History of Wilcox County, Alabama
Wilcox County, Alabama, located in the south-central part of the state, has a deep and fascinating history that dates back to its founding in 1819. The county is known for its rich agricultural heritage, deeply rooted in cotton plantations that were dependent on enslaved labor in the antebellum period. Following the Civil War, the county faced significant economic and social changes during Reconstruction and beyond. Despite challenges such as economic decline and population loss, Wilcox County remains an important part of Alabama’s historical and cultural landscape, known for its natural beauty and historical sites.
County Facts
- Founded: December 13, 1819
- Population: Approximately 10,600 (as of 2020 Census)
- Area: 907 square miles
- Area Codes: 334
- ZIP Codes: 36722, 36726, 36728, 36738, 36740, 36751, 36766, 36768, 36769, 36792
- County Seat: Camden
- Major Cities: Camden, Pine Hill, Oak Hill, Pine Apple
- Famous Landmarks:
- Wilcox Female Institute
- Gaines Ridge Dinner Club
- Roland Cooper State Park
- Gee’s Bend (famous for the Gee’s Bend Quilters)
Early History of Wilcox County (Pre-1819)
Native American Influence
Before European settlers arrived, the region that would become Wilcox County was inhabited by Native American tribes, primarily the Choctaw and Creek nations. The land was fertile and abundant with natural resources, allowing the tribes to farm, hunt, and establish thriving communities. The area along the Alabama River was particularly important for the indigenous people due to its rich soil and access to waterways for transportation and trade.
Treaty of Fort Jackson (1814)
The Creek War of 1813-1814, which ended with the signing of the Treaty of Fort Jackson, marked a turning point in the control of this land. As part of the treaty, the Creek Nation was forced to cede vast amounts of territory, including the land that would become Wilcox County, to the United States government. This opened the area to European-American settlers, particularly those interested in farming and establishing plantations.
Formation of Wilcox County (1819-1860)
Official Establishment
Wilcox County was officially established on December 13, 1819, just days before Alabama was admitted to the Union as the 22nd state. It was named in honor of Lieutenant J.M. Wilcox, a military figure who served in the War of 1812. The county seat, Camden, was founded in 1833 and soon became the political and economic center of the county.
Early Settlers and Agriculture
The early settlers of Wilcox County were primarily farmers from Georgia, the Carolinas, and Virginia. They were drawn to the region’s fertile land, which was ideal for growing cotton, a crop that quickly became the backbone of the county’s economy. Like much of the South, Wilcox County’s agricultural success depended heavily on the institution of slavery, with enslaved African Americans making up a significant portion of the population by the mid-19th century.
The Civil War and Reconstruction (1861-1877)
The Civil War’s Impact on Wilcox County
During the Civil War (1861-1865), Wilcox County, like much of Alabama, was deeply involved in the Confederate cause. Many men from the county enlisted in the Confederate Army, and the region’s economy, which relied on slave labor for cotton production, was devastated by the conflict. Although no major battles occurred within the county itself, the war’s impact was significant, particularly with the end of slavery following the Confederacy’s defeat.
The Reconstruction Era
After the Civil War, Wilcox County faced the challenges of Reconstruction. The abolition of slavery and the collapse of the plantation economy forced landowners to adapt to a new labor system. Sharecropping and tenant farming became common, as former enslaved individuals worked on land owned by white farmers. Reconstruction also brought political upheaval, as African Americans gained the right to vote and hold office, though these gains were often met with resistance from the white population. By the end of the Reconstruction era, Jim Crow laws and disenfranchisement had taken hold in Wilcox County, as in much of the South.
Industrialization and Economic Shifts (1880-1940)
Post-Reconstruction Economic Struggles
In the decades following Reconstruction, Wilcox County struggled to recover economically. The collapse of the plantation system, combined with the volatility of cotton prices, left many farmers in debt and poverty. The population began to decline as people left the county in search of better opportunities elsewhere. However, despite these challenges, agriculture remained the dominant industry in the county through the early 20th century.
Timber and Logging Industry
As cotton farming declined, the timber industry grew in importance in Wilcox County. The county’s dense forests, particularly along the Alabama River, provided an abundant source of timber, which became a significant part of the local economy in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Logging camps and sawmills sprang up across the county, providing jobs and boosting economic activity.
Great Depression and New Deal Programs
The Great Depression of the 1930s hit Wilcox County hard, as it did much of rural Alabama. Many farmers lost their land due to foreclosure, and unemployment soared. New Deal programs, such as the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and Works Progress Administration (WPA), provided some relief by creating jobs and building infrastructure, including roads, schools, and public buildings that still stand today.
Civil Rights Movement and Modernization (1940-1970)
The Civil Rights Movement
Wilcox County played a notable role during the Civil Rights Movement. The county, like much of the Deep South, was deeply segregated, and African Americans faced significant barriers to voting and civil rights. One of the most famous aspects of Wilcox County’s history is Gee’s Bend, an isolated African American community located along a bend in the Alabama River. The Gee’s Bend Quilters, a group of women who created quilts that would later become famous worldwide, played an important role in the Civil Rights Movement by using their art to support the fight for racial justice.
Voting Rights Struggles
In the 1960s, Wilcox County became a focal point of the struggle for voting rights. Civil rights activists worked to register African American voters, often facing violence and intimidation. The passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 marked a turning point, allowing many African Americans in Wilcox County to vote for the first time. This helped to break the power of white supremacist structures in the county, though racial tensions remained high for many years.
Modern Wilcox County (1970-Present)
Economic Challenges and Decline
In the latter half of the 20th century, Wilcox County continued to face economic challenges. The decline of the cotton industry and the timber market left the county with limited economic opportunities. Many residents moved away in search of jobs, leading to a steady population decline. Today, Wilcox County is one of the poorest counties in Alabama, with high unemployment and poverty rates.
Preservation of History and Culture
Despite these challenges, Wilcox County has made efforts to preserve its rich history and cultural heritage. The county is home to several historical sites and museums, including the Wilcox Female Institute, which now serves as a museum, and the Alabama River, which continues to be a central feature of the county’s geography and history. Gee’s Bend remains an important cultural landmark, with the quilters’ work gaining international recognition for its artistic and historical significance.
Famous Landmarks and Attractions
Wilcox Female Institute
The Wilcox Female Institute, built in 1849 in Camden, was one of the first educational institutions for women in Alabama. It now serves as a museum and cultural center, preserving the history of education in the county and the state.
Gaines Ridge Dinner Club
Gaines Ridge Dinner Club is located in an antebellum home that dates back to the 1820s. It is considered one of Alabama’s most haunted restaurants and offers both fine dining and a glimpse into the county’s historical architecture.
Roland Cooper State Park
Roland Cooper State Park, located along the Alabama River, offers outdoor recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and camping. The park is a popular destination for both locals and tourists.
Gee’s Bend Quilters
The community of Gee’s Bend is world-renowned for its quilts, which have been displayed in museums across the United States. The Gee’s Bend Quilters Collective continues to create and sell quilts, and visitors can tour the community to learn about its history and cultural significance.