Colbert County, Alabama is located in the northwest corner of the state. It is bordered by Lauderdale County to the east, Franklin County to the south, and Mississippi and Tennessee to the west and north respectively. See top counties in Alabama. The county has a population of approximately 56,000 people and covers an area of 616 square miles. The county seat is Tuscumbia, which is also home to the University of North Alabama. Colbert County has a strong agricultural economy with cotton being one of its major crops. Other important industries include poultry production, manufacturing, tourism and recreation. The county features several natural attractions such as Joe Wheeler State Park and Pickwick Lake which offer fishing, boating, camping and other outdoor activities. Tuscumbia is also home to several historic sites including Ivy Green (the birthplace of Helen Keller), Colbert County Courthouse (the oldest courthouse in Alabama) and Belle Mont Mansion (a grand antebellum plantation house). Education in Colbert County is provided by two school systems – Colbert County Schools and Muscle Shoals City Schools – as well as several private institutions. Colbert County offers a vibrant blend of natural beauty, rich history and modern amenities that make it an attractive place for residents and visitors alike.
History of Colbert County, Alabama
Colbert County, Alabama has a long and fascinating history that dates back to the early 19th century. Prior to its establishment, the area was inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Chickasaw, Choctaw and Creek. In 1818, the Treaty of Fort Jackson ceded all of present-day Colbert County to the United States. The county was created in 1867 from parts of Lauderdale and Franklin counties and named after George Colbert, a Chickasaw chief who had fought alongside Andrew Jackson during the War of 1812.
During Reconstruction following the Civil War, Colbert County experienced rapid growth as freedmen moved into the area and began farming cotton on small plots of land. The town of Tuscumbia became an important regional center for commerce and industry during this period as well. In 1880, the University of North Alabama was founded in Tuscumbia, making it one of the oldest universities in Alabama.
The 20th century saw continued growth in Colbert County with new industries such as steel production and textiles taking root in Tuscumbia while several other small towns such as Muscle Shoals developed around them. During this time period, many African-American residents also moved into the area from other parts of Alabama or neighboring states in search for better economic opportunities.
Today, Colbert County is home to 56 thousand people from diverse backgrounds with a thriving economy based on agriculture, manufacturing, tourism and recreation. Visitors can explore its numerous historic sites such as Ivy Green (the birthplace of Helen Keller) or Belle Mont Mansion (a grand antebellum plantation house). With its unique blend of natural beauty, rich history and modern amenities it is no wonder why Colbert County is an attractive place for both residents and visitors alike.
Major cities and towns in Colbert County, Alabama
Colbert County, Alabama is home to five major cities and towns, each with its own unique history and culture. The county seat is Tuscumbia, a city of 8 thousand people located on the banks of the Tennessee River. It is best known as the birthplace of Helen Keller and for being an important regional center during Reconstruction. Other notable attractions in Tuscumbia include Ivy Green (Helen Keller’s childhood home) and the University of North Alabama campus.
The city of Muscle Shoals is located just north of Tuscumbia along the Tennessee River and has a population of 13 thousand people. It is most famous for its music scene, having produced numerous classic hits by artists such as Aretha Franklin and Bob Dylan. Other attractions in Muscle Shoals include Wilson Dam (the oldest hydroelectric dam in the world) and McFarland Park (a popular destination for outdoor recreation).
Sheffield is another historic town in Colbert County with a population of 9 thousand people. It was founded in 1883 by Colonel Harman Patrick Green who named it after his hometown in England. Sheffield’s most famous attraction is Natchez Trace Parkway which runs through it on its way from Nashville to Natchez, Mississippi.
The town of Littleville has a population of 1 thousand people and was founded by freedmen shortly after the Civil War ended. Its main attraction is Littleville Lake which offers visitors numerous recreational activities such as fishing, swimming, boating, camping and more.
Finally, there’s Leighton which has a population of 2 thousand people and was founded in 1882 by railroad workers who needed housing near their workplace. Leighton’s main attraction today is Joe Wheeler State Park which offers visitors access to beautiful beaches along Wheeler Lake as well as numerous trails for hiking or biking.
All together these five major cities and towns make up Colbert County – an area full of history, culture and natural beauty that attracts both residents and visitors alike.
Population in Colbert County, Alabama
According to Iamaccepted, Colbert County, Alabama is located in the northwest corner of the state, with a population of 53,428 people. The county seat is Tuscumbia, which has a population of 8 thousand people and is best known as the birthplace of Helen Keller. Muscle Shoals lies just north of Tuscumbia with a population of 13 thousand people. This city is famous for its music scene and producing classic hits by artists such as Aretha Franklin and Bob Dylan. Sheffield is another historic town in Colbert County with 9 thousand people and was named after Colonel Harman Patrick Green’s hometown in England. Littleville has a population of 1 thousand people and was founded by freedmen shortly after the Civil War ended. Finally, there’s Leighton with 2 thousand people which was founded by railroad workers who needed housing near their workplace.
The racial makeup of Colbert County is 79% White, 18% Black or African American, 0.3% Native American, 1% Asian, 0.2% Pacific Islander, 0.7% from other races and 1.5% from two or more races. The average household size is 2.58 persons per household and 21% of households have children under 18 living in them while 15 percent are 65 years or older living alone with no other family members present in the home.
The median income for a family in Colbert County is $44,735 which has decreased over the years due to economic downturns throughout the state especially during recent years due to job loss from manufacturing industries moving out of Alabama to other states offering cheaper labor costs such as Mexico or China. Meanwhile 22 percent live below poverty line making it one of the poorest counties in Alabama despite its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty attractions that attract both residents and visitors alike throughout all seasons each year.
In terms of education levels within Colbert County, there are 5 public schools available to students ranging from elementary to high school level as well as 6 private schools that offer religious-based education for those families wishing to have their children receive religious instruction along with their academic curriculum while attending school here at Colbert County. College-level opportunities include University Of North Alabama located right here in Tuscumbia offering undergraduate programs through post-graduate degrees.