Barbour County is located in the southeastern region of Alabama and is part of the historic Black Belt. Its landscape is characterized by rolling hills, dense forests, and numerous small streams and rivers. The terrain is mostly flat, with some areas of slightly higher elevation. The county’s highest point, Mount Olivet, rises to an elevation of 332 feet above sea level. Barbour County has a total area of 647 square miles, with 583 square miles being land and 64 square miles being water. The majority of the county is drained by the Choctawhatchee River and its tributaries. There are also two large lakes within Barbour County: Lake Eufaula and Lake Seminole. These two lakes provide excellent fishing opportunities for residents and visitors alike. Barbour County experiences a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. The average annual temperature in the county is around 68 degrees Fahrenheit. Precipitation levels are generally moderate throughout the year with an average of 50 inches per year.
Country Seat and Other Main Cities of Barbour County, Alabama
The county seat of Barbour County is Clayton, located in the center of the county on the banks of the Choctawhatchee River. Other cities in Barbour County include Eufaula, Eunola, Louisville, and Baker Hill. Eufaula is located along the eastern shore of Lake Eufaula and is the largest city in Barbour County. It is home to a variety of recreational activities including fishing, boating, golfing, and camping. The historic downtown district features many charming shops and restaurants as well as an old-fashioned courthouse square. Louisville is situated on a hill overlooking Lake Seminole and offers visitors a picturesque view of the lake. Baker Hill is a small town situated near the Alabama-Georgia border that has several historic sites and monuments worth visiting.
The cities of Barbour County offer visitors an array of attractions to explore. From historical sites to outdoor recreation areas, there are plenty of things to do in this rural area of Alabama. Visitors can explore nature trails at one of many state parks or take a boat ride on one of the two lakes in Barbour County for some great fishing or sightseeing opportunities. For those looking for more cultural attractions, numerous museums, galleries, and performing arts venues can be found throughout Barbour County’s cities. See cities in Alabama.
History of Barbour County, Alabama
Barbour County, Alabama was founded in 1832 and is named after James Barbour, who served as the Governor of Virginia from 1812 to 1814. The county was originally populated by Native American tribes, including the Choctaw and Creek people. In the early 19th century, settlers began to move into the area and established small farming communities. When Alabama became a state in 1819, Barbour County was established as one of its original counties.
The first major industry in Barbour County was cotton production which began to flourish in the 1830s due to its proximity to Mobile Bay and access to shipping routes. This led to a population boom in the county with new settlers coming from surrounding states such as Georgia and Mississippi. Throughout the 19th century, Barbour County also experienced a period of economic growth due to timber harvesting and railroad construction.
In 1861, Barbour County seceded from the Union along with other southern states during the Civil War. During this time, many battles were fought in Barbour County including Eufaula which saw some of the most intense fighting during this period. After Reconstruction ended in 1877, farmers continued to produce cotton which drove economic growth throughout much of the 20th century.
Today, Barbour County is still largely rural with a population of around 27,000 people. Agriculture remains an important part of its economy while tourism has also become increasingly important due to its abundance of natural resources such as lakes and rivers that offer recreational activities for visitors each year.
Economy of Barbour County, Alabama
Barbour County, Alabama is located in the southeastern part of the state and has a population of around 27,000 people. The economy of Barbour County is largely based on agriculture, with cotton production being a major driver of economic growth throughout much of the 20th century. Today, agricultural production remains an important source of income for many residents in Barbour County. In addition to cotton, other crops such as soybeans, peanuts, and corn are also grown in the area.
The timber industry was once an important part of the economy in Barbour County, but has declined over recent decades due to changes in land use and increased mechanization. However, there are still several lumber companies that operate in the area which provide jobs for local residents.
In addition to agriculture, tourism is becoming increasingly important for Barbour County’s economy due to its abundance of natural resources such as lakes and rivers that offer recreational activities for visitors each year. Fishing and boating are popular activities on Eufaula Lake which is located on the border between Alabama and Georgia. There are also numerous museums and galleries throughout Barbour County’s cities that attract visitors who are interested in exploring its rich cultural heritage.
The county also benefits from its proximity to Montgomery Airport which provides easy access to major cities such as Atlanta and Birmingham. In addition, businesses have been attracted by low taxes along with access to an educated workforce due to nearby universities such as Auburn University Montgomery and Troy University Dothan Campus.
Overall, Barbour County’s economy remains largely dependent on agriculture with some additional revenue coming from tourism and other industries such as timber harvesting and manufacturing. The county continues to attract new businesses each year which helps create new jobs for local residents while providing increased economic stability for the region overall.
