Barbour County, Alabama
Encyclopedia
Barbour County, Alabama is a county
of the U.S. state
of Alabama
. Its name is in honor of James Barbour
, who served as Governor of Virginia
. As of 2010 the population was 27,457. Its county seat
is Clayton
.
. Its boundaries were altered in 1866 and 1868. The Election Riot of 1874
occurred near Comer.
In 1833, Louisville was chosen as the first county seat for Barbour County. The county seat was moved in 1834 after an eleven-member committee selected Clayton to be the seat of government because of its central geographic location. By the 1870s, Eufaula had surpassed Clayton in size, sparking debate concerning whether the county seat should be moved to the county's commercial center or remain at its geographic center. A compromise was reached on February 12, 1879, with the approval of Act No. 106, establishing courts in both Eufaula and Clayton. Today, two courthouses remain operational in Barbour County.
of 2000, there were 29,038 people, 10,409 households, and 7,390 families residing in the county. The population density
was 33 people per square mile (13/km2). There were 12,461 housing units at an average density of 14 per square mile (5/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 51.27% White
, 46.32% Black
or African American
, 0.45% Native American
, 0.29% Asian
, 0.03% Pacific Islander
, 0.91% from other races
, and 0.73% from two or more races. 1.65% of the population were Hispanic
or Latino
of any race. There were 670 people who spoke Spanish in their home. The only other language with over 100 speakers was French at 105.
In 2005 Barbour County had a population that was 49.5% non-Hispanic whites. 46.8% of the population was African-American. 0.3% of the population reported more than one race. Latinos were now 3.1% of the population. 0.4% were Native American and 0.3% were Asian. (Sources census quickfacts)
In 2000 There were 10,409 households out of which 33.30% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.90% were married couples
living together, 19.10% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.00% were non-families. 26.50% of all households were made up of individuals and 12.10% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.53 and the average family size was 3.04.
In the county the population was spread out with 25.40% under the age of 18, 9.30% from 18 to 24, 29.60% from 25 to 44, 22.40% from 45 to 64, and 13.30% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females there were 106.40 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 106.80 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $25,101, and the median income for a family was $31,877. Males had a median income of $28,441 versus $19,882 for females. The per capita income
for the county was $13,316. About 21.60% of families and 26.80% of the population were below the poverty line, including 37.10% of those under age 18 and 26.40% of those age 65 or over.
In 2000, the largest denominational groups were Evangelical Protestants (with 8,935 adherents) and Mainline Protestants (with 2,492 adherents). The largest religious bodies were The Southern Baptist Convention
(with 7,576 members) and The United Methodist Church
(with 1,811 members).
.
County (United States)
In the United States, a county is a geographic subdivision of a state , usually assigned some governmental authority. The term "county" is used in 48 of the 50 states; Louisiana is divided into parishes and Alaska into boroughs. Parishes and boroughs are called "county-equivalents" by the U.S...
of the U.S. state
U.S. state
A U.S. state is any one of the 50 federated states of the United States of America that share sovereignty with the federal government. Because of this shared sovereignty, an American is a citizen both of the federal entity and of his or her state of domicile. Four states use the official title of...
of Alabama
Alabama
Alabama is a state located in the southeastern region of the United States. It is bordered by Tennessee to the north, Georgia to the east, Florida and the Gulf of Mexico to the south, and Mississippi to the west. Alabama ranks 30th in total land area and ranks second in the size of its inland...
. Its name is in honor of James Barbour
James Barbour
James Barbour was an American lawyer, amember and speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates, the 18th Governor of Virginia, the first Governor to reside in the current Virginia Governor's Mansion, a U.S. Senator from 1814–1825, and the United States Secretary of War from 1825-1828.Barbour was a...
, who served as Governor of Virginia
Governor of Virginia
The governor of Virginia serves as the chief executive of the Commonwealth of Virginia for a four-year term. The position is currently held by Republican Bob McDonnell, who was inaugurated on January 16, 2010, as the 71st governor of Virginia....
. As of 2010 the population was 27,457. Its county seat
County seat
A county seat is an administrative center, or seat of government, for a county or civil parish. The term is primarily used in the United States....
is Clayton
Clayton, Alabama
Clayton is a town in and the county seat of Barbour County, Alabama, United States. The population was 1,475 at the 2000 census.-History:County Seat of Barbour County...
.
History
Barbour County was established on December 18, 1832, from former Creek Indian territory and a portion of Pike CountyPike County, Alabama
Pike County is a county of the U.S. state of Alabama. Its name is in honor of General Zebulon Pike, of New Jersey, an explorer who led an expedition to southern Colorado and discovered Pikes Peak in 1806. As of 2010 the population was 32,899. Its county seat is Troy.- History :In 1819 the State...
