Cities in Chambers County, Alabama
Chambers County, located in east-central Alabama, is known for its rich history, beautiful landscapes, and deep connections to the textile industry. Established in 1832, the county was named after Henry H. Chambers, a U.S. senator from Alabama. Chambers County shares its eastern border with Georgia and lies in the Chattahoochee River Valley, which has historically influenced the region’s agriculture and industry. The county developed as a textile hub during the 19th and 20th centuries, with many mill towns sprouting up along the river. Today, Chambers County features a blend of historical sites, small-town charm, and scenic natural resources. It is home to four incorporated cities: Valley, Lanett, LaFayette, and Five Points.
Valley
City Overview
Valley is the largest city in Chambers County, formed in 1980 by consolidating several mill villages that had grown around the textile industry. Located in the eastern part of the county along the Chattahoochee River, Valley thrived during the textile boom of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, primarily thanks to the WestPoint Stevens mills. While the textile industry has since declined, Valley has transformed into a suburban city with a strong sense of community and a rich industrial heritage. The city’s historic textile mills and surrounding neighborhoods reflect its legacy as a mill town, and efforts have been made to preserve these cultural landmarks.
City Facts
- Population: Approximately 9,000
- Household Income: Median household income around $35,000
- Airports: Columbus Metropolitan Airport (40 miles away), Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (80 miles away)
- Highways: Interstate 85, U.S. Route 29, Alabama State Route 50
Major Landmarks and Hotels
Valley is home to several historical landmarks, including the Langdale and Riverdale Mill villages, which showcase the city’s textile heritage. The City of Valley Sportsplex is a popular recreational site that hosts various sports events. Another major attraction is the Chattahoochee River, offering opportunities for boating, fishing, and other outdoor activities. Visitors to Valley can stay at nearby hotels, such as the Hampton Inn & Suites in Lanett or the Quality Inn in nearby Opelika, which provide convenient accommodations for those exploring the county.
Lanett
City Overview
Lanett, located on the Alabama-Georgia border along the Chattahoochee River, was founded in the late 19th century as a mill town. Its name is a combination of Lafayette Lanier and Theodore Bennett, two prominent figures in the textile industry who were instrumental in establishing the Lanett Cotton Mills. Like Valley, Lanett thrived during the peak of the textile era, with its economy centered around cotton production and manufacturing. Today, Lanett continues to serve as an important hub in Chambers County, with a focus on revitalization and development while maintaining its small-town charm and connection to its industrial past.
City Facts
- Population: Approximately 6,200
- Household Income: Median household income around $28,000
- Airports: Columbus Metropolitan Airport (30 miles away), Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (85 miles away)
- Highways: Interstate 85, U.S. Route 29, Alabama State Route 50
Major Landmarks and Hotels
Lanett features several key historical and recreational landmarks, including the Lanett Mill Village Historic District, which preserves the history of the town’s textile mills. The town is also near West Point Lake, a reservoir on the Chattahoochee River that offers fishing, boating, and camping. Additionally, the nearby Georgia-Alabama state line provides easy access to attractions in both states. For accommodations, visitors can stay at the Hampton Inn & Suites in Lanett, offering comfortable lodging near the highway and local attractions.
LaFayette
City Overview
LaFayette is the county seat of Chambers County and has a deep historical significance. Established in 1835, LaFayette was named after the Marquis de Lafayette, a French hero of the American Revolution. The city served as an agricultural hub in the 19th century, with cotton being the primary crop. Its historic downtown district is filled with 19th-century architecture, reflecting its past as a center of commerce and politics. LaFayette is perhaps best known as the birthplace of heavyweight boxing champion Joe Louis, often referred to as the “Brown Bomber.” Today, LaFayette remains a small, close-knit community with a focus on preserving its historical heritage.
City Facts
- Population: Approximately 2,800
- Household Income: Median household income around $30,000
- Airports: Auburn University Regional Airport (40 miles away), Montgomery Regional Airport (65 miles away)
- Highways: U.S. Route 431, Alabama State Route 50, Alabama State Route 77
Major Landmarks and Hotels
LaFayette’s main historical landmark is the Chambers County Courthouse, built in 1899 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The courthouse is a stunning example of Romanesque Revival architecture. The town also honors its famous son with the Joe Louis Monument, which commemorates the boxing legend’s life and legacy. For accommodations, LaFayette offers a few local bed-and-breakfasts and smaller inns, while more extensive hotel options can be found in nearby Opelika or Auburn, providing easy access for visitors exploring the area’s history and charm.
Five Points
City Overview
Five Points is the smallest incorporated town in Chambers County, known for its rural charm and agricultural heritage. Located in the northern part of the county, Five Points was established in 1915 and named for the intersection of five roads in the center of the town. Historically, the town served as a trading post for local farmers, with cotton and livestock being the primary products. Although Five Points has remained a small, rural community, it has retained its historic character and continues to serve as a quiet, peaceful town with a strong sense of community.
City Facts
- Population: Approximately 140
- Household Income: Median household income around $40,000
- Airports: Auburn University Regional Airport (50 miles away), Montgomery Regional Airport (70 miles away)
- Highways: Alabama State Route 49, Alabama State Route 77
Major Landmarks and Hotels
Five Points is a quaint, rural town known for its charming downtown area, which includes historical buildings and churches that reflect the town’s agricultural roots. The town is close to several outdoor recreational areas, including the nearby West Point Lake and local farms that offer opportunities for nature walks and rural tourism. While there are no major hotels in Five Points, visitors can find accommodations in nearby larger towns such as LaFayette, Opelika, or Auburn, where options like Hampton Inn and Fairfield Inn & Suites provide comfortable lodging for those exploring the area.