Freemount Junior High School
Historical marker location:
1050 AL-131, Bakerhill, Alabama
( Marker is at the intersection of Alabama Route 131 and Dennis Road, on the left when traveling west on State Route 131.)
Marker installed: 2007
Loading...
The state of Alabama played a significant role in the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 60s. The Montgomery Bus Boycott, which was sparked by Rosa Parks' refusal to give up her seat on a bus, took place in Montgomery, Alabama in 1955. The city was also the site of the Selma to Montgomery marches in 1965, which were a key event in the struggle for voting rights for African Americans.
About Barbour County
Barbour County Timeline
Barbour County, located in southeastern Alabama, has a rich history that dates back to its establishment in 1832. The region was originally inhabited by the Creek Native American tribe, until the Indian Removal Act of 1830 forced them to relocate westward. The county was named after James Barbour, a U.S. senator and 18th-century Virginia governor.
In the early years, Barbour County's economy was predominantly driven by agriculture. Plantations were established, with cotton being the primary crop cultivated by enslaved African Americans. The county thrived during the antebellum period, but the Civil War brought significant changes. Barbour County experienced the devastating effects of the conflict, with battles taking place in nearby areas and the decline of the plantation system.
Following the war, Barbour County faced the challenges of Reconstruction. The county's economy shifted to focus on timber, mining, and manufacturing, particularly with the establishment of sawmills. The railroad industry also played a crucial role in developing the county, linking it to other parts of Alabama and facilitating trade and transportation.
During the civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s, Barbour County became a site of significant activism and resistance. African Americans, led by prominent local leaders including William T. Baxley and J.L. Chestnut Jr., fought for equal rights and against racial segregation. These efforts led to notable achievements, such as the desegregation of public facilities and the increase in African American political representation.
Today, Barbour County continues to be an agricultural hub, with farming and forestry as important sectors of the local economy. The county's history is celebrated through various heritage festivals and events, reflecting the diverse cultures and influences that have shaped its past.
In the early years, Barbour County's economy was predominantly driven by agriculture. Plantations were established, with cotton being the primary crop cultivated by enslaved African Americans. The county thrived during the antebellum period, but the Civil War brought significant changes. Barbour County experienced the devastating effects of the conflict, with battles taking place in nearby areas and the decline of the plantation system.
Following the war, Barbour County faced the challenges of Reconstruction. The county's economy shifted to focus on timber, mining, and manufacturing, particularly with the establishment of sawmills. The railroad industry also played a crucial role in developing the county, linking it to other parts of Alabama and facilitating trade and transportation.
During the civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s, Barbour County became a site of significant activism and resistance. African Americans, led by prominent local leaders including William T. Baxley and J.L. Chestnut Jr., fought for equal rights and against racial segregation. These efforts led to notable achievements, such as the desegregation of public facilities and the increase in African American political representation.
Today, Barbour County continues to be an agricultural hub, with farming and forestry as important sectors of the local economy. The county's history is celebrated through various heritage festivals and events, reflecting the diverse cultures and influences that have shaped its past.
Barbour County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Barbour County, Alabama.
- 1832 - Barbour County is created by an act of the Alabama State Legislature.
- 1833 - The county seat is established in Louisville, Alabama.
- 1834 - The first courthouse is completed in Louisville.
- 1863 - During the American Civil War, the county is occupied by Union troops.
- 1868 - The county seat is moved from Louisville to Clayton.
- 1893 - The first railroad, the Alabama Midland Railway, is completed in the county.
- 1903 - The town of Eufaula becomes the largest city in Barbour County.
- 1929 - The Great Depression begins, negatively affecting the county's economy.
- 1941 - Barbour County contributes soldiers to World War II.
- 1965 - Civil rights activism takes place in the county during the Selma to Montgomery marches.
- 2000 - Barbour County's population reaches its peak at over 29,000 residents.