History of Lee County, Alabama

by hotelaah · October 8, 2024

Lee County, Alabama, located in the eastern part of the state along the Georgia border, was established in 1866 after the Civil War. Named after General Robert E. Lee, the county has a rich history that includes its Native American roots, European settlement, and its role during the Civil War and Reconstruction. The county is known for its agricultural past, its role in higher education with the presence of Auburn University, and its ongoing growth as an economic and cultural center in Alabama. Over the years, it has evolved from a rural, agrarian county to a hub of education, industry, and community development.

Lee County Facts

Founded: December 5, 1866
County Seat: Opelika
Largest City: Auburn
Population: Approximately 174,241 (2020 Census)
Area: 616 square miles (1,596 km²)
Area Codes: 334
ZIP Codes: 36801, 36803, 36804, 36830, 36831, 36832, 36849, 36850, 36852, 36854, 36855, 36865, 36866, 36870, 36874, 36877, 36879
Major Landmarks:
- Auburn University
- Jordan-Hare Stadium
- Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art
- Chewacla State Park
- Opelika Historic District
- Kiesel Park

Early History of Lee County

Native American Presence

Long before European settlers arrived, the land that would become Lee County was inhabited by Native American tribes, primarily the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. The region’s rivers and fertile land made it a hub for Native American communities who cultivated crops and engaged in trade.

Creek Nation: The Creek people lived in villages along the Chattahoochee River, which flows along the eastern boundary of Lee County. They were skilled farmers, growing corn, beans, squash, and tobacco, and their social and political structure was complex, with towns governed by chiefs.
Indian Removal Act (1830): In the early 19th century, the federal government began pushing Native Americans out of Alabama, culminating in the Indian Removal Act of 1830. By the mid-1830s, most of the Creek had been forcibly removed from their land, paving the way for European-American settlers to move in.

European Exploration and Early Settlement

European settlement in what is now Lee County began in the early 19th century after the forced removal of the Creek people. The settlers, primarily of Scots-Irish and English descent, came from Georgia and other southeastern states, drawn by the region’s rich farmland.

Early Agricultural Development: Settlers in the region were primarily farmers who grew cotton, corn, and other crops. The land’s fertility and access to rivers for transportation made it an ideal location for agricultural development.
Railroad Construction: In the mid-19th century, the construction of railroads in the region further spurred settlement and economic growth. Towns like Opelika emerged as key railroad junctions, facilitating the transport of goods and people across the region.

Formation of Lee County (1866)

Establishment and Naming

Lee County was officially established on December 5, 1866, by an act of the Alabama Legislature, formed from parts of Macon, Russell, Chambers, and Tallapoosa counties.

Naming of the County: The county was named in honor of General Robert E. Lee, the Confederate commander during the Civil War. Lee was highly revered by many Alabamians in the post-war period, and the county’s name reflects the strong Confederate sentiment in the region.
County Seat and Early Governance: Opelika was designated as the county seat due to its strategic location along the Montgomery & West Point Railroad. The early government focused on rebuilding the local economy and infrastructure in the aftermath of the Civil War.

Early Economic Development

In its early years, Lee County’s economy was primarily agricultural, with cotton as the dominant cash crop. The region’s fertile soil made it ideal for large-scale cotton farming, and the county became part of Alabama’s “Cotton Belt.”

Cotton Production: Cotton plantations, worked by both white and African American tenant farmers, dominated the landscape in the years following the Civil War. Cotton was shipped via railroads to markets in Montgomery, Atlanta, and beyond.
Growth of Opelika: Opelika emerged as an important commercial center during the late 19th century, thanks to its location on the railroad. The town grew rapidly as a hub for trade, transportation, and industry, becoming the largest town in the county.

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

Civil War Impact

Although Lee County was not officially established until after the Civil War, the region that would become the county was significantly impacted by the conflict. The area supported the Confederacy, and many men from the region enlisted in the Confederate Army.

Confederate Support: The towns that would become part of Lee County, including Opelika and Auburn, sent soldiers to fight in various Confederate regiments. The local economy, based on agriculture, suffered during the war as Union blockades disrupted trade and resources were redirected to the war effort.
Union Raids and Destruction: Toward the end of the war, Union forces conducted raids in eastern Alabama, damaging railroads, bridges, and farms in the region. This destruction further hampered the post-war recovery efforts.

Reconstruction Challenges

The Reconstruction era (1865-1877) brought significant political, social, and economic changes to the region. Lee County, like much of the South, struggled to rebuild its economy and infrastructure in the aftermath of the war.

Economic Hardship: The collapse of the Confederate economy and the destruction of infrastructure left Lee County’s economy in shambles. The end of slavery meant that plantation owners had to find new ways to work their land, leading to the rise of sharecropping and tenant farming.
Political Tensions: The federal government’s efforts to enforce Reconstruction policies, including the protection of African American civil rights, were often met with resistance from white residents. The Ku Klux Klan and other white supremacist groups were active in the area, and violence against African Americans was common.

Economic Growth and Cultural Development (1877-1940)

Auburn University and the Growth of Education

One of the most significant developments in Lee County’s history was the establishment of Auburn University (originally the East Alabama Male College) in Auburn in 1856. After the Civil War, the college became a key institution for higher education in Alabama.

Auburn University: The college was renamed the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Alabama in 1872 and became part of the state’s land-grant system. It continued to grow throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, eventually becoming Auburn University in 1960. Today, Auburn University is one of the largest and most prestigious universities in Alabama, attracting students from across the country and around the world.
Cultural Impact: Auburn University has played a central role in the cultural and intellectual life of Lee County. The university’s presence has helped shape Auburn into a vibrant college town, with a thriving arts scene, sports culture, and a diverse community.