. Its boundaries were altered in 1866 and 1868. The Election Riot of 1874
Election Riot of 1874
The Election Riot of 1874 or Coup of 1874 took place on election day, November 3, 1874 near Comer, Alabama. On that day, the White League , formed an armed mob and invaded Eufaula, killing at least seven black Republicans, injuring at least 70 more, and driving off over 1,000 defenseless...
occurred near Comer.
In 1833, Louisville was chosen as the first county seat for Barbour County. The county seat was moved in 1834 after an eleven-member committee selected Clayton to be the seat of government because of its central geographic location. By the 1870s, Eufaula had surpassed Clayton in size, sparking debate concerning whether the county seat should be moved to the county's commercial center or remain at its geographic center. A compromise was reached on February 12, 1879, with the approval of Act No. 106, establishing courts in both Eufaula and Clayton. Today, two courthouses remain operational in Barbour County.
Barbour County Governors
Barbour County is home to more Alabama governors than any other county in the state. Six elected governors as well as two acting governors have called Barbour County home. The Barbour County Governors' Trail was established by an act of the Alabama Legislature in 2000 to honor the eight distinguished men and women who have served as governor from Barbour County.| Alabama Governors from Barbour County | ||
|---|---|---|
| Name | In Office | Hometown |
| John Gill Shorter John Gill Shorter John Gill Shorter was the 17th Governor of the U.S. state of Alabama from 1861 to 1863, during the Civil War.Shorter, an attorney, was born in 1818 in Monticello, Georgia and died in 1872 in Eufaula, Alabama.-References:... |
1861–1863 | Eufaula, AL |
| William Dorsey Jelks | 1901–1907 | Eufaula, AL |
| Braxton Bragg Comer | 1907–1911 | Spring Hill, AL |
| Charles S. McDowell | July 10,11, 1924 | Eufaula, AL |
| Chauncey Sparks Chauncey Sparks George Chauncey Sparks , known as Chauncey Sparks, was a Democratic American politician who was 41st Governor of Alabama from 1943 to 1947. Alabama governors at the time could not serve consecutive terms so Sparks left office without seeking reelection... |
1943–1947 | Eufaula, AL |
| Lurleen Burns Wallace | 1967–1968 Died in Office |
Clayton, AL |
| Jere Beasley | June 5 - July 7, 1972 | Clayton, AL |
| George Corley Wallace | 1963–1967, 1971-1979, 1983-1987 |
Clio, AL |
Geography
According to the 2000 census, the county has a total area of 904.52 square miles (2,342.7 km²), of which 884.9 square miles (2,291.9 km²) (or 97.83%) is land and 19.61 square miles (50.8 km²) (or 2.17%) is water.Major highways
U.S. Highway 82
U.S. Highway 431
State Route 10
State Route 30
State Route 51
Adjacent counties
- Russell County, AlabamaRussell County, AlabamaRussell County is a county of the U.S. state of Alabama. Its name is in honor of Colonel Gilbert C. Russell, who fought in the wars against the Creek Indians. As of 2010, the population was 52,947...
- northeast - Quitman County, GeorgiaQuitman County, GeorgiaQuitman County is a county located in the U.S. state of Georgia. It was created on December 10, 1858 and named after General John A. Quitman, leader in the Mexican War, and once Governor of Mississippi. As of 2000, the population was 2,598. The 2007 Census Estimate shows a population of 2,666...
- east - Stewart County, GeorgiaStewart County, GeorgiaStewart County is a county located in the U.S. state of Georgia. It was created on December 23, 1830. The 2010 Census reflected a population of 6,058. The 2009 Census Estimate shows a population of 4,558. The county seat is Lumpkin.-History:...
- east - Clay County, GeorgiaClay County, GeorgiaClay County is a county located in the U.S. state of Georgia. As of 2000, the population was 3,357. The 2007 Census Estimate shows a population of 3,207...
- southeast - Henry County, AlabamaHenry County, AlabamaHenry County is a county of the U.S. state of Alabama. Its name is in honor of Patrick Henry, famous orator and Governor of Virginia. As of 2010, its population was 17,302...
- south - Dale County, AlabamaDale County, AlabamaDale County is a county of the U.S. state of Alabama. Its name is in honor of General Samuel Dale. As of the 2010 census the population was 50,251...
- south - Pike County, AlabamaPike County, AlabamaPike County is a county of the U.S. state of Alabama. Its name is in honor of General Zebulon Pike, of New Jersey, an explorer who led an expedition to southern Colorado and discovered Pikes Peak in 1806. As of 2010 the population was 32,899. Its county seat is Troy.- History :In 1819 the State...
- west - Bullock County, AlabamaBullock County, AlabamaBullock County, Alabama is a county of the U.S. state of Alabama. Its name is in honor of Colonel Edward C. Bullock of Barbour County. Living descendants of Colonel Bullock include prominent American cinema film actress, Sandra Bullock. As of 2010 the population was 10,914. In 1867, Union Springs...
