Barbour County | |
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Barbour County courthouse in Clayton | |
![]() Location within the U.S. state of Alabama | |
![]() Alabama's location within the U.S. | |
Coordinates: 31°51′57″N85°23′46″W / 31.865833333333°N 85.396111111111°W | |
Country | ![]() |
State | ![]() |
Founded | December 18, 1832 |
Named for | James Barbour |
Seat | Clayton |
Largest city | Eufaula |
Area | |
• Total | 905 sq mi (2,340 km2) |
• Land | 885 sq mi (2,290 km2) |
• Water | 20 sq mi (50 km2) 2.2% |
Population (2020) | |
• Total | 25,223 |
• Estimate (2023) | 24,585 ![]() |
• Density | 28/sq mi (11/km2) |
Time zone | UTC−6 (Central) |
• Summer (DST) | UTC−5 (CDT) |
Congressional district | 2nd |
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Barbour County is a county in the southeastern part of the U.S. state of Alabama. As of the 2020 census, the population was 25,223. [2] Its county seat is Clayton. Its largest city is Eufaula. Its name is in honor of James Barbour, who served as Governor of Virginia.
Barbour County was established on December 18, 1832, from former Muscogee homelands and a portion of Pike County. Between the years of 1763 and 1783 the area which is now Barbour County was part of the colony of British West Florida. [3] After 1783 the region fell under the jurisdiction of the newly created United States of America. The Muscogee Creek Confederacy was removed to territory west of the Mississippi River. The fertile land was developed by southern migrants as large cotton plantations dependent on slave labor. Due to the number of slaves, the population was soon majority black, a proportion that continued for decades. In the 21st century, the population has a slight white majority, but blacks make up more than 46% of the residents, which results in highly competitive politics.
In 1833, Louisville was chosen as the first county seat for Barbour County. The county seat was moved in 1834, after an eleven-member committee selected Clayton because of its central geographic location. Its boundaries were altered in 1866 and 1868. [4] The Election Riot of 1874 occurred near Comer.
By the 1870s, the city of Eufaula had surpassed Clayton in size, sparking debate about whether the county seat should be moved to the county's commercial center or remain at its geographic center. Reaching a compromise, the legislature passed Act No. 106 on February 12, 1879, to establish county courts in both Eufaula and Clayton. Today, two county courthouses continue to operate in Barbour County.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 905 square miles (2,340 km2), of which 885 square miles (2,290 km2) is land and 20 square miles (52 km2) (2.2%) is water. [5] [1] The county is located within the Wiregrass region of southeast Alabama.
Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
---|---|---|---|
1840 | 12,024 | — | |
1850 | 23,632 | 96.5% | |
1860 | 30,812 | 30.4% | |
1870 | 29,309 | −4.9% | |
1880 | 33,979 | 15.9% | |
1890 | 34,898 | 2.7% | |
1900 | 35,152 | 0.7% | |
1910 | 32,728 | −6.9% | |
1920 | 32,067 | −2.0% | |
1930 | 32,425 | 1.1% | |
1940 | 32,722 | 0.9% | |
1950 | 28,892 | −11.7% | |
1960 | 24,700 | −14.5% | |
1970 | 22,543 | −8.7% | |
1980 | 24,756 | 9.8% | |
1990 | 25,417 | 2.7% | |
2000 | 29,038 | 14.2% | |
2010 | 27,457 | −5.4% | |
2020 | 25,223 | −8.1% | |
2023 (est.) | 24,585 | [6] | −2.5% |
U.S. Decennial Census [7] 1790–1960 [8] 1900–1990 [9] 1990–2000 [10] 2010–2020 [2] |
Race / Ethnicity (NH = Non-Hispanic) | Pop 2000 [11] | Pop 2010 [12] | Pop 2020 [13] | % 2000 | % 2010 | % 2020 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
White alone (NH) | 14,788 | 12,837 | 11,086 | 50.93% | 46.75% | 43.95% |
Black or African American alone (NH) | 13,369 | 12,820 | 11,850 | 46.04% | 46.69% | 46.98% |
Native American or Alaska Native alone (NH) | 119 | 60 | 58 | 0.41% | 0.22% | 0.23% |
Asian alone (NH) | 83 | 107 | 103 | 0.29% | 0.39% | 0.41% |
Pacific Islander alone (NH) | 6 | 24 | 0 | 0.02% | 0.09% | 0.00% |
Some Other Race alone (NH) | 4 | 13 | 63 | 0.01% | 0.05% | 0.25% |
Mixed Race or Multi-Racial (NH) | 191 | 209 | 553 | 0.66% | 0.76% | 2.19% |
Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 478 | 1,387 | 1,510 | 1.65% | 5.05% | 5.99% |
Total | 29,038 | 27,457 | 25,223 | 100.00% | 100.00% | 100.00% |
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 25,223 people, 9,345 households, and 6,187 families residing in the county.
