Chilton County, Alabama
Army Barracks for Enlisted Men
Battle at Ebenezer Baptist Church
Central Alabama Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Chilton County History
Chilton County Training School 1924-1969
Chilton County Veterans Memorial
City of Clanton
Ebenezer Church
Maplesville United Methodist Church
Marbury Methodist Church
Memorial Hall
Memorial Hall Flagpole
Memorial to Union Dead at Battle of Ebenezer Church
Memorial Tree
Mitchell Dam
Monument to Jefferson Manly Falkner
Mountain Creek Post Office
Scandinavian Cemetery
Steam Locomotive Bell
The Alabama Confederate Soldiers' Home
Thorsby Remembers Our Veterans
Thorsby: A Scandinavian Colony in the South
Verbena, Alabama
Walnut Creek United Methodist Church
Water Tank
Woven Wire Fence
Woven Wire Fence
In the early 19th century, settlers moved to the area and brought agriculture to Chilton County. The fertile land made it perfect for farming, primarily cotton and corn. As more families moved to the region, small communities began to emerge, including the county seat of Clanton, which was incorporated in 1870.
The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century brought further growth and development to Chilton County. The transportation connection made it easier for products to be shipped and for people to travel, leading to increased economic activity. With the introduction of the peach industry in the early 20th century, Chilton County gained its reputation as the "Peach Capital of Alabama."
Chilton County faced challenges during the Great Depression, as did the rest of the country. However, the resilience of its people and the diversification of agriculture helped the community weather the storm. The county continued to thrive, with the peach industry becoming one of its major economic drivers, attracting tourists from all over to enjoy the annual peach festivals that celebrate this delicious fruit.
Today, Chilton County remains a vibrant community with a strong agricultural heritage. Though peach farming has faced some difficulties in recent years, the county still produces a significant portion of Alabama's fruit, while also embracing other industries such as poultry, cattle, and timber. The history of Chilton County is deeply intertwined with its agricultural roots, and it continues to maintain its status as a fruitful and essential part of Alabama's economy.
Brief timeline of the history of Chilton County, Alabama:
- Chilton County was established on December 30, 1868.
- In 1914, the Alabama Power Company built the Mitchell Dam on the Coosa River.
- Chilton County's peach industry began to thrive in the 1920s.
- In 1942, the Cahaba Coal Fields No. 4 and 8 shipped over 660,000 tons of coal.
- Construction of Interstate 65 through Chilton County was completed in 1973.
- In 2000, the population of Chilton County reached over 39,000 people.
- In 2011, Chilton County celebrated its 150th anniversary.
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Chilton County, Alabama.