History of Pickens County, Alabama
Pickens County, Alabama, located in the western part of the state along the Mississippi border, has a rich history deeply rooted in the early settlement of the South, the antebellum period, the Civil War, and Reconstruction. Founded in 1820, the county was named after Revolutionary War hero General Andrew Pickens of South Carolina. Over the years, Pickens County has evolved from a primarily agricultural region to a community that embraces both its historic past and modern opportunities. Known for its antebellum homes, scenic landscapes, and Civil War history, the county remains a significant part of Alabama’s historical and cultural heritage.
Pickens County Facts
- Founded: December 20, 1820
- Population: Approximately 19,123 (as of 2020)
- Area: 904 square miles
- Area Codes: 205, 659
- ZIP Codes: 35447, 35461, 35466, 35481, 35442, 35462, 35490
- County Seat: Carrollton
- Major Cities: Aliceville, Reform, Carrollton, Gordo
- Famous Landmarks:
- The Pickens County Courthouse (home of the famous “Face in the Window” legend)
- Aliceville Museum and Cultural Arts Center
- Lake Lurleen State Park
- Tom Bevill Lock and Dam
- Kirkwood Mansion
Early History of Pickens County (Pre-1820s)
Native American Presence
Long before European settlement, the area that would become Pickens County was inhabited by Native American tribes, primarily the Choctaw. The Choctaw people utilized the fertile lands along the rivers for farming and hunting. The proximity of the Sipsey and Tombigbee Rivers made the region an ideal location for their settlements, as it provided abundant natural resources.
European Exploration and Settlement (1700s)
During the 1700s, European explorers and settlers began venturing into what is now western Alabama. French, Spanish, and British interests competed for control of the region, with British traders making inroads into Native American communities. However, substantial European settlement did not occur until after the American Revolution, and it was not until after the Treaty of Fort Jackson in 1814, which ceded large portions of Native American land to the U.S., that white settlers began to migrate into the region in larger numbers.
The Founding of Pickens County (1820)
Establishment and Early Settlement (1820s-1830s)
Pickens County was officially established on December 20, 1820, shortly after Alabama became a state in 1819. The county was named in honor of General Andrew Pickens, a prominent military leader from South Carolina during the American Revolution. The county’s early settlers were primarily of English, Scots-Irish, and African descent, many of whom came from the Carolinas and Georgia, drawn by the promise of fertile land for cotton farming.
Carrollton was designated as the county seat in 1830, and it quickly became a center of commerce and law in the region. Early settlers cleared the land for agriculture, and cotton soon became the dominant crop, driving the county’s economy and fostering the growth of plantation culture.
The Rise of Cotton Agriculture
By the 1830s, the cotton boom had taken hold of Pickens County, with large plantations spreading across the landscape. Cotton was the primary cash crop, and the county’s economy relied heavily on enslaved labor. As the demand for cotton increased, so did the number of slaves brought into the county, leading to the establishment of a plantation-based society that mirrored much of the South.
Antebellum Period and Civil War (1840s-1865)
Antebellum Prosperity (1840s-1860s)
During the antebellum period, Pickens County flourished economically due to its reliance on cotton production. Plantations expanded, and the wealthy landowners built grand homes and mansions, some of which still stand today. The county’s population grew steadily, and with the expansion of slavery, the region became deeply entrenched in the South’s agricultural economy. Commerce thrived in the small towns and communities that developed around the plantations, and the county’s rivers provided vital transportation routes for shipping cotton to larger markets.
Civil War (1861-1865)
Like much of Alabama, Pickens County was heavily impacted by the Civil War. When Alabama seceded from the Union in 1861, many men from Pickens County enlisted in the Confederate Army. The county itself did not see major battles, but it suffered from the broader economic and social disruptions caused by the war. The cotton economy collapsed, and many plantations were left in ruins by the end of the war.
During the war, Pickens County’s residents faced shortages of goods, inflation, and the conscription of men into military service. Families endured significant hardships, and many returned to devastated homes and farms after the war’s conclusion. The end of slavery, along with the destruction wrought by the war, drastically changed the social and economic landscape of the county.
Reconstruction and Post-Civil War Era (1865-1900)
Reconstruction Challenges (1865-1877)
Following the Civil War, Pickens County, like much of the South, underwent a turbulent period of Reconstruction. The county’s economy, which had relied heavily on enslaved labor, struggled to adapt to the new realities of free labor. Many of the formerly enslaved individuals stayed in the region, working as sharecroppers or tenant farmers, but poverty remained widespread among both Black and white residents.
The political landscape also shifted during this time, with the federal government overseeing the reintegration of Alabama into the Union. Tensions between former Confederates and newly enfranchised Black citizens were high, and there were instances of racial violence and intimidation in the county.
