History of Tallapoosa County, Alabama
Tallapoosa County, located in east-central Alabama, is rich in history, from its Native American roots to its role in the Civil War and its development as a hub of industry and recreation in the 20th century. Established in 1832 after the Treaty of Cusseta, the county was named after the Tallapoosa River, which runs through its western edge. The area was originally inhabited by the Creek Nation, and it played a significant role in the Creek War of 1813-1814. Over time, Tallapoosa County has evolved from a primarily agricultural region to one known for its natural beauty, particularly with the creation of Lake Martin, a popular recreational destination.
Tallapoosa County Facts
- Founded: December 18, 1832
- Population: Approximately 41,311 (as of 2020)
- Area: 766 square miles
- Area Codes: 256, 938
- ZIP Codes: 35010, 35089, 36853, 36861, 36866
- County Seat: Dadeville
- Major Cities: Alexander City, Dadeville, Camp Hill
- Famous Landmarks:
- Lake Martin
- Horseshoe Bend National Military Park
- Wellborn Musclecar Museum
- Wind Creek State Park
Early History of Tallapoosa County (Pre-1830s)
Native American Inhabitants
Before European settlers arrived, the land that would become Tallapoosa County was inhabited by the Muscogee (Creek) people. The Creeks had lived in the region for centuries, relying on agriculture, hunting, and fishing to sustain their communities. The Tallapoosa River provided a critical water source and facilitated trade and communication between different Creek towns. The Creek Confederacy was a powerful alliance of towns, and their control over the region lasted until the early 19th century.
The Creek War and the Treaty of Fort Jackson (1813-1814)
The Creek War of 1813-1814 was a pivotal conflict that would shape the future of Tallapoosa County. The war was part of the larger struggle between Native Americans and American settlers over control of lands in the southeastern United States. One of the most significant battles of the Creek War occurred at Horseshoe Bend, located on the Tallapoosa River. On March 27, 1814, General Andrew Jackson led U.S. forces, along with allied Cherokee and Lower Creek warriors, in a decisive victory against the Upper Creek Red Sticks. The defeat at Horseshoe Bend led to the signing of the Treaty of Fort Jackson, which forced the Creeks to cede over 23 million acres of land, including much of present-day Tallapoosa County, to the United States.
Founding of Tallapoosa County (1832)
Establishment and Early Settlement (1830s)
Tallapoosa County was officially established on December 18, 1832, following the signing of the Treaty of Cusseta, which further ceded Creek land to the U.S. government. This treaty opened the region to white settlers, many of whom migrated from Georgia, Tennessee, and the Carolinas. The county’s seat was established in Dadeville, which quickly became the center of local government and commerce.
Agriculture and Early Economy (1830s-1850s)
The early economy of Tallapoosa County was primarily agricultural, with cotton emerging as the dominant crop. The county’s fertile soil and temperate climate made it ideal for cotton farming, and many settlers established plantations and small farms. Enslaved African Americans were brought to the region to work on these plantations, and by the 1850s, the county’s population had grown significantly, with a large portion of the residents being enslaved individuals.
The Tallapoosa River was a key transportation route for moving cotton and other goods to market. The river’s proximity to major waterways like the Coosa and Alabama rivers facilitated trade, allowing the county’s agricultural products to reach larger markets in Mobile and beyond.
Civil War and Reconstruction (1861-1877)
The Civil War (1861-1865)
When Alabama seceded from the Union in 1861, Tallapoosa County, like much of the South, supported the Confederacy. Many men from the county enlisted in the Confederate Army, and local industries and farms contributed to the war effort by supplying food, cotton, and other resources. While no major battles were fought in Tallapoosa County, the region felt the economic strain of the war, particularly as Union forces blockaded Southern ports, disrupting trade and causing shortages of goods.
By the end of the Civil War in 1865, Tallapoosa County’s economy was devastated. The abolition of slavery and the destruction of much of the South’s infrastructure left the region struggling to rebuild.
Reconstruction Era (1865-1877)
The Reconstruction period following the Civil War was marked by significant social and economic upheaval in Tallapoosa County. The county’s agricultural economy, once reliant on enslaved labor, had to adjust to a new system of free labor. Many freedmen became sharecroppers or tenant farmers, working on land owned by former plantation owners. However, this system often kept African Americans and poor whites in a cycle of debt and poverty.
During Reconstruction, federal troops were stationed in Alabama to enforce the new rights granted to formerly enslaved people, including the right to vote. For a brief period, African Americans in Tallapoosa County participated in local government, but these gains were rolled back with the end of Reconstruction in 1877. The rise of Jim Crow laws and segregation in the late 19th century further marginalized African Americans in the region.
Late 19th Century and Early 20th Century (1877-1930s)
The Rise of the Textile Industry (1880s-1920s)
While agriculture remained the backbone of Tallapoosa County’s economy, the late 19th and early 20th centuries saw the rise of the textile industry in the region. The abundant supply of cotton, combined with the availability of cheap labor, attracted textile mills to the county. The construction of the Tallassee Textile Mill in the late 19th century helped diversify the local economy and provided jobs for many residents.
