Lee County, Alabama

Abner Alloway Strange, Sr. Advancing American Art Collection African-American Rosemere Cemetery Auburn - Alabama Auburn 1865~Present / The "Loveliest Village" Auburn First Baptist Church Auburn United Methodist Church Founder's Chapel Auburn University Auburn University and the Alabama Farmers Federation Auburn University Chapel Auburn WWI Memorial Baptist Hill Bean's Mill Boom and Change Camp Opelika Cary Hall Chewacla State Park City Hall Darden House Desegregation at Auburn Dillard-Lawson House Dr. Alexander Nunn / Lee County Historical Society East Alabama Male College Ebenezer Baptist Church Emmanuel Episcopal Church First Baptist Church First Rosenwald School First United Methodist Church Fort Cusseta Founders' Oak General James Henry Lane House J. F. Drake High School / Alma Mater Killgore Scholarships / Some Terms of Scholarships Lebanon Methodist Meeting House Lee County Confederate Memorial Lee County Courthouse / Lee County Probate Judges Lee County World War II Honor Roll Lieutenant Colonel Dallas B. Smith Line 32° 28´ North Latitude Loachapoka Historic District Luckie Meagher's Kindergarten / Sani-Freeze Dairy Bar Lynching in America / Lynching in Lee County Max Adams Morris / Max Adams Morris Drill Field New Rosemere Cemetery Noble Hall North College Street Historic District Old Rosemere Cemetery Opelika A Railroad Town/Opelika An Industrial City Pepperell Manufacturing Company Pine Hill Cemetery Railroad Avenue Historic District Robert Wilton Burton Rosseau's Raid to East Alabama Salem Shotwell Covered Bridge Salem, Alabama Scott-Yarbrough House Shady Grove Christian Church Sigma Alpha Epsilon South Railroad Avenue The Auburn Guards The Auburn Guards Reviewed by Jefferson Davis The Baughman-Honour-Stiles House The Bottle The Crescent The Cullars Rotation / The Alvis Field and Cotton Rust The East Alabama Methodist College The Jones Store The Lathe The Old Rotation Thompson Chapel Toomers Corner And The Bank Of Auburn Top Rock Millstone Wittel Dormitory Wright’s Mill
Lee County, Alabama traces its roots back to the early 19th century when it was established as a county on December 5, 1866. Before its establishment, the area was home to the Creek Native American tribe, who inhabited the region for centuries. The county was named after General Robert E. Lee, a prominent Confederate Army general during the American Civil War.

During its early years, Lee County experienced significant growth and development, particularly due to the arrival of the railroad in the 1840s. This new transportation infrastructure led to the establishment of several thriving towns within the county, including Auburn and Opelika. Auburn, in particular, played a crucial role in the county's history as it became the site of the founding of Auburn University in 1856, which has since become a significant educational institution in the Southeastern United States.

Like many areas in the South, Lee County also grappled with the challenges brought on by the Civil Rights Movement in the mid-20th century. The county experienced significant racial tensions and conflicts during this time, with African Americans fighting for equal rights and desegregation. One of the most notable events occurred in Tuskegee, a city within Lee County, where the Tuskegee Airmen—a group of African American military pilots—made history during World War II by overcoming racial barriers.

In recent years, Lee County has continued to experience growth and development. The county's population has steadily increased, and its economy thrived with the presence of Auburn University, local industries, and a diverse range of businesses. Today, Lee County remains a vibrant and diverse community that embraces its rich history while working towards a prosperous future.
Brief timeline of the history of Lee County, Alabama:

  • Lee County was established on December 5, 1866.
  • In 1883, the first railroad, the Atlanta & West Point Railroad, was completed in Lee County.
  • In 1899, Auburn University, then known as Alabama Polytechnic Institute, was founded in Lee County.
  • In 1931, Chewacla State Park was established in Lee County.
  • In 1961, the Robert G. Pitts Municipal Airport was opened in Lee County.
  • In 1975, the Lee County Historical Society was formed to preserve and share the history of the county.
  • In 2007, the East Alabama Medical Center opened its new hospital facility in Lee County.
  • In 2019, Lee County was struck by a devastating tornado, resulting in 23 fatalities.

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

Audiobooks about the history of Alabama.