As of the 2010 United States census, there were 27,457 people living in the county. 48.0% were White, 46.9% Black or African American, 0.4% Native American, 0.4% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 3.3% of some other race and 0.9% of two or more races. 5.1% were Hispanic or Latino (of any race).
As of the census [14] of 2000, there were 29,038 people, 10,409 households, and 7,390 families living in the county. The population density was 33 people per square mile (13 people/km2). There were 12,461 housing units at an average density of 14 units per square mile (5.4 units/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 51.27% White, 46.32% Black or African American, 0.45% Native American, 0.29% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.91% from other races, and 0.73% from two or more races. 1.65% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. There were 670 people who spoke Spanish in their home. The only other language with over 100 speakers was French at 105.
In 2005 Barbour County had a population that was 49.5% non-Hispanic whites. 46.8% of the population was African-American. 0.3% of the population reported more than one race. Latinos were now 3.1% of the population. 0.4% were Native American and 0.3% were Asian. (Sources census quickfacts)
In 2000 There were 10,409 households, out of which 33.30% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.90% were married couples living together, 19.10% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.00% were non-families. 26.50% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.10% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.53 and the average family size was 3.04.
In the county, the population was spread out, with 25.40% under the age of 18, 9.30% from 18 to 24, 29.60% from 25 to 44, 22.40% from 45 to 64, and 13.30% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females there were 106.40 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 106.80 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $25,101, and the median income for a family was $31,877. Males had a median income of $28,441 versus $19,882 for females. The per capita income for the county was $13,316. About 21.60% of families and 26.80% of the population were below the poverty line, including 37.10% of those under age 18 and 26.40% of those age 65 or over.
In 2000, the largest denominational groups were Evangelical Protestants (with 8,935 adherents) and Mainline Protestants (with 2,492 adherents). [15] The largest religious bodies were The Southern Baptist Convention (with 7,576 members) and The United Methodist Church (with 1,811 members). [15]
Barbour County contains two public school districts. There are approximately 7,100 students in public K-12 schools in Barbour County. [16]
The county contains one public higher education institution. Wallace Community College operates a campus located in Eufaula.
School districts include: [17]
Having been a historically Democratic county for much of the 20th century, the county has become more competitive. It has now voted for the Republican presidential candidate in four of the last five elections.
