Cities in Greene County, AL
Greene County, located in west-central Alabama, was established on December 13, 1819, and named in honor of Nathanael Greene, a major general in the American Revolutionary War. This rural county is known for its rich history, dating back to antebellum times, with cotton plantations playing a significant role in the economy. Today, Greene County remains a blend of its historical legacy and a rural agricultural landscape. The county’s location places it in the heart of Alabama’s Black Belt region, which is known for its fertile soil and historical significance during the Civil War and Reconstruction era.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 7,730 (as of 2020)
- County Seat: Eutaw
- Number of Cities and Towns: 5 (Eutaw, Forkland, Boligee, Union, and West Greene)
List of Cities and Towns in Greene County, AL
Eutaw
City Facts
- Area: 4.6 square miles
- Population: 2,934 (2020 Census)
- Latitude: 32.8407° N
- Longitude: 87.8872° W
City Overview
Eutaw, the county seat of Greene County, is located in the west-central part of Alabama. It was established in the early 1830s and grew rapidly due to its location on the Black Warrior River, which provided critical transportation for goods, especially cotton, during the 19th century. Named after the Battle of Eutaw Springs, a Revolutionary War conflict, Eutaw became a center of commerce in the antebellum period. Its streets are lined with antebellum homes, reflecting the town’s historical wealth and importance. Like many Southern towns, Eutaw underwent significant changes during the Civil War and Reconstruction, transitioning from a slave-based economy to one more dependent on agriculture and small business.
Major Landmarks and Schools
Eutaw is home to numerous historical landmarks, including the Kirkwood Mansion, a stunning example of Greek Revival architecture, and the Greene County Courthouse, which dates back to the 19th century. The city is also known for its antebellum churches, such as St. Stephens Episcopal Church. As for education, the Greene County School District serves the area with facilities like Eutaw Primary School and Robert Brown Middle School. The city’s historical importance and its preserved architecture attract visitors interested in the heritage of Alabama’s Black Belt region.
Forkland
City Facts
- Area: 3.2 square miles
- Population: 590 (2020 Census)
- Latitude: 32.6556° N
- Longitude: 87.8489° W
City Overview
Forkland is a small town in southern Greene County, located along the Black Warrior River. It was founded in the mid-19th century and was predominantly an agricultural community, with cotton plantations being the primary economic driver. Forkland is deeply tied to the agricultural history of the Black Belt region, known for its rich, dark soil that made it ideal for growing cotton. In recent years, Forkland has maintained its rural character, with many residents involved in farming or local small businesses. Its location near the river has historically been important for transportation, though today, the town is more isolated and relies on regional highways for connectivity.
Major Landmarks and Schools
Forkland is home to a few notable landmarks, such as the Forkland Community Center, which preserves local history and serves as a hub for cultural activities. Another significant site is the nearby Black Warrior River, a historical route for trade and travel. Forkland Elementary School provides education for younger residents, while older students generally attend schools in nearby Eutaw. Although small, Forkland’s historical connections to Alabama’s plantation economy and its ongoing community efforts to preserve local history are important aspects of the town’s identity.
Boligee
City Facts
- Area: 2.5 square miles
- Population: 328 (2020 Census)
- Latitude: 32.7550° N
- Longitude: 88.0209° W
City Overview
Boligee is located in the northern part of Greene County, near the border with Mississippi. Established in the early 19th century, Boligee’s history is closely tied to the cotton industry, much like other towns in the region. The town developed as a result of its proximity to major trade routes along the river and later the railroad, which allowed for the efficient transportation of cotton and other goods. Over time, Boligee has remained a small, rural community, though its rich agricultural past is still evident in the surrounding farmlands. The town’s population has declined in recent years, but its residents remain closely connected to the agricultural traditions of the area.
Major Landmarks and Schools
Boligee is known for its historical churches, including the Zion Baptist Church, which played an important role during the Civil Rights Movement. The town is also home to several small farms and businesses that continue to shape its rural economy. In terms of education, children from Boligee typically attend schools in nearby Eutaw, including Greene County High School. The town’s connection to both the Black Belt region and the Civil Rights Movement gives it a unique historical significance in the county.
Union
City Facts
- Area: 0.7 square miles
- Population: 237 (2020 Census)
- Latitude: 32.6974° N
- Longitude: 87.9936° W
City Overview
Union is one of the smallest towns in Greene County, located near the center of the county. It was founded in the late 19th century as a small farming community. The town’s location in Alabama’s Black Belt made it a hub for cotton farming, and much of its early economy revolved around agriculture. Over time, Union has remained a quiet, close-knit community, with much of its population still involved in farming and related industries. Its small size has kept it relatively insulated from the larger changes that have shaped Alabama’s urban areas, allowing Union to retain its rural charm.
Major Landmarks and Schools
Union is home to a few notable sites, including small churches and farms that have been part of the community for generations. The Union Chapel United Methodist Church is one of the town’s oldest landmarks, serving as a center for religious and community activities. Education in Union is provided through schools in nearby towns like Eutaw, as the town itself does not have a dedicated school system. Despite its small size, Union is an example of the enduring rural communities that define much of Alabama’s Black Belt region.
West Greene
City Facts
- Area: 1.0 square mile
- Population: 149 (2020 Census)
- Latitude: 32.7900° N
- Longitude: 87.9583° W
City Overview
West Greene is a small unincorporated community in Greene County, situated to the west of Eutaw. It developed as a rural agricultural community, with its economy historically based on cotton farming. The town’s proximity to the Black Warrior River contributed to its early development, though it remained smaller and less commercially developed than nearby Eutaw. Over time, West Greene has retained its rural character, with many of its residents involved in farming and local businesses. The town’s agricultural roots are still evident today, and it remains a small but significant part of Greene County’s farming landscape.
Major Landmarks and Schools
West Greene is home to several small farms and historical churches that reflect the community’s deep ties to agriculture and religion. The town lacks formal schools, with children typically attending schools in nearby communities like Eutaw. Despite its small size, West Greene is an example of the many rural towns in Alabama’s Black Belt that have retained their historical roots while adapting to modern changes in the agricultural industry. The town’s close-knit community and connection to the land are defining features of life in West Greene.