Fort Hampton

Historical marker location:
Athens, Alabama
( Marker is on Lee Highway (U.S. 72) 0.2 miles west of Wright Road, on the right when traveling west.)

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The first known use of the phrase "Roll Tide" was in a 1907 Birmingham News article that referred to the University of Alabama football team. The phrase became a rallying cry for Alabama football fans and is still used today.
Limestone County, Alabama has a rich and diverse history that spans several centuries. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Chickasaw and Creek tribes. European settlers began to arrive in the late 1700s, establishing small communities along the Tennessee River and in the fertile valleys of Limestone County.

During the early 19th century, the county experienced significant growth and development. The town of Athens was founded in 1818 and quickly became a center of commerce and education. Limestone County also played a crucial role in the early years of the state of Alabama, serving as the meeting place for the state's first constitutional convention in 1819.

One of the county's most notable historical events occurred during the Civil War. In 1862, the Battle of Athens took place near the town of Mooresville, resulting in a Union victory. Limestone County was occupied by Union forces for much of the war, and many of the county's buildings and infrastructure were destroyed.

In the years following the war, Limestone County began to rebuild and recover. Agriculture, specifically cotton farming, remained a prominent industry, and the county experienced modest growth. Today, Limestone County is a thriving community with a population of over 100,000 residents. Its rich history and vibrant culture are celebrated through local events, historic sites, and museums, providing a glimpse into the county's fascinating past.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Limestone County, Alabama.

  • 1818: Limestone County is established as one of the original counties in Alabama
  • 1821: The county seat is established in Athens
  • 1822: Athens becomes the site of the first state-owned university in Alabama, known as the Athens Female Academy
  • 1861-1865: Limestone County sends soldiers to fight in the American Civil War
  • 1874: The town of Lester is incorporated
  • 1893: The Alabama State Fair is held in Athens
  • 1936: The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) begins the construction of Wheeler Dam on the Tennessee River
  • 1942: Army Airfield is established near Huntsville, bringing economic growth to Limestone County
  • 1960s-1970s: Limestone County experiences significant industrial growth with the establishment of aerospace and defense companies
  • 1990: The U.S. Census reports a population of over 60,000 in Limestone County
  • 2005: Toyota announces the selection of Huntsville as the site for a new automobile manufacturing plant
  • 2020: Limestone County continues to attract new industries and experiences further population growth