Year | Republican | Democratic | Third party | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
No. | % | No. | % | No. | % | |
2020 | 5,622 | 53.45% | 4,816 | 45.79% | 80 | 0.76% |
2016 | 5,454 | 52.10% | 4,871 | 46.53% | 144 | 1.38% |
2012 | 5,550 | 48.19% | 5,912 | 51.33% | 55 | 0.48% |
2008 | 5,866 | 50.44% | 5,697 | 48.99% | 67 | 0.58% |
2004 | 5,899 | 54.74% | 4,832 | 44.84% | 46 | 0.43% |
2000 | 5,096 | 49.02% | 5,188 | 49.91% | 111 | 1.07% |
1996 | 3,627 | 40.51% | 4,787 | 53.47% | 539 | 6.02% |
1992 | 4,475 | 42.90% | 4,836 | 46.36% | 1,120 | 10.74% |
1988 | 4,958 | 55.71% | 3,836 | 43.11% | 105 | 1.18% |
1984 | 5,459 | 53.73% | 4,591 | 45.18% | 111 | 1.09% |
1980 | 4,171 | 46.34% | 4,458 | 49.53% | 372 | 4.13% |
1976 | 3,758 | 43.25% | 4,730 | 54.43% | 202 | 2.32% |
1972 | 4,985 | 70.92% | 1,846 | 26.26% | 198 | 2.82% |
1968 | 386 | 4.86% | 1,898 | 23.89% | 5,662 | 71.26% |
1964 | 3,853 | 79.76% | 0 | 0.00% | 978 | 20.24% |
1960 | 1,166 | 34.99% | 2,148 | 64.47% | 18 | 0.54% |
1956 | 777 | 22.53% | 2,530 | 73.35% | 142 | 4.12% |
1952 | 798 | 26.16% | 2,250 | 73.77% | 2 | 0.07% |
1948 | 101 | 5.65% | 0 | 0.00% | 1,687 | 94.35% |
1944 | 67 | 2.84% | 2,237 | 94.91% | 53 | 2.25% |
1940 | 90 | 3.71% | 2,328 | 95.88% | 10 | 0.41% |
1936 | 50 | 2.04% | 2,386 | 97.47% | 12 | 0.49% |
1932 | 64 | 2.81% | 2,207 | 96.88% | 7 | 0.31% |
1928 | 845 | 35.59% | 1,506 | 63.44% | 23 | 0.97% |
1924 | 78 | 5.33% | 1,340 | 91.59% | 45 | 3.08% |
1920 | 203 | 11.37% | 1,568 | 87.79% | 15 | 0.84% |
1916 | 45 | 3.45% | 1,235 | 94.64% | 25 | 1.92% |
1912 | 18 | 1.41% | 1,155 | 90.38% | 105 | 8.22% |
1908 | 43 | 3.06% | 1,303 | 92.81% | 58 | 4.13% |
1904 | 49 | 3.40% | 1,356 | 94.04% | 37 | 2.57% |
Barbour County is home to Lakepoint Resort State Park, Blue Springs State Park, and the Eufaula National Wildlife Refuge.
As a center of the planter elite class, Barbour County has produced more Alabama governors than any other county in the state. Six elected governors as well as two acting governors have lived in the county. In 2000, the Barbour County Governors' Trail was established by an act of the Alabama Legislature to honor the eight distinguished men and women who have served as governor from the county.
Marking changes in 20th-century politics, Chauncey Sparks, the Wallaces, and Jere Beasley were not from the planter elite.
Alabama governors from Barbour County | ||
---|---|---|
Name | In Office | Hometown |
John Gill Shorter | 1861–1863 | Eufaula, AL |
William Dorsey Jelks | 1901–1907 | Eufaula, AL |
Braxton Bragg Comer | 1907–1911 | Spring Hill, AL |
Charles S. McDowell | July 10,11, 1924 | Eufaula, AL |
Chauncey Sparks | 1943–1947 | Eufaula, AL |
George Corley Wallace | 1963–1967, 1971–1979, 1983–1987 | Clio, AL |
Jere Beasley | June 5 – July 7, 1972 | Clayton, AL |
Clay County is a county located in the southwestern part of the U.S. state of Georgia. As of the 2020 census, the population was 2,848, making it the fourth-least populous county in Georgia. The county seat is Fort Gaines.
Blount County is a county located in the U.S. state of Alabama. As of the 2020 census, the population was 59,134. Its county seat is Oneonta.
Bullock County is a county of the U.S. state of Alabama. As of the 2020 census, the population was 10,357. Union Springs was chosen as the county seat in 1867, and presently is the county's only incorporated city. The county was named for Confederate Army Colonel Edward C. Bullock who was a state senator and outspoken secessionist who died during the American Civil War.
