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Lowndes County
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· Founding Date: January 20, 1830
· Area: 714 square miles
· Population: 12,759 (2006 U.S. Census Bureau estimate)
· Major Waterways: Alabama River
· Major Highways: Interstate 65, U.S. 80, U.S. 31
· County Seat: Hayneville
· Largest City: Fort Deposit
History 
Lowndes County's first and only county seat was established at Hayneville in 1830. The original brick courthouse was constructed
in 1832. In 1856, the courthouse was deemed unsafe by the county commission and a second Greek Revival courthouse was built.
Still in use today, the courthouse had two-story wings added in 1905 to create more office space. In 1981, an annex was added
to the rear of the building. The courthouse has also undergone some minor restoration as well.
Major Cities and Demographics
The population of Lowndes County has remained steady over the last 15 years. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the population
was 12,658 in 1990 and had increased to 13,473 in 2000. By 2006, the U.S. Census Bureau estimated the population to be 12,759.
At the time of the 2005 census, the population consisted of 27.9 percent Caucasian, 71.7 percent African American, and 0.8
percent Hispanic. The median household income was $24,967 in 2004, compared 
Economy
Like so much of Alabama, farming was the prevailing occupation of Lowndes County until well into the twentieth century. As
part of the Black Belt, cotton was Lowndes County's main agricultural product in the nineteenth century. By the early to mid-twentieth century, farmers had diversified into corn, potatoes, and
livestock. Although Lowndes County has attempted to move toward a more industrialized economy, it has done so slowly and with
limited success. The county remains largely rural and agricultural.
The Lowndes County school system employs 318 teachers and administrators who serve approximately 2,500 students in nine primary
and secondary schools. There are no colleges or universities in Lowndes County.
Geography 
The Alabama River and its middle tributaries flow throughout Lowndes County. The Alabama River serves as the unifier of Alabama's eastern and western rivers. Over 144 species of fish have been identified in the Alabama River. The river provides both economic and recreational opportunities for Lowndes County.
Interstate 65 is one of Lowndes County's main transportation routes and runs north-south near the eastern border. U.S. Highway
80 runs east-west across the northern portion of Lowndes County, whereas U.S. Highway 31 runs north-south along the eastern
border. The Fort-Deposit-Lowndes County Airport in Fort Deposit is the county's only public airport.
Events and Places of Interest 
About two miles north of the town of White Hall in present-day Lowndes County is the site of the 1813 battle between Creeks led by Red Eagle and American forces under General Claiborne with Pushmataha's Choctaws as allies. The U.S. forces killed 21 Creeks and forced the rest into the Alabama River and surrounding swamps. Red Eagle is said to have been the last Creek to retreat. The site is part of the Creek Indian War Trail.
Each April, the town of Fort Deposit hosts the annual Calico Fort Arts and Crafts Festival, which began in 1972 and is one
of the oldest and largest fairs in the South. The outdoor festival includes various artists and approximately 200 exhibitors
of jewelry, furniture, folk art, dolls, clothing, soft sculpture, toys, puppets, quilts, birdhouses and feeders, rugs, pillows, stained glass and more.
Additional Resources
The Heritage of Lowndes County, Alabama. Clanton, Ala.: Heritage Publishing Consultants, 2005.
Donna J. Siebenthaler
Auburn University
Published September 14, 2007
Last updated September 29, 2009
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