History of DeKalb County, Alabama
DeKalb County, Alabama, located in the northeastern corner of the state, is rich in history and culture. The county was established in 1836 and named after Johann de Kalb, a German-born hero of the American Revolutionary War. DeKalb County has played significant roles in various eras, from its Native American roots to its importance during the Trail of Tears, through to its growth in agriculture and industry. Known for its scenic beauty, including Lookout Mountain and Little River Canyon, DeKalb County has developed into a vibrant community that honors its past while embracing progress.
DeKalb County Facts
- Founded: January 9, 1836
- County Seat: Fort Payne
- Largest City: Fort Payne
- Population: Approximately 71,000 (2020 Census)
- Area: 778 square miles (2,015 km²)
- Area Codes: 256, 938
- ZIP Codes: 35950, 35951, 35952, 35961, 35962, 35963, 35966, 35967, 35968, 35971, 35973, 35974, 35978, 35981, 35984, 35986, 35988, 35989
- Major Landmarks:
- Little River Canyon National Preserve
- DeSoto State Park
- Lookout Mountain
- Fort Payne Depot Museum
- Alabama Band Fan Club and Museum
Early History of DeKalb County
Native American Presence
The land that would become DeKalb County was originally inhabited by Native American groups, most notably the Cherokee and Creek nations. These tribes cultivated the land, established trade routes, and formed complex societies before the arrival of European settlers.
- Cherokee Influence: The Cherokee tribe had a significant presence in the area, as DeKalb County was part of the Cherokee Nation before European colonization. The Cherokee established villages and hunting grounds across the region.
- Trail of Tears (1830s): The Indian Removal Act of 1830 led to the forced relocation of the Cherokee people from their ancestral lands. DeKalb County was a significant site on the infamous Trail of Tears, with the route passing through the area as the Cherokee were moved westward to Oklahoma.
Early European Settlement
The first European settlers began arriving in DeKalb County in the early 19th century, attracted by its fertile land and natural resources. These settlers primarily came from other parts of the southeastern United States, including Tennessee, Georgia, and the Carolinas.
- Early Agriculture: Early settlers in DeKalb County relied on small-scale agriculture to support their families. Crops like corn, cotton, and tobacco were staples, while cattle and hogs were also raised for food and trade.
Formation of DeKalb County (1836)
Establishment and Naming
DeKalb County was officially created by an act of the Alabama legislature on January 9, 1836, just after the Treaty of New Echota (1835), which resulted in the removal of the Cherokee from the area. The county was named in honor of Baron Johann de Kalb, a hero of the American Revolutionary War.
Fort Payne and the Early Development of the County
- Fort Payne’s Origin: The county seat, Fort Payne, began as a small military outpost named for Major John Payne, who helped supervise the Cherokee removal. The town grew steadily after the removal, benefiting from the influx of settlers and the establishment of agriculture.
- Early Infrastructure: DeKalb County’s early years saw the development of roads, small businesses, and farms. Agriculture was the backbone of the local economy, with cotton emerging as the dominant cash crop by the mid-19th century.
DeKalb County During the Civil War and Reconstruction (1861-1877)
Civil War Impact
Like much of Alabama, DeKalb County was deeply affected by the American Civil War (1861-1865). Although no major battles were fought in the county, the war’s toll on the population and economy was significant.
- Confederate Alignment: DeKalb County, like most of Alabama, supported the Confederacy during the Civil War. Many residents joined Confederate regiments, while the county’s agricultural resources were used to support the war effort.
- Union Raids: Union forces occasionally raided the area, destroying crops, stealing livestock, and disrupting communication lines. These raids, combined with the general devastation of the war, left the county’s economy in ruins by 1865.
Reconstruction Era
The post-Civil War Reconstruction era brought significant challenges to DeKalb County. The local economy, heavily reliant on agriculture, struggled to recover from the war. Political instability and racial tensions also marked this period, as newly freed African Americans sought to assert their rights in a changing social landscape.
- Economic Hardships: The collapse of the Confederacy and the end of slavery led to labor shortages and a decline in agricultural productivity. Many farms were left in disrepair, and the county struggled with poverty.
- Political Changes: Reconstruction brought new political leadership to DeKalb County, as federal authorities oversaw efforts to rebuild the South and integrate formerly enslaved people into society. This period saw tension between the old Confederate sympathizers and the newly empowered freedmen.
Economic Growth and Cultural Development (1877-1940)
The Arrival of the Railroad
One of the most transformative events in DeKalb County’s history was the arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century. The railroad brought new economic opportunities and spurred the growth of towns like Fort Payne.
- Fort Payne Boom (1880s): In the 1880s, Fort Payne experienced a boom due to the discovery of coal and iron ore in the area. Investors flocked to the region, hoping to build a new industrial center. The “Fort Payne Boom” saw rapid growth in the town, with the construction of factories, hotels, and public buildings.
- Economic Collapse: Unfortunately, the boom was short-lived. By the 1890s, many of the industrial ventures had failed, leading to an economic downturn. Despite this, the railroad remained an essential part of DeKalb County’s infrastructure and helped the area recover over time.