The “Face in the Window” Legend
One of the most enduring stories from this period is the legend of the “Face in the Window” at the Pickens County Courthouse in Carrollton. According to local lore, during Reconstruction, an African American man named Henry Wells was accused of burning down the original courthouse. While Wells was in jail awaiting trial, a mob gathered outside. As he looked out of the window, lightning struck, and his face was purportedly etched into the glass. The legend persists to this day, and the “face” can still be seen in the courthouse window, drawing tourists and curious visitors to the site.
Early 20th Century (1900-1940s)
Economic Growth and Agriculture
In the early 20th century, agriculture continued to dominate the economy of Pickens County, although changes were on the horizon. Cotton remained a major crop, but boll weevil infestations in the 1910s and 1920s led to significant challenges for farmers. Many diversified their crops, turning to peanuts, corn, and other staples to sustain the local economy.
Railroads played an increasingly important role in the county, connecting it to larger markets and facilitating the transportation of agricultural products. Small towns like Aliceville, Reform, and Gordo grew as centers of trade and commerce, supported by the county’s agricultural base.
The Great Depression (1930s)
Like much of rural America, Pickens County was hit hard by the Great Depression. The agricultural sector suffered greatly, and many farmers lost their land due to falling crop prices and debt. The federal government’s New Deal programs provided some relief, with initiatives aimed at improving infrastructure, increasing employment, and assisting struggling farmers. Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camps were established in the region, contributing to public works projects such as road construction and reforestation efforts.
World War II and Post-War Years (1940s-1960s)
World War II and Aliceville POW Camp
During World War II, Pickens County played an unexpected role in the war effort with the establishment of a prisoner-of-war (POW) camp in Aliceville. The Aliceville POW Camp, which operated from 1943 to 1945, housed over 6,000 German prisoners of war. The camp became one of the largest in the United States and brought new jobs and resources to the local economy.
After the war, the camp’s facilities were repurposed, and the site is now home to the Aliceville Museum and Cultural Arts Center, which preserves the history of the camp and its impact on the community.
Economic and Social Changes (1950s-1960s)
The post-World War II years brought significant changes to Pickens County. Mechanization in agriculture led to fewer jobs on farms, prompting a shift in the county’s economy. Many residents began seeking employment in nearby industrial centers or moved to urban areas. The county remained largely rural and agricultural, but the post-war economic boom created new opportunities for growth and modernization.
During the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s, Pickens County, like much of Alabama, faced social and political challenges. Segregation remained in place for much of this period, and efforts to desegregate schools and public institutions were met with resistance. However, the county gradually began to change, reflecting the broader national movements toward racial equality.
Modern Pickens County (1970s-Present)
Industrial Development and Economic Shifts (1970s-1990s)
In the latter half of the 20th century, Pickens County saw some diversification in its economy, with the growth of industries such as manufacturing, forestry, and poultry farming. The establishment of industrial parks in towns like Aliceville and Reform helped to attract new businesses and create jobs, though agriculture remained a significant part of the local economy.
Tourism also began to play a larger role, with visitors drawn to the county’s historic landmarks, natural beauty, and outdoor recreational opportunities, such as those offered by Lake Lurleen State Park and the Tombigbee River.
21st Century Pickens County (2000s-Present)
Today, Pickens County continues to balance its agricultural heritage with modern industry and tourism. Aliceville, Reform, and Carrollton remain the county’s largest towns, serving as centers of commerce and community life. The county’s population has remained relatively stable, with a mix of agricultural workers, small business owners, and those employed in local industries.
Pickens County’s historical significance, from its antebellum homes to its World War II-era POW camp, continues to attract tourists and historians alike. The county’s small-town charm, coupled with its rich cultural and historical legacy, makes it an enduring part of Alabama’s history.
Cultural Landmarks and Attractions
Pickens County Courthouse
The Pickens County Courthouse in Carrollton is best known for the famous “Face in the Window” legend. The courthouse is still in use today and serves as a central piece of the county’s history.
Aliceville Museum and Cultural Arts Center
Located in downtown Aliceville, this museum preserves the history of the Aliceville POW Camp, offering exhibits on the prisoners held there during World War II and the impact of the camp on the community.
Lake Lurleen State Park
Just outside of Pickens County, Lake Lurleen is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The park offers fishing, boating, camping, and hiking opportunities and is a peaceful retreat for locals and visitors alike.
Kirkwood Mansion
An antebellum home near Aliceville, Kirkwood Mansion is one of the finest examples of Greek Revival architecture in Alabama. Built in 1860, it remains a testament to the county’s antebellum past and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Present-Day Pickens County
Population and Demographics
As of the 2020 census, Pickens County has a population of approximately 19,123 people. The county remains primarily rural, with agriculture and small industries forming the backbone of its economy.
Economy and Infrastructure
Pickens County’s economy today is a mix of agriculture, forestry, manufacturing, and small business. The county’s location along the Mississippi border makes it a key part of the regional economy, and its proximity to larger cities such as Tuscaloosa provides access to broader markets.
