History of Jefferson County, Alabama

by hotelaah · October 8, 2024

Jefferson County, Alabama, located in the central part of the state, was founded in 1819 and named after Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States. Home to the state’s largest city, Birmingham, the county has played a pivotal role in Alabama’s industrial development. It became the center of the iron and steel industry in the South, which fueled its rapid growth in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Jefferson County has also been at the heart of significant historical events, particularly during the Civil Rights Movement, shaping the social and political landscape of the region and the nation.

Jefferson County Facts

Founded: December 13, 1819
County Seat: Birmingham
Largest City: Birmingham
Population: Approximately 674,721 (2020 Census)
Area: 1,124 square miles (2,912 km²)
Area Codes: 205, 659
ZIP Codes: 35005, 35006, 35020-23, 35036, 35040, 35048, 35060-61, 35064, 35068, 35071, 35073, 35094, 35098, 35111, 35116, 35117, 35118, 35119, 35126, 35127, 35130, 35133, 35172, 35173, 35178, 35201-26, 35228-38, 35242-44, 35249, 35253-55, 35259-61, 35266, 35285, 35288, 35290-98
Major Landmarks:
- Vulcan Park and Museum
- Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
- 16th Street Baptist Church
- Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark
- Birmingham Museum of Art
- Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum

Early History of Jefferson County

Native American Presence

Before European settlers arrived, the area that would become Jefferson County was inhabited by Native American tribes, primarily the Muscogee (Creek) Nation and the Cherokee. These indigenous groups lived off the land, hunting, fishing, and practicing agriculture.

Creek and Cherokee Influence: The Native American tribes that lived in the region were part of complex societies that had been thriving for centuries before European contact. Their influence is still evident in the place names and geography of the region.
Indian Removal: The forced relocation of the Native American tribes, particularly after the Indian Removal Act of 1830, opened the land for European-American settlement. By the mid-1830s, most Native Americans had been displaced, allowing for further settlement by white settlers.

European Settlement and Early Development

European settlement in what is now Jefferson County began in the early 19th century, shortly after Alabama became a state in 1819. The county was one of the original counties created by the Alabama Legislature in the same year.

Early Agriculture: Early settlers were primarily farmers, growing crops like corn, cotton, and tobacco. The county’s rich soil and abundant water sources, including the Cahaba River and Village Creek, made it ideal for agriculture.
Founding of the County: Jefferson County was officially established on December 13, 1819. It was named in honor of Thomas Jefferson, who had recently passed away. The county’s location in the Appalachian foothills would later make it a prime area for the mining and iron industries.

The Industrialization of Jefferson County (1850-1920)

Discovery of Mineral Resources

One of the key events in Jefferson County’s history was the discovery of abundant mineral resources in the area, including coal, iron ore, and limestone—all the ingredients needed to make iron. These resources were discovered in the mid-19th century and would later drive the county’s industrial growth.

Iron and Steel Industry: The availability of iron ore, coal, and limestone in close proximity made Jefferson County, particularly the area around Birmingham, an ideal location for iron and steel production. This combination of resources was unique in the Southern United States, and by the late 19th century, Jefferson County had become the industrial hub of the South.
Founding of Birmingham: In 1871, the city of Birmingham was founded at the intersection of two major railroads, and it quickly grew into a booming industrial city. The city’s founders named it after Birmingham, England, an industrial city known for its iron and steel production. Birmingham became the focal point of Jefferson County’s economic growth, with the iron and steel industry driving much of the county’s development.

Growth of the Railroad Industry

The growth of the railroad industry in the 19th century played a crucial role in the development of Jefferson County. Railroads were essential for transporting coal, iron, and steel from the area’s mines and furnaces to markets across the South and beyond.

Railroad Expansion: The construction of major railroads through Birmingham and Jefferson County, including the Louisville & Nashville Railroad and the Alabama Great Southern Railroad, helped transform the area into a major industrial center.
Sloss Furnaces: One of the most important industrial sites in Jefferson County was the Sloss Furnaces, established in 1882. This iron-producing facility became one of the largest in the South, symbolizing the rise of Jefferson County as a leader in the iron and steel industry.