Agricultural and Industrial Development

Agriculture remained the backbone of Lee County’s economy throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, but new industries also began to emerge, helping to diversify the local economy.

Cotton and Tenant Farming: Cotton continued to be the dominant crop in Lee County, but the decline of the plantation system after the Civil War led to the rise of sharecropping and tenant farming. These systems allowed white and African American farmers to work the land in exchange for a portion of the crops, though they often led to cycles of debt and poverty.
Timber and Railroads: The timber industry also became important in Lee County during this period. The county’s forests were harvested for lumber, which was shipped to markets via the expanding railroad network. Opelika remained a key railroad hub, connecting the county to larger markets in Alabama and Georgia.

Social and Cultural Life

Churches and Schools: Churches and schools were central to the social life of Lee County’s residents. Religious institutions played a significant role in shaping the community, providing spiritual guidance, social services, and education.
Local Festivals and Traditions: Agricultural fairs and community festivals became important cultural events in Lee County, reflecting the area’s rural character and agricultural heritage. These events brought residents together and reinforced the close-knit nature of the county’s small towns and rural communities.

The Great Depression and World War II (1930-1945)

Impact of the Great Depression

Like much of the country, Lee County was hit hard by the Great Depression of the 1930s. Falling crop prices, unemployment, and widespread poverty created significant hardship for local families, particularly farmers.

Economic Decline: The collapse of the cotton market during the Depression left many farmers in Lee County unable to make a living. Many lost their land due to debt, and tenant farmers struggled to survive on the meager earnings from their crops.
New Deal Programs: Federal New Deal programs provided some relief for Lee County residents during the Depression. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and Works Progress Administration (WPA) created jobs through infrastructure projects, including the construction of roads, public buildings, and parks.

World War II and Economic Recovery

The outbreak of World War II in 1939 helped lift Lee County out of the Depression, as the demand for agricultural products and manufactured goods increased.

Military Service: Many residents of Lee County served in the military during World War II, and the war effort created new economic opportunities in agriculture, industry, and manufacturing.
Post-War Boom: After the war, Lee County experienced a period of economic growth and modernization. The availability of new technologies and infrastructure improvements, combined with the expansion of Auburn University, helped stimulate economic development in the county.

Post-War Growth and Civil Rights Movement (1945-1970)

Industrial and Economic Expansion

The decades following World War II saw significant industrial and economic growth in Lee County. The rise of manufacturing and new industries, along with the expansion of Auburn University, helped modernize the local economy.

Manufacturing Boom: New manufacturing plants were established in Lee County during the post-war period, providing jobs and helping diversify the local economy. Textile mills, lumber yards, and food processing plants became important employers in the county.
Auburn University Growth: Auburn University continued to expand in the post-war period, becoming one of the largest and most influential universities in the state. The university’s growth contributed to the economic development of Auburn and the surrounding region.

Civil Rights Movement

Lee County, like much of Alabama, was deeply affected by the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s. African Americans in the county had long faced segregation and discrimination in housing, education, and employment.

Desegregation of Schools: Following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Brown v. Board of Education in 1954, Lee County, like other parts of Alabama, was slow to integrate its public schools. The process of desegregation was met with resistance from white residents, but progress was eventually made in the 1960s.
Voting Rights and Civil Rights Activism: African Americans in Lee County were active in the struggle for voting rights and equal treatment under the law. The passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 helped dismantle the barriers that had long prevented African Americans from voting and participating fully in political life.

Lee County in the Modern Era (1970-Present)

Economic Growth and Development

The late 20th and early 21st centuries have brought significant economic growth and development to Lee County. While agriculture remains important, the county has diversified its economy with growth in education, manufacturing, and technology.

Auburn University’s Continued Growth: Auburn University continues to be a driving force behind the economic and cultural development of Lee County. The university’s research programs, athletic events, and academic offerings attract students and faculty from around the world, contributing to the county’s economic vitality.
Industrial Development: Lee County has also seen the growth of new industries, particularly in manufacturing and technology. The development of industrial parks and business incubators has attracted companies in sectors such as automotive manufacturing, biotechnology, and aerospace.

Growth of Tourism and Cultural Heritage

Tourism has become an increasingly important part of Lee County’s economy, with visitors drawn to the area’s natural beauty, historical landmarks, and cultural attractions.

Auburn Sports and Festivals: Auburn University’s athletic programs, particularly its football team, have a national following and attract thousands of visitors to the county each year. In addition, local festivals and events, such as the Auburn CityFest and the Opelika Christmas Parade, have become major attractions.
Historical Landmarks: Lee County is home to several important historical landmarks, including the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art, Chewacla State Park, and the Opelika Historic District. These sites celebrate the county’s rich cultural history and draw visitors interested in its contributions to art, history, and education.

Preservation of Heritage

Efforts to preserve Lee County’s historical and cultural heritage have intensified in recent years, with several organizations working to protect the county’s landmarks and educate the public about its history.

Historic Preservation: Historic buildings in downtown Opelika and Auburn have been restored, showcasing the architectural heritage of the region. Local historical societies and preservation groups have worked to protect and promote the county’s historical landmarks.
Cultural Centers and Museums: Cultural institutions such as the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art and the Opelika Train Depot Museum play a key role in preserving the county’s artistic and historical legacy. These institutions offer exhibitions, educational programs, and events that highlight the rich history of Lee County.