Stephenson House
Cobb St., Oakman, AL Local significance of the building: Architecture; Social History
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1978.
About National Register Listings
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.
The first European settlement in Alabama was established in 1702 by the French at Fort Louis de la Mobile, which is now the city of Mobile. It was named after Louis XIV of France and was the capital of French Louisiana until 1711.
About Walker County
Walker County Timeline
Walker County, Alabama, named after Senator John Williams Walker, has a rich history that begins centuries ago with Native American tribes who inhabited the area. The region was settled by Europeans in the early 1800s, primarily by Scotch-Irish and English immigrants. The arrival of steam-powered riverboats in the 1820s facilitated trade and transportation, attracting more settlers to the area. With the discovery of coal in the mid-1800s, Walker County experienced a significant economic boom.
In 1823, Walker County was officially established, and its first county seat was located in Jasper. The county grew rapidly throughout the 19th century due to the thriving coal industry. The abundance of high-quality coal deposits in the county attracted numerous mining companies, leading to the establishment of mining towns and communities such as Carbon Hill, Empire, and Cordova.
The early 20th century brought both prosperity and challenges to Walker County. The coal mining industry continued to flourish, attracting thousands of workers and boosting the local economy. However, the county also faced labor disputes and mine disasters, which resulted in tragic loss of life and economic setbacks. Nevertheless, the resilience of the community and the importance of the coal industry allowed Walker County to recover and continue growing.
In recent decades, Walker County has diversified its economy beyond coal, embracing a more balanced mix of industries such as healthcare, manufacturing, and tourism. The county has also focused on preserving its rich historical and cultural heritage, evident in attractions such as the Bankhead National Forest, which offers opportunities for outdoor recreation. Walker County's history continues to shape its present and future, maintaining a connection to its roots while embracing opportunities for growth and development.
In 1823, Walker County was officially established, and its first county seat was located in Jasper. The county grew rapidly throughout the 19th century due to the thriving coal industry. The abundance of high-quality coal deposits in the county attracted numerous mining companies, leading to the establishment of mining towns and communities such as Carbon Hill, Empire, and Cordova.
The early 20th century brought both prosperity and challenges to Walker County. The coal mining industry continued to flourish, attracting thousands of workers and boosting the local economy. However, the county also faced labor disputes and mine disasters, which resulted in tragic loss of life and economic setbacks. Nevertheless, the resilience of the community and the importance of the coal industry allowed Walker County to recover and continue growing.
In recent decades, Walker County has diversified its economy beyond coal, embracing a more balanced mix of industries such as healthcare, manufacturing, and tourism. The county has also focused on preserving its rich historical and cultural heritage, evident in attractions such as the Bankhead National Forest, which offers opportunities for outdoor recreation. Walker County's history continues to shape its present and future, maintaining a connection to its roots while embracing opportunities for growth and development.
Walker County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Walker County, Alabama.
- 1800s - The land that would become Walker County was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Creek and Cherokee.
- 1818 - The area became part of Alabama when it officially became a state.
- 1823 - Walker County was created and named after John Williams Walker, a senator from Alabama.
- 1833 - The county seat was established in Jasper.
- Mid-1800s - The county experienced a boom in coal mining, which became a major industry in the region.
- 1861-1865 - During the American Civil War, Walker County saw its fair share of conflicts and was occupied by both Union and Confederate forces at different times.
- Late 1800s - The county's coal industry continued to grow, with new mines being opened and railroads established for transportation.
- Early 1900s - Walker County faced challenges such as labor disputes in the coal mines and the Great Depression.
- 1930s-1950s - The establishment of the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and the construction of hydroelectric dams offered new economic opportunities for the county.
- Late 1900s - Walker County's economy diversified, with the healthcare industry, manufacturing, and retail becoming significant sectors.
- Present - Walker County continues to evolve, with ongoing efforts to promote economic development, preserve its history, and improve the quality of life for its residents.