 square miles
  • Population: 2,235 (as of the 2020 census)
  • Zip Codes: 35442
  • Latitude: 33.1276° N
  • Longitude: 88.1517° W

Location and History

Aliceville is a small city located in the southern part of Pickens County. The city was incorporated in 1907 and named after Alice, the wife of a prominent local businessman who played a key role in its founding. Aliceville developed as an agricultural center, with cotton and timber being the primary industries in its early years. The city gained national attention during World War II when it became the site of a large German prisoner-of-war camp, one of the largest in the United States. Today, Aliceville is known for its rich history, including its role during the war, and its strong community ties.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Aliceville is served by the Pickens County School District, with major schools including Aliceville High School and Aliceville Elementary School. The city is home to several significant landmarks, including the Aliceville Museum, which features exhibits on the city’s history, including the German POW camp that operated during World War II. The Aliceville Public Library, housed in a historic building, serves as a cultural hub for the community. The nearby Tombigbee River provides opportunities for fishing, boating, and other outdoor activities. Aliceville’s annual events, such as the Aliceville Fall Festival and Christmas Parade, bring the community together and celebrate the city’s heritage and community spirit. The combination of historical significance, educational opportunities, and cultural heritage makes Aliceville an important part of Pickens County.

Pickensville

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude

  • Area: 2.3 square miles
  • Population: 483 (as of the 2020 census)
  • Zip Codes: 35447
  • Latitude: 33.2304° N
  • Longitude: 88.2711° W

Location and History

Pickensville is a small town located in the southwestern part of Pickens County, near the Mississippi state line. The town was established in the early 19th century and was once a bustling river port along the Tombigbee River. Pickensville played a significant role in the region’s economy during the steamboat era, serving as a major shipping point for cotton and other goods. The construction of the Tombigbee River’s locks and dams in the 20th century altered the town’s economic landscape, but Pickensville has maintained its historical character and remains a quiet, rural community.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Pickensville is served by the Pickens County School District, with students typically attending schools in nearby Aliceville or Carrollton. The town is home to several notable landmarks, including the Tom Bevill Visitor Center and Museum, which is housed in a replica of a Southern antebellum mansion and offers exhibits on the history of the Tombigbee River and the local area. The Pickensville General Store, a historic building, reflects the town’s early commercial life. The nearby Tenn-Tom Waterway, part of the larger Tombigbee River system, provides opportunities for boating, fishing, and enjoying the natural beauty of the region. Pickensville’s annual events, such as local community gatherings and holiday celebrations, help maintain the town’s strong sense of identity and tradition. The town’s historical significance, rural charm, and connection to the Tombigbee River make Pickensville an important part of Pickens County.

Map of Cities in Pickens County, Al

All Cities in Pickens County, Alabama