- northwest
Demographics
As of the censusCensus
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
of 2000, there were 29,038 people, 10,409 households, and 7,390 families residing in the county. The population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 33 people per square mile (13/km2). There were 12,461 housing units at an average density of 14 per square mile (5/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 51.27% White
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 46.32% Black
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
or African American
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.45% Native American
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.29% Asian
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.03% Pacific Islander
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.91% from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 0.73% from two or more races. 1.65% of the population were Hispanic
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
or Latino
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
of any race. There were 670 people who spoke Spanish in their home. The only other language with over 100 speakers was French at 105.
In 2005 Barbour County had a population that was 49.5% non-Hispanic whites. 46.8% of the population was African-American. 0.3% of the population reported more than one race. Latinos were now 3.1% of the population. 0.4% were Native American and 0.3% were Asian. (Sources census quickfacts)
In 2000 There were 10,409 households out of which 33.30% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.90% were married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 19.10% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.00% were non-families. 26.50% of all households were made up of individuals and 12.10% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.53 and the average family size was 3.04.
In the county the population was spread out with 25.40% under the age of 18, 9.30% from 18 to 24, 29.60% from 25 to 44, 22.40% from 45 to 64, and 13.30% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females there were 106.40 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 106.80 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $25,101, and the median income for a family was $31,877. Males had a median income of $28,441 versus $19,882 for females. The per capita income
Per capita income
Per capita income or income per person is a measure of mean income within an economic aggregate, such as a country or city. It is calculated by taking a measure of all sources of income in the aggregate and dividing it by the total population...
for the county was $13,316. About 21.60% of families and 26.80% of the population were below the poverty line, including 37.10% of those under age 18 and 26.40% of those age 65 or over.
In 2000, the largest denominational groups were Evangelical Protestants (with 8,935 adherents) and Mainline Protestants (with 2,492 adherents). The largest religious bodies were The Southern Baptist Convention
Southern Baptist Convention
The Southern Baptist Convention is a United States-based Christian denomination. It is the world's largest Baptist denomination and the largest Protestant body in the United States, with over 16 million members...
(with 7,576 members) and The United Methodist Church
United Methodist Church
The United Methodist Church is a Methodist Christian denomination which is both mainline Protestant and evangelical. Founded in 1968 by the union of The Methodist Church and the Evangelical United Brethren Church, the UMC traces its roots back to the revival movement of John and Charles Wesley...
(with 1,811 members).
Cities and towns
- BakerhillBakerhill, AlabamaBakerhill or Baker Hill is a city in Barbour County, Alabama, United States, near Eufaula. According to the 2005 U.S. Census estimates, the city had a population of 321...
- Batesville
- Blue SpringsBlue Springs, AlabamaBlue Springs is a town in Barbour County, Alabama, United States. At the 2000 census the population was 121. According to the 2005 U.S. Census estimates, the town had a population of 118. -Geography:...
- ClaytonClayton, AlabamaClayton is a town in and the county seat of Barbour County, Alabama, United States. The population was 1,475 at the 2000 census.-History:County Seat of Barbour County...
- ClioClio, AlabamaClio is a city in Barbour County, Alabama, United States. The population was 2,206 at the 2000 census, at which time it was a town. It is the birthplace of former Alabama governor George C. Wallace, as well as Baseball Hall of Famer and current Atlanta Braves broadcaster, Don...
- Comer
- EufaulaEufaula, AlabamaEufaula is a city in Barbour County, Alabama, United States. At the 2000 census the population was 13,908.-Geography:Eufaula is located at 31°53'21.732" North, 85°9'13.586" West ....
- ElamvilleElamville, AlabamaElamville is a sleepy crossroads community in the southwest corner of Barbour County, Alabama, United States. In the early to mid 20th century Elamville was known for the "Old Oak Tree" in the middle of town where the elderly men of the community played dominoes on the state provided concrete...
- LouisvilleLouisville, AlabamaLouisville is a town in Barbour County, Alabama, United States. At the 2000 census the population was 612.-Geography:Louisville is located at 31°46'49.112" North, 85°33'26.629" West .According to the U.S...
- Mount Andrews
- Springhill
Places of interest
Barbour County is home to Lakepoint Resort State Park, Blue Springs State Park, and the Eufaula National Wildlife RefugeEufaula National Wildlife Refuge
Eufaula National Wildlife Refuge is a 11,184 acre National Wildlife Refuge located in Barbour and Russell counties in Alabama and Stewart and Quitman counties in Georgia. Eufaula NWR is located on the Walter F. George Lake along the Chattahoochee River between Alabama and Georgia...
.
See also
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Barbour County, Alabama
- Properties on the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage in Barbour County, Alabama
Further reading
- Trayvick, J.C. (2005). Soil survey of Barbour County, Alabama. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service.