History of Randolph County, Alabama
Randolph County, Alabama, located in the eastern part of the state, was founded in 1832 following the cession of Creek Indian lands. The county’s early development centered around agriculture, and later, its economy evolved to include textile manufacturing, particularly in the town of Roanoke. Over time, Randolph County has maintained its rural charm while embracing modern development. Its landscape, rich in natural beauty, includes Lake Wedowee, a popular attraction. Randolph County’s historical roots, scenic landmarks, and small-town culture make it a unique part of Alabama’s story.
County Facts
- Founded: December 18, 1832
- Population: Approximately 21,000 (as of the 2020 Census)
- Area: 584 square miles
- Area Codes: 256
- ZIP Codes: 36274, 36278, 36280
- County Seat: Wedowee
- Major Cities: Roanoke, Wedowee
- Famous Landmarks:
- Lake Wedowee (also known as R.L. Harris Reservoir)
- Roanoke Downtown Historic District
- Folsom Birthplace Monument
- Ava Hills Covered Bridge
Early History of Randolph County (Pre-1830)
Native American Roots
Before European settlement, Randolph County was part of the Creek Indian lands. The Creeks, who had lived in the region for centuries, built a thriving society based on agriculture, hunting, and trade. The area’s rivers, such as the Tallapoosa River, provided a key source of sustenance for the Creek Nation. However, the Creek War (1813-1814) and subsequent land cessions, particularly the Treaty of Fort Jackson, forced the Creeks to relinquish control of millions of acres of land to the U.S. government, including what would later become Randolph County.
The Creek War and Treaty of Fort Jackson (1814)
The Creek War, part of the broader conflict between Native American tribes and U.S. settlers, ended with the Creek’s defeat at the Battle of Horseshoe Bend in 1814. The resulting Treaty of Fort Jackson saw the Creeks lose vast tracts of land in Alabama, clearing the way for American settlers to move into the area, marking the beginning of significant demographic and cultural changes in what is now Randolph County.
Formation of Randolph County (1832-1850)
Establishment of Randolph County
Randolph County was officially established on December 18, 1832, from lands ceded by the Creek Indians. It was named after John Randolph, a prominent U.S. Senator from Virginia who had been an advocate for states’ rights and limited federal government. The county seat was initially located in Hedgeman, but in 1835, it was moved to Wedowee, a more central location. Wedowee, which means “old water” in the Creek language, remains the county seat today.
Early Settlers and Agriculture
Following the county’s establishment, settlers from Georgia and the Carolinas moved into the area, drawn by the fertile land. Farming, particularly the cultivation of cotton, quickly became the foundation of Randolph County’s economy. Many of the early settlers were small farmers, though some large plantations developed in the region as cotton became the dominant crop.
Antebellum Period (1850-1860)
Growth of Agriculture and Society
By the 1850s, Randolph County had grown into a thriving agricultural community. Cotton farming dominated, and the economy was bolstered by the development of transportation routes, including dirt roads and waterways that connected the region to larger markets. The rise of the cotton economy also brought with it the institution of slavery, as enslaved African Americans were forced to work on the county’s plantations.
Randolph County, like much of the South, experienced economic and social stratification during the antebellum period. Wealthy plantation owners wielded significant influence, though a majority of the population were small farmers with modest means.
Railroads and Transportation
Although Randolph County remained primarily agricultural, the advent of railroads in nearby areas began to affect the local economy in the mid-19th century. Railroads helped move cotton and other goods to markets faster, increasing profitability for local farmers. However, Randolph County itself would not see significant railroad development until later years.
The Civil War and Reconstruction (1861-1877)
Impact of the Civil War
The Civil War (1861-1865) had a significant impact on Randolph County. Many men from the county joined the Confederate Army, and the war disrupted the agricultural economy. Randolph County, like much of Alabama, experienced material shortages and economic hardship as the war dragged on. Although no major battles occurred within the county, the war brought widespread devastation, leading to a decline in cotton production and the collapse of the slave-based economy.
