History of Etowah County, Alabama

by hotelaah · October 8, 2024

Etowah County, located in the northeastern part of Alabama, was established on December 7, 1866, as Baine County but was later renamed Etowah County in 1868. The county is known for its picturesque landscapes, including the Coosa River and Noccalula Falls, and has a rich history that spans from Native American settlements to its pivotal role in Alabama’s industrial development. Gadsden, the county seat, emerged as a major industrial city in the 19th and 20th centuries due to its strategic location along the Coosa River and railroad lines. Today, Etowah County blends its industrial legacy with a strong sense of history and natural beauty.

County Facts:

Founded: December 7, 1866 (originally Baine County; renamed Etowah in 1868)
Population: Approximately 103,436 (2020 Census)
Area: 549 square miles
Area Codes: 256, 938
ZIP Codes: 35901, 35903, 35904, 35905, 35906, 35907, 35952, 35954, 35956, 35972
County Seat: Gadsden
Major Cities and Towns: Gadsden, Rainbow City, Attalla, Glencoe, Hokes Bluff, Southside
Famous Landmarks:
- Noccalula Falls Park
- Coosa River
- Imagination Place Children’s Museum
- Neely Henry Lake
- Gadsden Museum of Art
- Etowah Memorial Bridge

Pre-European Contact and Native American History (Before 1540)

Native American Tribes in Etowah County

Prior to European settlement, the area that would become Etowah County was inhabited by Native American tribes, most notably the Cherokee and the Creek. These tribes had a strong connection to the natural environment, relying on the Coosa River for transportation, fishing, and trade. The fertile valleys and forested hills provided ample resources for agriculture, hunting, and gathering. The name “Etowah” itself is derived from a Cherokee word that means “edible tree,” reflecting the importance of the natural environment to the Native American inhabitants.

The region was part of the broader Muscogee Confederacy, which included various Creek tribes. This area was critical for Native American trade routes, and there is archaeological evidence of settlements and mound-building activities along the riverbanks.

European Exploration and Early Settlement (1540–1813)

Hernando de Soto Expedition (1540)

In 1540, Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto passed through what is now Etowah County during his expedition across the southeastern United States. De Soto’s journey was one of the first recorded European encounters with Native American tribes in the region. Though his expedition brought no lasting settlements, it marked the beginning of European interest in the area. The Spanish came into contact with the indigenous Muscogee people, and the encounters often turned violent, leading to significant disruption in the native societies.

Creek and Cherokee Conflicts (1700–1813)

Throughout the 18th century, the region saw increasing European influence as British, French, and Spanish traders made contact with local tribes. The Cherokee-Creek rivalry over land and resources intensified, and both groups formed alliances with European powers. As European settlers began encroaching on Native American lands in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, the pressure on the Creek and Cherokee increased.

The land that would eventually become Etowah County remained primarily under Native American control until the early 19th century when the U.S. government began forcibly removing indigenous peoples from their ancestral lands, particularly after the Indian Removal Act of 1830.

Formation of Etowah County and Antebellum Period (1814–1861)

U.S. Government Land Acquisitions and Native American Removal (1814–1838)

The defeat of the Creeks in the Battle of Horseshoe Bend in 1814 and the subsequent signing of the Treaty of Fort Jackson resulted in the cession of vast amounts of Native American land to the United States. This opened the way for increased European-American settlement in what is now Etowah County. By the 1830s, the Cherokee were also forced to cede their lands and were relocated to the western territories in what is known as the Trail of Tears (1838–1839).

Early Settlers and the Growth of Gadsden (1830s–1860)

Following the removal of Native Americans, settlers moved into the region, attracted by the fertile land and access to the Coosa River. One of the earliest settlements in the area was the town of Double Springs, which later became part of the city of Gadsden. The town grew rapidly in the 1830s and 1840s as it developed into a key transportation hub due to its location along the river.

By the mid-19th century, Gadsden had become a center for commerce and industry. Steamboats traveled the Coosa River, connecting the area to larger markets in Alabama and beyond. The town’s economy was primarily driven by agriculture, with cotton being the dominant crop, supported by the labor of enslaved African Americans on plantations.

Etowah County in the Civil War (1861–1865)

Civil War and Etowah County’s Confederate Support

When Alabama seceded from the Union in January 1861, Etowah County (still known as Baine County at the time) supported the Confederate cause. Many men from the area enlisted in the Confederate Army, and the county’s strategic location along the Coosa River made it an important transportation and supply route for the Confederacy. The river was used to move goods and troops, and Etowah County’s proximity to major rail lines made it a key point for logistics.

Economic Impact of the War

The Civil War devastated Etowah County’s economy. The county’s reliance on agriculture, particularly cotton, and the labor of enslaved people, was disrupted by the war. As Union forces advanced through Alabama, the destruction of infrastructure and the loss of labor due to the Emancipation Proclamation created economic hardships. Additionally, the Confederacy’s collapse in 1865 left the county in disarray, with its economy crippled and many of its residents dead or impoverished.