Alexander City, one of the county’s largest towns, became a hub of industrial activity with the establishment of the Avondale Mills, a major textile manufacturing company. The growth of the textile industry brought economic development to the county and transformed Alexander City into an important industrial center in Alabama.
The Great Depression (1930s)
The Great Depression of the 1930s brought significant hardship to Tallapoosa County, as it did to much of the country. Cotton prices plummeted, leading to widespread poverty among farmers, many of whom lost their land. The textile industry, which had been a major source of employment, also suffered as demand for goods declined. New Deal programs, such as the Works Progress Administration (WPA) and the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), provided some relief by offering jobs and funding infrastructure projects in the region.
World War II and Post-War Development (1940s-1960s)
World War II and Economic Recovery (1941-1945)
World War II helped lift Tallapoosa County out of the economic doldrums of the Great Depression. The war effort created new demand for cotton and textiles, revitalizing the local economy. Many residents of Tallapoosa County enlisted in the military, while others found employment in war-related industries. The post-war period brought further economic growth, as new infrastructure projects and industries developed in the region.
Creation of Lake Martin (1926-1928)
One of the most transformative developments in Tallapoosa County’s history was the construction of Lake Martin. Built between 1926 and 1928 by the Alabama Power Company, Lake Martin is one of the largest man-made lakes in the United States, with 44,000 acres of water and over 750 miles of shoreline. The creation of the lake provided hydroelectric power to the region, but it also turned Tallapoosa County into a recreational destination.
Lake Martin became a popular spot for boating, fishing, swimming, and other outdoor activities. The lake’s development spurred the growth of tourism in Tallapoosa County, attracting visitors from across the state and beyond. Today, Lake Martin remains one of the county’s most significant economic assets and a major draw for tourists.
The Civil Rights Movement and Modernization (1950s-1970s)
The Civil Rights Movement (1950s-1960s)
Like much of Alabama, Tallapoosa County was affected by the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s. African Americans in the county, who had been disenfranchised and subjected to segregation for decades, began to organize and demand their rights. Efforts to desegregate schools and public facilities were met with resistance, but the movement gained momentum after the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
The desegregation of schools in Tallapoosa County, as elsewhere in Alabama, was a slow and often contentious process. However, by the late 1960s, significant progress had been made toward racial equality in the county.
Economic Modernization and Growth (1960s-1970s)
The 1960s and 1970s brought continued economic development to Tallapoosa County. The construction of new highways and infrastructure projects helped attract new businesses and industries to the area. The textile industry remained a major employer, but other sectors, such as manufacturing and tourism, began to play an increasingly important role in the local economy.
Alexander City continued to grow as the county’s largest city, with new schools, hospitals, and businesses contributing to its development. The growth of Lake Martin as a recreational destination also helped boost the county’s economy, with new resorts, marinas, and vacation homes springing up along the lake’s shoreline.
Modern Tallapoosa County (1980s-Present)
Economic Shifts and Challenges (1980s-2000s)
In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, Tallapoosa County faced economic challenges as the textile industry, which had long been a pillar of the local economy, began to decline. Many textile mills, including Avondale Mills in Alexander City, closed or relocated overseas, leading to job losses and economic hardship for many residents. However, the county’s economy diversified, with new industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, and tourism playing an increasingly important role.
Tourism and Recreation on Lake Martin
Lake Martin remains one of Tallapoosa County’s most significant economic assets, attracting thousands of visitors each year. The lake is a popular destination for boating, fishing, and vacationing, and it has become a center of tourism and recreation in Alabama. The growth of second homes, vacation rentals, and resorts along the lake’s shoreline has contributed to the county’s economic development.
The county also benefits from its proximity to Auburn University, located just south of the county line. Many residents of Tallapoosa County commute to Auburn for work or school, and the university’s presence helps drive economic growth in the region.
Cultural Landmarks and Attractions
Horseshoe Bend National Military Park
Horseshoe Bend National Military Park, located on the Tallapoosa River, commemorates the site of the Battle of Horseshoe Bend, a decisive battle in the Creek War of 1813-1814. The park offers visitors a chance to learn about the history of the battle and its significance in shaping the future of Alabama and the United States.
Lake Martin
Lake Martin is one of the largest man-made lakes in the U.S. and a major recreational destination in Tallapoosa County. The lake offers a wide range of activities, including boating, fishing, swimming, and camping, and it is surrounded by scenic parks and vacation homes.
Wellborn Musclecar Museum
The Wellborn Musclecar Museum, located in Alexander City, is home to one of the largest collections of high-performance American muscle cars from the 1960s and 1970s. The museum attracts car enthusiasts from across the country and showcases a unique part of American automotive history.
Present-Day Tallapoosa County
Population and Demographics
As of the 2020 census, Tallapoosa County has a population of approximately 41,311 people. The county remains primarily rural, with Alexander City serving as the largest urban center.
Economy and Infrastructure
Today, Tallapoosa County’s economy is a mix of tourism, manufacturing, healthcare, and education. Lake Martin continues to drive tourism, while the county’s proximity to Auburn University provides additional economic opportunities. The county’s infrastructure has improved in recent decades, with new schools, hospitals, and transportation networks supporting its growth.