Immigration and Labor Force

The rapid growth of industry in Jefferson County attracted a diverse labor force, including European immigrants, African Americans, and poor whites from rural Alabama. These workers played a crucial role in the development of the county’s industrial economy.

African American Migration: Many African Americans migrated to Jefferson County in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as part of the Great Migration, seeking jobs in the iron and steel industries. However, they faced significant racial discrimination in housing, employment, and education.
Labor Struggles: The harsh working conditions in Jefferson County’s mines and factories led to labor unrest throughout the early 20th century. Workers, both black and white, often protested for better wages, working conditions, and the right to unionize.

Jefferson County During the Civil War and Reconstruction (1861-1877)

Civil War Impact

During the Civil War (1861-1865), Jefferson County was a center of Confederate industry, with its iron foundries and mines producing materials for the Confederate war effort.

Iron Production: The iron industry in Jefferson County became vital for the Confederacy. Local foundries produced artillery, railroad iron, and other war materials. The Shelby Iron Works, located nearby, was particularly important for Confederate arms production.
Union Raids: Jefferson County saw limited military action during the Civil War, though Union forces did launch several raids against the region’s industrial facilities. These raids targeted iron foundries and railroads in an effort to cripple the Confederacy’s industrial base.

Reconstruction Era Challenges

The Reconstruction era (1865-1877) brought significant political, social, and economic challenges to Jefferson County. As in other parts of the South, the end of the Civil War and the abolition of slavery left the county’s economy in disarray.

Economic Disruption: The collapse of the Confederacy and the destruction of infrastructure during the war left Jefferson County’s economy in a fragile state. The iron industry, in particular, struggled to recover, although it would rebound by the late 19th century.
African American Freedom: With the end of slavery, formerly enslaved African Americans in Jefferson County began to assert their rights, including the right to vote, own property, and seek education. However, these efforts were often met with violent resistance from white supremacist groups like the Ku Klux Klan.

Economic Growth and Modernization (1877-1940)

The Rise of Birmingham and Industrial Dominance

By the late 19th century, Jefferson County, particularly the city of Birmingham, had become the industrial center of the South. The rapid growth of the iron and steel industry attracted investment, infrastructure development, and a growing population.

The Magic City: Birmingham’s meteoric rise earned it the nickname “The Magic City.” The city’s population grew from just a few hundred in the 1870s to over 132,000 by 1920. This rapid growth was fueled by the expansion of the iron and steel industry, as well as the construction of railroads, banks, and other infrastructure.
Steel Production: By the early 20th century, Birmingham was producing significant quantities of steel, which was used in construction, railroads, and manufacturing. Major steel companies, including the Tennessee Coal, Iron, and Railroad Company (TCI), established operations in Jefferson County, further solidifying the region’s industrial dominance.

Social and Racial Tensions

As Jefferson County grew and industrialized, it also experienced significant social and racial tensions. The influx of African American workers into Birmingham, combined with the city’s rapid growth, led to segregated neighborhoods, schools, and public facilities.

Racial Segregation: The implementation of Jim Crow laws in the late 19th and early 20th centuries enforced racial segregation in all aspects of life in Jefferson County. African Americans were subjected to discriminatory housing practices, limited job opportunities, and inadequate access to education and healthcare.
Labor Unrest: Labor strikes and protests were common during this period, as workers sought better wages and working conditions. The racial division of the labor force, with African Americans often relegated to the lowest-paying and most dangerous jobs, exacerbated tensions between black and white workers.

Cultural Development and the Arts

Despite these challenges, Jefferson County experienced significant cultural development in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The growth of Birmingham as a major urban center brought new opportunities for art, music, and education.

Birmingham Museum of Art: Established in 1951, the Birmingham Museum of Art became one of the leading cultural institutions in the South, showcasing a wide range of artistic works from around the world.
Birmingham’s Jazz Scene: In the early 20th century, Birmingham developed a vibrant jazz and blues scene, with local musicians performing in clubs and theaters across the city. The city’s African American community played a central role in the development of jazz music in the region.

