History of Sumter County, Alabama
Sumter County, located in the west-central part of Alabama, has a rich history that reflects the broader development of the Deep South. The county, which borders Mississippi, was officially established in 1832 and named after Revolutionary War hero General Thomas Sumter of South Carolina. Known for its agricultural roots, Sumter County played a significant role in the cotton economy of the antebellum South. Over the years, the county has faced challenges related to the Civil War, Reconstruction, and the Civil Rights Movement, but it has also been home to cultural growth and educational development, particularly with the founding of historically Black institutions like the University of West Alabama (formerly Livingston University).
Sumter County Facts
- Founded: December 18, 1832
- Population: Approximately 12,345 (as of 2020)
- Area: 913 square miles
- Area Code: 205
- ZIP Codes: 35460, 35464, 35470, 35477, 36901, 36925
- County Seat: Livingston
- Major Cities: Livingston, York, Cuba, Gainesville
- Famous Landmarks:
- University of West Alabama
- Sumter County Courthouse (Livingston)
- Alamuchee-Bellamy Covered Bridge
- Gainesville Historic District
- The Coleman Center for Arts and Culture
Early History of Sumter County (Pre-1830s)
Native American Presence
Before European settlement, Sumter County was home to Native American tribes, including the Choctaw, who occupied much of what is now west-central Alabama. The Choctaw people lived in villages and relied on the region’s rich natural resources for sustenance. The area that would become Sumter County was part of the Choctaw Nation’s homeland, where they hunted, farmed, and engaged in trade with other tribes and European settlers.
European Exploration and Settlement (1700s)
In the 1700s, European explorers, including French, British, and Spanish traders, began to explore the region that would become Sumter County. During this period, the Choctaw maintained strong trading relationships with European settlers, particularly the French, who had established a presence in nearby Mobile. However, the region remained largely under Choctaw control until the early 19th century.
Treaty of Dancing Rabbit Creek (1830)
The Treaty of Dancing Rabbit Creek in 1830 marked a turning point for the Native American presence in the region. This treaty resulted in the cession of Choctaw lands to the United States, opening up vast tracts of land for white settlers. The removal of the Choctaw people to Indian Territory (modern-day Oklahoma) as part of the larger Trail of Tears cleared the way for the development of Sumter County.
Founding of Sumter County (1832)
Establishment and Early Development (1832)
Sumter County was officially created on December 18, 1832, as part of the Alabama Legislature’s expansion of the state. The county was named in honor of General Thomas Sumter, a Revolutionary War hero from South Carolina. Sumter County’s location along the Tombigbee River and its fertile soil made it ideal for agriculture, and it quickly attracted settlers from the eastern United States, particularly from South Carolina, Georgia, and Virginia.
The town of Livingston was designated as the county seat, and it quickly became the political and economic center of the county. In its early years, Sumter County grew rapidly, with the development of plantations and farms centered on cotton production. The region’s dependence on cotton would shape its economy and society for decades to come.
Cotton and the Plantation Economy (1830s-1860s)
By the 1840s, Sumter County had become a key part of Alabama’s “Black Belt,” a region named for its fertile black soil that was ideal for growing cotton. Large plantations dominated the landscape, and the economy was heavily reliant on enslaved labor. Cotton was the primary cash crop, and the wealth generated by cotton exports fueled the growth of the county’s infrastructure and social institutions.
The population of the county grew rapidly, but it was highly stratified, with a small class of wealthy landowners at the top and a large enslaved population at the bottom. By 1860, the majority of Sumter County’s population was composed of enslaved African Americans, who worked on the county’s cotton plantations.
Civil War and Reconstruction (1861-1877)
The Civil War (1861-1865)
Sumter County, like much of the South, was deeply affected by the Civil War. When Alabama seceded from the Union in January 1861, Sumter County residents, many of whom were wealthy plantation owners, supported the Confederacy. Large numbers of men from the county enlisted in the Confederate Army, and the county’s economy, heavily reliant on cotton, suffered as the war dragged on.
Although no major battles were fought in Sumter County, the war devastated the local economy. As Union forces blockaded Southern ports, cotton exports became nearly impossible, and many plantations fell into disrepair. By the war’s end in 1865, Sumter County, like much of the South, was left economically crippled and socially fragmented.
Reconstruction and Its Challenges (1865-1877)
The Reconstruction period following the Civil War was a time of significant upheaval in Sumter County. The abolition of slavery transformed the social and economic landscape of the county, as formerly enslaved people sought to establish their own lives in the new system of free labor. However, the transition was difficult, and many African Americans became sharecroppers or tenant farmers, working on the same land where they had been enslaved.
During Reconstruction, federal troops were stationed in Alabama to enforce the new rights granted to freedmen, including the right to vote. For a brief period, African Americans participated in local government and held political office. However, this progress was met with fierce resistance from white Southerners, and by the end of Reconstruction in 1877, white supremacy had been reestablished through violence, intimidation, and the implementation of Jim Crow laws.