Butler County is a county located in the south central portion of the U.S. state of Alabama. As of the 2020 census, the population was 19,051. Its county seat is Greenville. Its name is in honor of Captain William Butler, who was born in Virginia and fought in the Creek War, and who was killed in May 1818.
Cherokee County, Alabama is a county located in the northeastern part of the U.S. state of Alabama. As of the 2020 census, the population was 24,971. Its county seat is Centre. The county is named for the Cherokee tribe.
Etowah County is a county located in the northeastern part of the U.S. state of Alabama. As of the 2020 census the population was 103,436. Its county seat is Gadsden. Its name is from a Cherokee word meaning "edible tree". In total area, it is the smallest county in Alabama, but one of the most densely populated. Etowah County comprises the Gadsden Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Coffee County is a county located in the southeastern part of the U.S. state of Alabama. As of the 2020 census, the population was 53,465. Its name is in honor of General John Coffee.
Coosa County is a county located in the east central portion of the U.S. state of Alabama. As of the 2020 census the population was 10,387. Its county seat is Rockford. Its name derives from a town of the Creek tribe and the Coosa River, which forms one of the county borders.
Covington County is a county located in the south central portion of the U.S. state of Alabama. As of the 2020 census the population was 37,570. Its county seat is Andalusia. Its name is in honor of Brigadier General Leonard Covington of Maryland and Mississippi, who died in the War of 1812.
Dale County is a county located in the southeastern part of the U.S. state of Alabama. As of the 2020 census the population was 49,326. Its county seat and largest city is Ozark. Its name is in honor of General Samuel Dale.
Lamar County is a county in the U.S. state of Alabama. As of the 2020 census, the population was 13,972. Its county seat is Vernon and it is a dry county. It is named in honor of Lucius Quintus Cincinnatus Lamar, a former Confederate officer and former member of both houses of the United States Congress from Mississippi.
Henry County is a county in the southeastern part of the U.S. state of Alabama. As of the 2020 census, its population was 17,146. Its county seat is Abbeville. The county was named for Patrick Henry (1736–1799), famous orator and Governor of Virginia.
Perry County is a county located in the Black Belt region in the central part of the U.S. state of Alabama. As of the 2020 census, the population was 8,511. Its county seat is Marion. The county was established in 1819 and is named in honor of Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry of Rhode Island and the United States Navy. As of 2020, Perry County was the only county in Alabama, and one of 40 in the United States, not to have access to any wired broadband connections.
Pike County is a county located in the U.S. state of Alabama. As of the 2020 census the population was 33,009. Its county seat is Troy. Its name is in honor of General Zebulon Pike, of New Jersey, who led an expedition to southern Colorado and encountered Pikes Peak in 1806.
Randolph County is a county on the central eastern border of the U.S. state of Alabama. As of the 2020 census, the population was 21,967. Its county seat is Wedowee. Its name is in honor of John Randolph, a member of the United States Senate from Virginia. Randolph County was a prohibition or dry county until 2012, when the citizens of Randolph County voted to repeal prohibition.
Russell County is a county in the southeastern part of the U.S. state of Alabama. As of the 2020 census, the population was 59,183. Its county seat is Phenix City. Its name is in honor of Colonel Gilbert C. Russell, who fought in the wars against the Creek Indians.
Walker County is a county located in the central portion of the U.S. state of Alabama. As of the 2020 census, the population was 65,342. Its county seat is Jasper. Its name is in honor of John Williams Walker, the first U.S. senator elected from Alabama.
Clayton is a town in and the county seat of Barbour County, Alabama, United States. The population was 3,008 at the 2010 census, up from 1,475 in 2000.
Midway is a town located in eastern Bullock County, Alabama, United States. At the 2020 census, the population was 421.
St. Clair County is a county located in the central portion of the U.S. state of Alabama. As of the 2020 census, the population was 91,103. It has two county seats: Ashville and Pell City. It is one of two counties in Alabama, and one of 33 in the United States, with more than one county seat. Its name is in honor of General Arthur St. Clair, an officer in the French and Indian War. St. Clair County is included in the Birmingham, Alabama Metropolitan Statistical Area.