The Civil Rights Movement and Jefferson County (1950-1970)

The Struggle for Civil Rights

Jefferson County, and particularly Birmingham, was a major battleground during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s. African Americans in the county had long faced systemic racial discrimination, and by the mid-20th century, they were demanding change.

16th Street Baptist Church Bombing: One of the most infamous events of the Civil Rights Movement occurred in Jefferson County in 1963, when the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham was bombed by white supremacists. Four young African American girls were killed in the explosion, sparking outrage across the nation and drawing attention to the violent resistance to desegregation in Alabama.
Birmingham Campaign: In 1963, civil rights leaders, including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Fred Shuttlesworth, organized the Birmingham Campaign to protest segregation and racial injustice in the city. The campaign, which included nonviolent demonstrations, sit-ins, and boycotts, was met with violent responses from local authorities, including the use of fire hoses and police dogs against protesters.

The Role of Local Leaders

Several prominent civil rights leaders were based in Jefferson County, and they played key roles in the fight for equality.

Fred Shuttlesworth: Fred Shuttlesworth was a key figure in the Civil Rights Movement in Birmingham. As a minister and leader of the Alabama Christian Movement for Human Rights (ACMHR), Shuttlesworth organized protests and worked alongside other civil rights leaders to challenge segregation in the city.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: Although not based in Jefferson County, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. frequently worked in Birmingham, where he helped organize and lead civil rights protests. His famous “Letter from Birmingham Jail,” written in 1963, became one of the most important documents of the Civil Rights Movement.

Jefferson County in the Modern Era (1970-Present)

Economic Diversification

By the late 20th century, Jefferson County’s economy began to diversify beyond its traditional reliance on iron and steel production. The decline of the steel industry in the 1970s and 1980s forced the county to shift toward new industries, including healthcare, education, and finance.

Healthcare Industry: Birmingham, the county seat, has emerged as a major center for healthcare and medical research. The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) is home to one of the largest academic medical centers in the nation, and the healthcare sector has become one of the largest employers in Jefferson County.
Banking and Finance: Jefferson County has also developed a strong banking and finance sector. Several major banks, including Regions Financial Corporation, are headquartered in Birmingham, contributing to the city’s role as a financial center in the Southeast.

Cultural and Educational Development

Jefferson County continues to be a center for arts, culture, and education in Alabama. The county is home to a variety of museums, theaters, and educational institutions that contribute to its vibrant cultural life.

Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum: Located in Birmingham, the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum is one of the largest motorcycle museums in the world, showcasing an extensive collection of vintage motorcycles and race cars.
Higher Education: In addition to UAB, Jefferson County is home to several other colleges and universities, including Samford University and Birmingham-Southern College. These institutions provide a range of educational opportunities and contribute to the intellectual and cultural development of the region.

Modern Challenges and Progress

While Jefferson County has experienced significant growth and development in recent decades, it has also faced challenges, particularly related to infrastructure and governance.

Bankruptcy Crisis: In 2011, Jefferson County filed for bankruptcy, the largest municipal bankruptcy in U.S. history at the time. The bankruptcy was largely the result of corruption and mismanagement related to the county’s sewer system financing. The county emerged from bankruptcy in 2013, and reforms were implemented to address the underlying issues.
Infrastructure and Revitalization: In recent years, Jefferson County has focused on infrastructure improvements and revitalization efforts, particularly in downtown Birmingham. Projects like the revitalization of the historic downtown district and the development of the Birmingham Civil Rights District have helped attract new businesses and tourism to the area.

Preservation of History

Jefferson County continues to preserve its rich history through museums, landmarks, and historical sites. Efforts to protect and promote the county’s civil rights history, in particular, have drawn national and international attention.

Birmingham Civil Rights Institute: The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, located near the 16th Street Baptist Church, serves as a museum and research center dedicated to the history of the Civil Rights Movement. The institute plays a key role in educating visitors about the struggles and triumphs of the movement.
Sloss Furnaces: Sloss Furnaces, now a National Historic Landmark, is preserved as a museum and historic site that tells the story of Birmingham’s industrial past. The site hosts tours, educational programs, and cultural events, celebrating the city’s iron and steel heritage.