Agriculture and Textiles
While the Fort Payne industrial boom faded, agriculture continued to be a major part of DeKalb County’s economy. The county’s fertile soil was ideal for growing cotton, corn, and other crops, and many families relied on farming for their livelihood.
- Textile Industry Growth: In the early 20th century, the textile industry began to take hold in DeKalb County. Textile mills opened in Fort Payne and other parts of the county, providing jobs and boosting the local economy. Fort Payne would later become known as the “Sock Capital of the World” due to its large number of hosiery mills.
Social and Cultural Life
- Churches and Schools: Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, churches and schools were central to the social and cultural life of DeKalb County. The county’s religious institutions, particularly Protestant denominations, played a key role in community building.
- Festivals and Traditions: Local traditions, such as the county fair and agricultural festivals, became important aspects of life in DeKalb County. These events brought the community together and celebrated the region’s agricultural heritage.
The Great Depression and World War II (1930-1945)
Impact of the Great Depression
The Great Depression of the 1930s hit DeKalb County hard, as it did much of rural Alabama. Falling crop prices, widespread unemployment, and poverty devastated many local families.
- Federal Assistance: New Deal programs, such as the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and the Works Progress Administration (WPA), provided much-needed jobs and infrastructure improvements in DeKalb County. The CCC, in particular, played a role in the development of DeSoto State Park, one of the county’s most popular natural attractions.
World War II
During World War II, DeKalb County contributed to the war effort in several ways. Many local men and women served in the military, while others worked in industries that supported the war effort.
- War Industry: The hosiery mills in Fort Payne produced socks for soldiers, and agriculture remained vital for supplying food to both civilians and the military.
- Post-War Prosperity: After the war, DeKalb County experienced a period of economic growth. New industries emerged, and the local economy diversified beyond agriculture.
Post-War Growth and Modernization (1945-2000)
Industrial Expansion
Following World War II, DeKalb County continued to grow and modernize. The textile industry, particularly the hosiery mills in Fort Payne, became a cornerstone of the county’s economy.
- “Sock Capital of the World”: By the 1960s, Fort Payne was producing millions of socks each year, earning the town its nickname. The success of the textile industry provided jobs for thousands of residents and attracted new businesses to the area.
- Diversification of Economy: While textiles remained important, other industries began to emerge in DeKalb County. Manufacturing, construction, and retail became significant sectors of the local economy.
Tourism and Natural Attractions
DeKalb County’s natural beauty has long been a draw for visitors. The development of parks and recreational areas helped promote tourism, which became an increasingly important part of the local economy.
- DeSoto State Park: Established in the 1930s, DeSoto State Park became a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The park offers hiking, camping, and scenic views of waterfalls and forests.
- Little River Canyon National Preserve: In 1992, the federal government established Little River Canyon National Preserve, protecting one of the country’s most beautiful natural areas. The preserve attracts thousands of visitors each year for hiking, canoeing, and rock climbing.
Civil Rights Era
DeKalb County, like much of Alabama, was affected by the Civil Rights Movement in the 1950s and 1960s. While there were no major civil rights events in the county, the broader movement led to changes in the social and political landscape.
- Desegregation: Public schools in DeKalb County, like those across the South, were gradually desegregated following the 1954 Supreme Court decision in Brown v. Board of Education. The process was slow and often met with resistance, but integration eventually took place.
DeKalb County in the 21st Century (2000-Present)
Economic Challenges and Opportunities
The 21st century brought both challenges and opportunities to DeKalb County. The decline of the textile industry, which had been a major employer for decades, led to job losses and economic uncertainty.
- Textile Industry Decline: Global competition and automation led to the decline of Fort Payne’s hosiery mills in the early 2000s. Many factories closed, and workers were left searching for new employment opportunities.
- Economic Diversification: In response to the decline of the textile industry, DeKalb County has worked to diversify its economy. New industries, such as automotive manufacturing and tourism, have emerged to help fill the gap left by the textile sector.
Growth of Tourism
Tourism continues to be a major part of DeKalb County’s economy in the 21st century. The county’s natural attractions, including Lookout Mountain, Little River Canyon, and DeSoto State Park, draw visitors from across the country.
- Outdoor Recreation: Activities such as hiking, rock climbing, and camping have made DeKalb County a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The county’s scenic beauty and outdoor opportunities contribute significantly to the local economy.
- Cultural Festivals: Festivals celebrating the county’s heritage, such as the Boom Days Heritage Celebration in Fort Payne, attract tourists and highlight the area’s rich history.
Community and Cultural Preservation
DeKalb County remains proud of its cultural heritage, with efforts to preserve historic landmarks and promote local history.
- Fort Payne Depot Museum: Housed in a historic railroad depot, this museum offers exhibits on the history of Fort Payne and DeKalb County, including Native American artifacts, Civil War memorabilia, and the county’s industrial past.
- Alabama Band Fan Club and Museum: As the hometown of the country music band Alabama, Fort Payne celebrates the group’s achievements with a museum and fan club headquarters, drawing visitors from around the world.