The story of Alexander City began hundreds of years ago with members of the Creek Nation who lived along the rivers and streams in what is now central Alabama. Alabama gained statehood in 1819 following the Battle of the Horseshoe Bend in 1814 and ceding of Creek lands. With the final cessions of land in 1832 and removal of Native Americans in 1837, settlers arrived with their families, some purchasing lots drafted by Griffin Young in the town square. The arrival of the railroad in 1874 resulted in the town’s name changing from Youngsville to Alexander City to honor Edward P. Alexander, president of the Savannah and Memphis Railroad. Early commerce flourished with the opening of the Alexander City Mill in 1901. Within a year, the entire town and nearby residences burned. The pioneer spirit of the people prevailed, and the town was rebuilt within weeks. In the early 20th century, the successes of Avondale Mills and Russell Corporation provided an economic environment where hometown businesses, schools, and churches thrived.

Alexander City (Images of America)

Arts & Photography

Walls, Peggy Jackson

Oliver, Laura Dykes

Photography & Video

Arcadia Publishing

Gold rushes in Cleburne and Tallapoosa Counties attracted thousands of miners years before California's famous strike. In 1936, production at the Hog Mountain mine caused Alabama to be recognized as the top producer in the Appalachian states. In Hog Mountain's heyday, a local German settler discovered the precious metal while digging a wine cellar. In Log Pit, unscrupulous speculators "shot" ore into rock crevices and "salted" nuggets on land to enhance its sale value. A Cleburne County miner cleaned over eleven pounds of gold and was killed in a "free fight" all in one day. Join author Peggy Jackson Walls as she traces a century of gold mining in Alabama.

Alabama Gold: A History of the South’s Last Mother Lode

The History Press

Lost Towns of Central Alabama

Settlers came to Central Alabama in the early 1800s with big dreams. Miners panned the streams and combed the hillsides of the state's Gold Belt, hoping to strike it rich. Arbacooche and Goldville were forged by the rush on land and gold, along with Cahaba, the first state capital. Demand for the abundant cotton led to the establishment of factories like Pepperell Mills, Russell Manufacturing Company, Tallassee Mills, Avondale Mills and Daniel Pratt Cotton Gin. Owners built mill villages for their workers, setting the standard for other companies as well. But when booms go bust, they leave ghost towns in their wake. Author Peggy Jackson Walls walks the empty streets of these once lively towns, reviving the stories of the people who built and abandoned them.

The story of Alexander City began hundreds of years ago with members of the Creek Nation who lived along the rivers and streams in what is now central Alabama. Alabama gained statehood in 1819 following the Battle of the Horseshoe Bend in 1814 and ceding of Creek lands. With the final cessions of land in 1832 and removal of Native Americans in 1837, settlers arrived with their families, some purchasing lots drafted by Griffin Young in the town square. The arrival of the railroad in 1874 resulted in the town's name changing from Youngsville to Alexander City to honor Edward P. Alexander, president of the Savannah and Memphis Railroad. Early commerce flourished with the opening of the Alexander City Mill in 1901. Within a year, the entire town and nearby residences burned. The pioneer spirit of the people prevailed, and the town was rebuilt within weeks. In the early 20th century, the successes of Avondale Mills and Russell Corporation provided an economic environment where hometown businesses, schools, and churches thrived.

Alexander City

History

Americas

Arcadia Publishing Library Editions

Gold rushes in Cleburne and Tallapoosa Counties attracted thousands of miners years before California s famous strike. In 1936, production at the Hog Mountain mine caused Alabama to be recognized as the top producer in the Appalachian states. In Hog Mountain s heyday, a local German settler discovered the precious metal while digging a wine cellar. In Log Pit, unscrupulous speculators shot ore into rock crevices and salted nuggets on land to enhance its sale value. A Cleburne County miner cleaned over eleven pounds of gold and was killed in a free fight all in one day. Join author Peggy Jackson Walls as she traces a century of gold mining in Alabama."

Alabama Gold: A History of the South's Last Mother Lode

History Press Library Editions

History PR

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Walls, Peggy Jackson. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Books by Walls, Peggy Jackson

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Walls, Peggy Jackson. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Alexander City (Images of America)

Alabama Gold: A History of the South’s Last Mother Lode

Lost Towns of Central Alabama

Alexander City

Alabama Gold: A History of the South's Last Mother Lode

Lost Towns of Central Alabama