History of Perry County, Alabama

by hotelaah · October 8, 2024

Perry County, Alabama, holds a significant place in the state’s rich history, especially as a center of education, agriculture, and civil rights activism. Founded on December 13, 1819, just two days after Alabama became a state, Perry County was named in honor of Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry, a naval hero of the War of 1812. The county’s early economy relied heavily on agriculture, particularly cotton plantations, which flourished due to the fertile soil and the labor of enslaved African Americans. Over the centuries, Perry County became a pivotal site in the Civil Rights Movement and remains a symbol of both the struggles and triumphs of African American history in Alabama.

County Facts

Founded: December 13, 1819
Population: Approximately 8,900 (2023 estimate)
Area: 724 square miles
Area Codes: 334
Zip Codes: 367xx
County Seat: Marion
Major Cities: Marion (only incorporated city)
Famous Landmarks: Marion Military Institute, Judson College, Perry Lakes Park, Lincoln Normal School Historic District, Coretta Scott King birthplace, Alabama Women’s Hall of Fame

Early History of Perry County

Indigenous Tribes and European Settlement

Before European settlers arrived, the area that would become Perry County was home to the Creek and Choctaw Native American tribes. These groups lived off the land, engaging in agriculture, hunting, and trade. The Creeks and Choctaws played significant roles in the region’s early history, controlling vast stretches of land that stretched across present-day Alabama and Mississippi.

European settlement began to take hold in the early 19th century after the defeat of the Creeks in the Creek War (1813-1814), a part of the larger War of 1812. The Treaty of Fort Jackson in 1814 forced the Creek Nation to cede much of their territory to the United States, paving the way for settlers to move into what would become Perry County. The fertile soil of the Black Belt region attracted settlers, many of whom established cotton plantations that would define the county’s economy and social structure for decades to come.

Formation and Early Growth (1819–1850)

Perry County was established on December 13, 1819, two days after Alabama became the 22nd state of the Union. The county was named in honor of Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry, known for his heroism during the Battle of Lake Erie in the War of 1812. The county seat, originally known as Muckle’s Ridge, was later renamed Marion in 1822, in honor of Francis Marion, a hero of the American Revolutionary War.

In the early years, the county grew as an agricultural hub. Cotton plantations, worked by enslaved African Americans, dominated the economy. The fertile Black Belt soil, ideal for cotton farming, brought wealth to many landowners. However, the wealth was built on the backs of enslaved labor, creating a deeply divided and hierarchical society. By the 1850s, Perry County was part of the broader Southern “Cotton Kingdom” that exported massive quantities of cotton to both domestic and international markets, making it an important part of the pre-Civil War economy in the South.

Perry County in the 19th Century

Cotton Economy and Slavery

The economy of Perry County in the 19th century was driven by cotton production, and slavery was central to this system. Large plantations spread across the county, growing cotton for shipment to northern factories and European markets. By the 1860s, Perry County was one of the leading cotton producers in the state, and its wealthy plantation owners wielded significant political and economic power.

Enslaved African Americans made up the majority of the population by the mid-19th century. They worked on plantations under brutal conditions, with little hope of freedom. The society of Perry County, like much of the South, was stratified along racial lines, with the white elite at the top and the enslaved black population at the bottom.

The Civil War and Reconstruction (1861–1877)

Perry County, like much of Alabama, was deeply affected by the Civil War. Although no major battles were fought in the county, many of its young men went off to fight for the Confederacy. The county’s economy, heavily reliant on cotton production, was devastated by the Union blockade of Southern ports, which severely limited the ability to export cotton. The end of the war in 1865 and the abolition of slavery upended Perry County’s social and economic order.

The Reconstruction era brought significant changes to Perry County. The formerly enslaved population, now freed, sought to establish lives as free citizens. Some African Americans gained access to land and participated in the political process, as federal Reconstruction policies aimed to create a more inclusive society. However, these gains were short-lived. White supremacist groups, such as the Ku Klux Klan, actively worked to undermine African American political and economic power, and by the end of the 1870s, Reconstruction had given way to Jim Crow segregation.

