Historical Markers in

Cleburne County, Alabama

Cleburne County, Alabama has a rich history that is deeply rooted in Native American heritage. Before European settlers arrived, the region was inhabited by the Creek and Cherokee tribes. The area was part of the Creek Confederacy, a powerful Native American alliance that controlled much of the southeastern United States. However, the Creek War of 1813-1814 led to the displacement of many Native Americans, paving the way for European settlement.

The first European settlers arrived in Cleburne County in the early 1800s. They were mainly farmers and established small communities along the Tallapoosa River and other waterways. The county was officially established in 1866 and named after Confederate General Patrick Cleburne, who fought in the Civil War. The county's economy was primarily agricultural, with cotton being the main crop grown by early settlers.

The late 19th and early 20th centuries brought significant changes to Cleburne County. The arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s brought new opportunities for trade and transportation, boosting the county's economy. The opening of iron ore and coal mines in the region led to increased industrialization and attracted immigrants from Europe to work in the mines.

Like many rural areas in the South, Cleburne County was greatly impacted by the Great Depression in the 1930s. The economy suffered, and many residents faced extreme poverty. However, with the construction of the McClellan-Kerr Navigation System in the 1960s, which created the nearby Lake Wedowee, tourism and recreation became significant industries in the county, providing a much-needed boost to the local economy. Today, Cleburne County is a vibrant community that honors its history while embracing growth and development.