Late 19th Century and Early 20th Century (1877-1930s)
Agricultural Recovery and the Rise of Sharecropping (1880s-1900s)
After the collapse of the plantation economy during the Civil War, Sumter County’s economy remained primarily agricultural. Cotton continued to be the dominant crop, but the labor system shifted from slavery to sharecropping. Many freedmen and poor whites worked as tenant farmers, renting land from large landowners and paying a portion of their crops as rent. This system often trapped farmers in cycles of debt and poverty, as they struggled to make ends meet in a declining agricultural economy.
During this period, the rural population of Sumter County grew, and small towns such as York, Cuba, and Gainesville developed as commercial centers serving the agricultural community. The railroad, which reached Sumter County in the late 19th century, facilitated the transportation of cotton to larger markets, but the county remained relatively isolated and economically stagnant.
Educational Development and the Founding of Livingston University (1835)
Despite the economic challenges of the late 19th century, Sumter County made strides in education, particularly with the founding of Livingston University (now the University of West Alabama) in 1835. The university, located in Livingston, became a center for higher learning in the region and played an important role in the cultural and intellectual development of the county. Initially established as a school for girls, the institution evolved over time to become a coeducational university serving students from across the state.
The Great Depression and World War II (1930s-1940s)
The Great Depression (1930s)
Like much of the country, Sumter County was hit hard by the Great Depression. Cotton prices plummeted, leaving many farmers destitute and forcing many to abandon their land. The sharecropping system, which had already kept many farmers in poverty, collapsed under the strain of the economic downturn. Federal New Deal programs, such as the Agricultural Adjustment Act (AAA) and the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), provided some relief to struggling farmers and helped improve local infrastructure, but the county’s economy remained fragile.
World War II and Economic Change (1941-1945)
World War II brought significant changes to Sumter County, as many young men enlisted in the armed forces and others found work in war-related industries. The demand for agricultural products increased during the war, leading to a brief revival of the county’s farming economy. However, mechanization and the consolidation of farms began to reduce the demand for labor, leading to a decline in the rural population as people moved to cities in search of better opportunities.
Post-War Era and Civil Rights Movement (1950s-1970s)
The Civil Rights Movement (1950s-1960s)
Sumter County, like much of Alabama, was deeply 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. The movement in Sumter County was part of the broader struggle for racial equality in Alabama and the Deep South.
African Americans in Sumter County, many of whom were still living in poverty as sharecroppers and tenant farmers, participated in voter registration drives and civil rights demonstrations. These efforts were met with resistance from local white authorities, who used intimidation and violence to suppress the movement. However, the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 brought significant changes, as African Americans gained the right to vote and segregation was officially ended.
Economic and Social Change (1970s)
The 1970s brought further economic and social change to Sumter County. The mechanization of agriculture continued to reduce the need for farm labor, leading to a decline in the rural population as many people moved to urban areas for work. The county’s economy began to diversify, with new industries such as manufacturing and education playing an increasingly important role.
Modern Sumter County (1980s-Present)
Economic Challenges and Opportunities (1980s-2000s)
In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, Sumter County continued to face economic challenges, particularly in its agricultural sector. The decline of small farms and the consolidation of agricultural land led to a reduction in the number of people working in farming. However, new opportunities emerged in other sectors, including education, healthcare, and tourism.
The University of West Alabama, which had grown significantly since its founding, became one of the county’s largest employers and a key driver of economic and cultural activity in Livingston. The county also began to promote its historic landmarks, such as the Alamuchee-Bellamy Covered Bridge and the Gainesville Historic District, as tourist attractions, bringing visitors to the area.
Present-Day Sumter County
Today, Sumter County remains a predominantly rural area with a strong connection to its agricultural past. The county’s population has remained relatively stable, with many residents working in education, healthcare, and small industries. The University of West Alabama continues to play a central role in the life of the county, serving as a center for higher education and community engagement.
Cultural Landmarks and Attractions
University of West Alabama
The University of West Alabama, located in Livingston, is one of the county’s most important cultural institutions. The university offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs and hosts cultural events, including art exhibitions, lectures, and performances.
Alamuchee-Bellamy Covered Bridge
The Alamuchee-Bellamy Covered Bridge, located near the University of West Alabama, is one of the oldest covered bridges in Alabama. Built in the 1860s, the bridge is a popular tourist attraction and a symbol of the county’s historic past.
Gainesville Historic District
The Gainesville Historic District, located in the town of Gainesville, is home to a number of well-preserved 19th-century buildings, including homes, churches, and commercial structures. The district is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and offers visitors a glimpse into the county’s antebellum history.
Present-Day Sumter County
Population and Demographics
As of the 2020 census, Sumter County has a population of approximately 12,345 people. The county remains primarily rural, with a strong emphasis on agriculture, education, and small businesses.
Economy and Infrastructure
Today, Sumter County’s economy is a mix of agriculture, education, and small industries. The University of West Alabama is the county’s largest employer, and the county is also home to a number of small farms and businesses. The county’s location along Interstate 59 and its proximity to larger cities such as Tuscaloosa and Meridian, Mississippi, provide access to regional markets.