Reconstruction Era
After the Civil War, Randolph County, like other parts of the South, underwent Reconstruction. The abolition of slavery created profound changes in the local economy, and many former slaves became sharecroppers or tenant farmers. The county faced challenges in rebuilding its economy and infrastructure, and the post-war period was marked by political and social tensions.
Reconstruction efforts aimed at rebuilding the South and integrating formerly enslaved African Americans into society faced strong resistance in Randolph County. White landowners struggled to maintain control of the agricultural economy, while freedmen sought to establish their own livelihoods in the new social order.
Industrialization and Growth (1880-1940)
Rise of Textile Mills
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Randolph County began to industrialize, particularly with the rise of the textile industry. The establishment of textile mills in the town of Roanoke provided new economic opportunities for the county’s residents. By the early 20th century, Roanoke had become an important center for textile production in eastern Alabama.
The mills attracted workers from rural areas and provided steady employment. This shift from an agriculture-based economy to one focused on manufacturing represented a significant transformation for Randolph County. However, the mills also brought labor struggles, as workers sought better wages and working conditions in the early decades of the 20th century.
The Great Depression (1930s)
Like the rest of the country, Randolph County was hit hard by the Great Depression. Many textile mills struggled to stay open, and farmers faced declining crop prices and widespread poverty. Federal New Deal programs provided some relief, offering employment through public works projects and assistance to struggling families.
Post-World War II Period (1940-1970)
Economic Diversification and Education
After World War II, Randolph County continued to see economic diversification. While textile manufacturing remained important, the county also saw growth in other industries, including timber and small-scale manufacturing. Improvements in transportation infrastructure, such as better roads and the expansion of rail services, helped boost the local economy.
Education also became a priority in post-war Randolph County. The establishment of schools and the promotion of public education helped improve literacy rates and create new opportunities for young people. Roanoke and Wedowee saw improvements in public facilities, including schools, libraries, and health services.
Civil Rights Movement
During the 1950s and 1960s, the Civil Rights Movement brought significant changes to Randolph County, as it did throughout Alabama and the South. African Americans in the county, like those across the region, fought for equal rights and an end to segregation. While the process of integration and desegregation was slow and often met with resistance, the Civil Rights Movement ultimately led to greater legal protections and social changes in Randolph County.
Modern Randolph County (1970-Present)
Development of Lake Wedowee (R.L. Harris Reservoir)
One of the most significant developments in modern Randolph County was the creation of Lake Wedowee, or the R.L. Harris Reservoir, which was completed in 1983 by Alabama Power. The lake, created by damming the Tallapoosa River, has become a major recreational destination for boating, fishing, and tourism. The development of the lake has had a positive economic impact on Randolph County, drawing visitors from across Alabama and beyond.
Economy and Modern Industry
Today, Randolph County continues to have a mixed economy. While agriculture still plays a role, particularly in poultry farming and timber, the county has also embraced small-scale manufacturing and services. The textile industry has declined, but other industries, including automotive supply and construction materials, have taken its place.
The county’s natural beauty, particularly Lake Wedowee, continues to attract visitors, making tourism an important part of the local economy.
Famous Landmarks and Cultural Sites
Lake Wedowee
Lake Wedowee is the county’s most famous natural landmark, offering recreational opportunities such as boating, fishing, and camping. The lake has become a central part of Randolph County’s identity, drawing tourists and serving as a key part of the local economy.
Roanoke Downtown Historic District
The Roanoke Downtown Historic District features a number of well-preserved buildings from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This area showcases the rich history of Roanoke as a textile hub and commercial center in Randolph County.
Folsom Birthplace Monument
Randolph County is also known as the birthplace of two-term Alabama Governor James E. “Big Jim” Folsom, who was born in 1908 near the town of Elba. Folsom’s legacy as a progressive governor who fought for the rights of the common people is commemorated by the Folsom Birthplace Monument in the county.