The Founding of Educational Institutions

Despite the difficulties of the Reconstruction era, Perry County became a notable center for African American education. The Lincoln Normal School was founded in Marion in 1867 by freedmen and women with the help of the American Missionary Association. This institution provided much-needed educational opportunities for African Americans in the aftermath of slavery. The school would later evolve into Alabama State University, one of the state’s leading historically Black universities.

Another key educational institution established in Perry County during this period was Judson College, founded in 1838 as one of the nation’s first colleges for women. Located in Marion, Judson College became a prominent institution for the education of young women, playing a significant role in advancing women’s education in the South.

20th Century Developments in Perry County

The Civil Rights Movement and Perry County’s Role

Perry County played a central role in the Civil Rights Movement, particularly in the 1960s. The county, and the city of Marion specifically, became focal points in the struggle for voting rights and racial equality. One of the most tragic events of the movement occurred in Perry County—the death of Jimmie Lee Jackson.

In February 1965, during a peaceful protest in Marion demanding the right to vote, Jimmie Lee Jackson, a young African American civil rights activist, was shot and killed by an Alabama state trooper. His death galvanized the Civil Rights Movement and directly led to the Selma to Montgomery marches, which were instrumental in the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

The legacy of Jackson and other civil rights leaders in Perry County continues to be commemorated today. The city of Marion and Perry County have become symbols of the sacrifices made in the fight for civil rights and voting rights.

Economic and Social Changes in the 20th Century

The early 20th century saw significant economic and social changes in Perry County. The decline of the cotton economy, coupled with the mechanization of agriculture, led to widespread poverty, particularly among African American residents. Many left Perry County during the Great Migration, seeking better economic opportunities in Northern and Midwestern cities.

However, some local institutions continued to thrive. Marion Military Institute, founded in 1842, became a leading military academy in the region, attracting students from across the nation. Judson College continued to serve as a premier institution for women’s education until its closure in 2021 due to financial difficulties.

The mid-20th century also saw the rise of civil rights activism. As African Americans demanded an end to segregation and the right to vote, Perry County became a battleground for change. The events in Marion, particularly the death of Jimmie Lee Jackson, were pivotal moments in the larger struggle for civil rights in Alabama and the United States.

Perry County Today

Demographics and Modern Economy

Today, Perry County remains a small, rural county with a population of approximately 8,900 people. The county has struggled with economic challenges, as the decline of the agricultural sector and the lack of industrial development have limited job opportunities. Poverty and unemployment remain significant issues, with many residents relying on agriculture, education, and public sector employment.

The county’s population is predominantly African American, a legacy of its history as a center of cotton plantations and enslaved labor. Perry County is part of Alabama’s Black Belt, a region known for its rich soil and majority African American population.

Educational and Cultural Contributions

Education remains a cornerstone of Perry County’s identity. Marion Military Institute, one of the oldest military academies in the United States, continues to attract students from across the country. The institute plays a significant role in shaping future military and civilian leaders.

Perry County is also home to the Alabama Women’s Hall of Fame, located on the campus of Judson College. The Hall of Fame honors women from Alabama who have made significant contributions to the state, the nation, and the world. Notable inductees include Rosa Parks, Helen Keller, and Coretta Scott King, who was born in Perry County.

Landmarks and Attractions

Perry County is rich in historical landmarks that reflect its unique role in Alabama and U.S. history. Some of the most notable sites include:

Marion Military Institute: A historic military academy that has trained military officers and civilian leaders since the 19th century.
Judson College: Though recently closed, this historic institution was one of the first colleges for women in the U.S.
Lincoln Normal School Historic District: A significant site in African American education, now part of the history of Alabama State University.
Coretta Scott King’s Birthplace: Located near Marion, the childhood home of Coretta Scott King, a key figure in the Civil Rights Movement, is a site of historical importance.
Perry Lakes Park: A natural area that showcases the county’s natural beauty and offers outdoor recreational opportunities.