History of St. Clair County, Alabama
St. Clair County, located in the north-central part of Alabama, has a rich history that spans more than two centuries. Established in 1818, one year before Alabama achieved statehood, St. Clair County has developed from a frontier region into a thriving part of the Birmingham metropolitan area. Named after General Arthur St. Clair, a hero of the American Revolution, the county has evolved through periods of Native American heritage, the Civil War, Reconstruction, and industrial growth. Today, it is known for its scenic landscapes, outdoor recreation, and blend of rural and urban communities.
County Facts
- Founded: November 20, 1818
- Population: Approximately 91,103 (as of the 2020 Census)
- Area: 654 square miles
- Area Codes: 205, 659
- ZIP Codes: 35004, 35125, 35128, 35131, 35953, 35173, 35096, 35112, 35094, 35054
- County Seats: Ashville, Pell City (dual seats)
- Major Cities: Pell City, Ashville, Moody, Odenville, Ragland, Springville
- Famous Landmarks:
- Logan Martin Lake
- Neely Henry Lake
- St. Clair Springs Historic District
- Talladega National Forest
Early History of St. Clair County (Pre-1818)
Native American Roots
Before European settlers arrived, the area that would become St. Clair County was home to Native American tribes, predominantly the Creek and Cherokee. These tribes lived off the land, utilizing the Coosa River and surrounding forests for hunting, fishing, and farming. The region was a part of the larger Creek Confederacy, and their settlements stretched throughout what is now northern Alabama.
Creek War (1813-1814)
The Creek War (1813-1814), a conflict between the Creek Indians and American forces led by Andrew Jackson, played a crucial role in shaping the future of St. Clair County. The war culminated in the Battle of Horseshoe Bend, after which the Creek Nation was forced to cede vast territories, including land in what is now St. Clair County, through the Treaty of Fort Jackson (1814). This opened the region to European-American settlement.
Formation of St. Clair County (1818-1850)
Establishment of St. Clair County
St. Clair County was officially created on November 20, 1818, one year before Alabama became a state. It was named after General Arthur St. Clair, who fought in the American Revolution. Interestingly, St. Clair County is one of two counties in Alabama with dual county seats, which reflect its divided geography and development patterns. Ashville, located in the northeastern part of the county, became the first county seat in 1822, followed by Pell City in 1902, situated near the southern part of the county.
Early Settlement and Agriculture
In the years following its formation, settlers from Georgia, Tennessee, and the Carolinas began moving into St. Clair County, drawn by the region’s fertile soil and abundant natural resources. The county’s economy was initially based on agriculture, with cotton becoming the dominant crop by the mid-19th century. Like much of the South, the agricultural economy depended on enslaved labor, and St. Clair County became deeply involved in the cotton trade.
The Civil War and Reconstruction (1861-1877)
The Civil War
During the Civil War (1861-1865), St. Clair County, like most of Alabama, was heavily involved in the Confederate cause. Many local men joined the Confederate Army, and the county’s economy and infrastructure were severely impacted by the war. Although no major battles occurred within the county, the nearby strategic importance of Alabama’s iron resources meant that St. Clair County played a role in supplying the Confederate war effort.
The war devastated the region’s agricultural economy, particularly with the collapse of the slave labor system, and many families faced economic ruin in the post-war years.
Reconstruction in St. Clair County
The Reconstruction era brought significant changes to St. Clair County. The abolition of slavery required the region to rebuild its economy, and many former slaves became tenant farmers or sharecroppers. Reconstruction also brought political challenges, as the federal government sought to integrate formerly enslaved African Americans into the political system. However, resistance to Reconstruction policies was strong, and white supremacy was gradually re-established in local politics by the late 1870s.
Industrialization and Growth (1880-1940)
Railroad Development
The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw significant industrial development in St. Clair County. The arrival of the railroad in the 1880s, particularly the East Tennessee, Virginia, and Georgia Railroad, transformed the county’s economy. The railroad connected St. Clair County to larger markets and made it easier to transport goods, including agricultural products and coal from the nearby mines. Towns like Pell City, Odenville, and Springville grew as railroad hubs, and new industries, including sawmills and textile factories, began to emerge.
The Creation of Pell City (1890)
Pell City, one of the county’s most significant towns, was founded in 1890 by George Hamilton, who saw potential in the town’s proximity to the new railroad lines. It was named after wealthy industrialist Sumter C. Pell and quickly grew into a center of commerce and industry. By the early 20th century, Pell City had become an important manufacturing center, with textile mills playing a major role in its economic development.
The Impact of the Great Depression
The Great Depression of the 1930s had a profound effect on St. Clair County. Many local businesses closed, and unemployment soared as the textile industry and agriculture both suffered. The economic hardship was felt throughout the county, and many families relied on subsistence farming to survive. Federal New Deal programs, such as the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), provided some relief by offering jobs and infrastructure projects that helped build roads, schools, and public buildings in the area.
Post-World War II Development (1940-1970)
The Creation of Logan Martin Lake (1964)
One of the most significant developments in St. Clair County during the 20th century was the creation of Logan Martin Lake in 1964 by Alabama Power. Logan Martin Lake, located on the Coosa River, was created for hydroelectric power generation, flood control, and recreational purposes. The lake quickly became a major tourist attraction, drawing visitors for boating, fishing, and camping. It also spurred residential and commercial development around its shores, helping to boost the county’s economy.
Growth of Suburban Communities
In the years following World War II, St. Clair County, particularly its southern part, began to experience suburbanization. Proximity to Birmingham, Alabama’s largest city, made the county an attractive location for families seeking to live outside the urban area while still having access to jobs in the city. Towns like Pell City, Moody, and Odenville saw rapid growth during the post-war years, with new housing developments, schools, and commercial centers being built to accommodate the growing population.
Modern St. Clair County (1970-Present)
Economic Diversification
In recent decades, St. Clair County has seen continued growth and economic diversification. While agriculture and industry remain important, the county has also seen an increase in retail, healthcare, and education sectors. The construction of Interstate 20, which passes through the southern part of the county, further spurred growth by improving access to Birmingham and other parts of the state.
The county’s population has grown significantly since the 1970s, with many residents commuting to Birmingham for work. This population boom has led to the development of new subdivisions, shopping centers, and public facilities, particularly in Pell City and Moody.
Modern Attractions
Today, St. Clair County is known for its outdoor recreational opportunities, including Logan Martin Lake and Neely Henry Lake, both of which draw thousands of visitors each year. The county also boasts several historical and cultural landmarks, including the St. Clair Springs Historic District and the Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum in Calera, which celebrates the region’s rich railroad history.
Famous Landmarks and Cultural Sites
Logan Martin Lake
Logan Martin Lake is one of St. Clair County’s most famous landmarks. Created in 1964 by Alabama Power, the lake offers a wide range of recreational activities, including boating, fishing, and camping. It has also spurred residential and commercial development, becoming a key part of the county’s economy.
St. Clair Springs Historic District
The St. Clair Springs Historic District, located near Ashville, was once a popular health resort in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Known for its mineral springs, the area attracted visitors seeking therapeutic treatments. Today, the historic district preserves the memory of this once-thriving resort community.
Neely Henry Lake
Neely Henry Lake, another man-made reservoir on the Coosa River, provides both hydroelectric power and recreational opportunities. Like Logan Martin Lake, it is a popular destination for fishing, boating, and water sports, attracting tourists from across the region.