Reconstruction and the Renaming of Etowah County (1866–1900)

Establishment of Baine County and Renaming to Etowah County (1866–1868)

In 1866, following the Civil War, Baine County was established, named in honor of Confederate General David W. Baine. However, in 1868, as part of the Reconstruction efforts, the county was renamed Etowah County to better reflect the area’s Native American heritage.

Reconstruction Era Challenges (1865–1877)

Like much of the South, Etowah County struggled during Reconstruction. The transition from a slave-based economy to one based on free labor was difficult, and many farmers found themselves in debt. Sharecropping and tenant farming became common in the county, particularly among freed African Americans who had few other economic opportunities. The Reconstruction government, backed by federal troops, attempted to protect the rights of newly freed African Americans, but resistance from local whites led to the rise of white supremacist groups like the Ku Klux Klan, which sought to undermine Reconstruction reforms.

Economic Recovery and Industrial Growth (1870s–1900)

Despite the difficulties of Reconstruction, Etowah County’s economy began to recover by the late 19th century. Gadsden emerged as an industrial center due to its location along the Coosa River and the expansion of the railroad network. The city became a hub for iron and steel manufacturing, and other industries, including textiles and lumber, began to develop in the region. Gadsden’s industrial growth attracted workers from across the region, and the city’s population began to increase rapidly.

Early 20th Century and the Great Depression (1900–1940)

Early 20th Century Industrial Expansion (1900–1920)

At the turn of the 20th century, Etowah County continued to experience industrial growth, particularly in Gadsden, which became one of Alabama’s leading manufacturing centers. The Alabama Steel and Wire Company, established in 1903, became a major employer, and the city’s steel industry expanded significantly during this period. The presence of abundant natural resources, including coal and iron ore, fueled the industrial boom.

Gadsden’s industrial growth also led to improvements in infrastructure, including the construction of bridges and the expansion of roads. The Etowah Memorial Bridge, completed in 1927, became a symbol of the county’s modernization and its growing importance as a transportation hub.

The Great Depression’s Impact on Etowah County (1930s)

The Great Depression of the 1930s had a profound impact on Etowah County, as it did across the United States. Factories in Gadsden were forced to close or reduce production, leading to widespread unemployment. Many families struggled to make ends meet, and the county’s agricultural sector, already weakened by the collapse of cotton prices, suffered further.

In response to the economic crisis, the federal government’s New Deal programs provided relief to the county. Public works projects, including the construction of parks, schools, and roads, helped create jobs and improve infrastructure. Programs such as the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and the Works Progress Administration (WPA) left a lasting legacy in Etowah County, including improvements to Noccalula Falls Park.

World War II and Post-War Growth (1941–1960)

World War II and Economic Revival (1941–1945)

World War II brought renewed prosperity to Etowah County as its industries shifted to support the war effort. Factories in Gadsden produced steel and other materials needed for the war, and the demand for manufactured goods provided jobs for thousands of local residents. Many men from Etowah County served in the armed forces, while women entered the workforce in unprecedented numbers to support the war effort.

The war also led to increased investment in infrastructure and transportation, as roads and railways were expanded to meet the needs of a growing population and economy.

Post-War Economic Boom (1945–1960)

In the years following World War II, Etowah County experienced a period of economic growth and modernization. Gadsden continued to expand as an industrial center, and the population of the county grew as people moved to the area in search of jobs. The post-war economic boom also led to suburbanization, as new housing developments were built to accommodate the growing population.

Improvements in education and healthcare, as well as the expansion of public services, contributed to the overall prosperity of the county. However, the county’s economy remained heavily dependent on manufacturing, making it vulnerable to future economic changes.

Civil Rights Movement and Modern Etowah County (1960–Present)

The Civil Rights Movement (1960s)

During the Civil Rights Movement, Etowah County, like much of Alabama, witnessed social and political change. Although it did not experience the large-scale protests seen in cities like Birmingham and Montgomery, the movement’s influence was felt through efforts to desegregate schools, public facilities, and businesses in the 1960s. Local activists, both Black and white, worked to advance civil rights and improve opportunities for African Americans in the county.

Industrial Decline and Economic Challenges (1970s–1990s)

By the 1970s, Etowah County’s industrial base began to decline as manufacturing jobs were lost due to automation and the outsourcing of production to other countries. The closure of steel mills and other factories led to rising unemployment and economic challenges for the county. Many residents were forced to leave the area in search of jobs elsewhere, and Gadsden’s population began to shrink.

Despite these challenges, the county made efforts to diversify its economy, focusing on tourism, retail, and service industries. Noccalula Falls Park, in particular, became a major attraction, drawing visitors from across the region.

Modern-Day Etowah County (2000s–Present)

In recent decades, Etowah County has continued to face economic challenges, but it has also seen efforts to revitalize the region. Investments in education, infrastructure, and tourism have helped to create new opportunities for residents. Gadsden, in particular, has worked to preserve its industrial heritage while embracing new industries and technologies. The county’s natural beauty, including the Coosa River and Noccalula Falls, remains a key asset, attracting tourists and supporting local businesses.