National Register Listing

Coosa County Jail

Off AL 22, Rockford, AL
Local significance of the building:
Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1974.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

architecture jails and prisons
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.
Alabama random facts
Coosa County, Alabama, has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The region was once inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Creek and Cherokee. The Creek, specifically the Upper Creek, were the dominant tribe in this area during the 18th and early 19th centuries. Coosa County derived its name from a Creek Indian village named Coosa, which was located on the Coosa River.

European settlers began to arrive in the early 19th century, leading to conflicts with the Creek Indians. During the Creek War of 1813-1814, General Andrew Jackson and his troops fought against the Creek in what became known as the Battle of Horseshoe Bend, a decisive victory that led to the Treaty of Fort Jackson. The treaty forced the Creek to cede their lands in present-day Coosa County and much of Alabama to the United States, resulting in the displacement of the Native American population.

Following the removal of the Creek Indians, Coosa County was officially established on December 18, 1832. The county grew steadily over time, with agriculture, particularly cotton farming, becoming its primary industry. The county was also home to several thriving mineral industries, including iron ore mining, coal mining, and marble production. This led to economic growth and attracted more settlers to the region.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Coosa County, like many areas in the South, faced significant challenges due to the Civil War and Reconstruction. However, the county rebounded and continued to develop in the following years. Today, Coosa County remains an important part of Alabama's history, with its diverse heritage, natural beauty, and prominent landmarks attracting visitors from near and far.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Coosa County, Alabama.

  • 1832 - Coosa County was established by the Alabama Legislature.
  • 1834 - The county seat was established in Rockford.
  • 1836 - The Creek War ended, allowing settlers to begin moving into the area.
  • 1861-1865 - Coosa County residents actively participated in the American Civil War.
  • 1907 - The first motorized vehicle arrived in Coosa County.
  • 1923 - The first telephone lines were installed in the county.
  • 1941-1945 - Coosa County contributed to the World War II efforts.
  • 1965 - The Coosa County Historical Society was founded to preserve local history and culture.
  • 1997 - The Coosa County Courthouse, built in 1910, was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
  • 2000 - Coosa County celebrated its 150th anniversary.