Cities in Pickens County, AL
Pickens County, located in west-central Alabama, was established in 1820 and named after Revolutionary War hero General Andrew Pickens of South Carolina. The county is part of Alabama’s Black Belt, historically known for its rich soil that supported the state’s thriving cotton industry. Like many counties in the region, Pickens County has a long agricultural history, though its economy has since diversified into manufacturing and small industries. With its proximity to the Tombigbee River, the county has also benefited from transportation and trade. Today, Pickens County is a rural area known for its small towns, historical sites, and outdoor recreational opportunities.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 19,123 (2020 Census)
- County Seat: Carrollton
- Number of Cities and Towns: 7 (Carrollton, Aliceville, Gordo, Reform, McMullen, Pickensville, and Memphis)
List of Cities and Towns in Pickens County, AL
Carrollton
City Facts
- Area: 2.3 square miles
- Population: 948 (2020 Census)
- Latitude: 33.2618° N
- Longitude: 88.0953° W
City Overview
Carrollton, the county seat of Pickens County, is a small town with a rich history and a mysterious past. Founded in the early 19th century, Carrollton grew as an agricultural hub, with cotton playing a significant role in its economy. The town is perhaps best known for the legend of the “Face in the Window,” a ghostly image that supposedly appeared in the courthouse window after a former slave, Henry Wells, was wrongfully accused of arson and lynched in 1878. Carrollton remains a quiet, rural community with deep historical roots and serves as the center of government for the county.
Major Landmarks and Schools
The Pickens County Courthouse is the most famous landmark in Carrollton, not only for its historical architecture but also for the eerie “Face in the Window,” which continues to attract curious visitors. Other notable sites include Carrollton’s small churches and historical homes that date back to the 19th century. Education in Carrollton is provided by the Pickens County School District, with Pickens County High School serving students from the town and surrounding areas. Carrollton’s unique history, combined with its role as the county seat, makes it a key part of Pickens County’s identity.
Aliceville
City Facts
- Area: 4.5 square miles
- Population: 2,187 (2020 Census)
- Latitude: 33.1276° N
- Longitude: 88.1528° W
City Overview
Aliceville, located in the southern part of Pickens County, is best known for its World War II history, as it was the site of a German prisoner-of-war (POW) camp from 1943 to 1945. The town was incorporated in 1907 and named after the daughter of a local railroad official. Aliceville thrived as a center for agriculture and trade, with the nearby Tombigbee River facilitating transportation. Today, Aliceville remains a small but vibrant community with a strong agricultural base, while also commemorating its role in World War II history.
Major Landmarks and Schools
The Aliceville Museum is the town’s key landmark, featuring exhibits on the history of the POW camp and the town’s role during World War II. The museum also includes a section dedicated to local history and agriculture. Aliceville’s downtown area is home to several historic buildings and local businesses that reflect the town’s early 20th-century roots. Education in Aliceville is provided by the Pickens County School District, with Aliceville High School serving local students. Aliceville’s blend of history and agriculture makes it one of the most notable towns in Pickens County.
Gordo
City Facts
- Area: 3.2 square miles
- Population: 1,677 (2020 Census)
- Latitude: 33.3201° N
- Longitude: 87.9033° W
City Overview
Gordo is located in the eastern part of Pickens County and was incorporated in 1900. The town was named after the Battle of Cerro Gordo in the Mexican-American War. Gordo grew as an agricultural center, with cotton and livestock playing key roles in its economy. The town has maintained its agricultural roots while also embracing small industries and local businesses. Gordo’s small-town charm and close-knit community make it an attractive place for residents seeking a peaceful, rural lifestyle.
Major Landmarks and Schools
One of Gordo’s main attractions is the annual Gordo Mule Day Festival, which celebrates the town’s agricultural heritage with parades, mule shows, and local crafts. The downtown area is home to several historic buildings that reflect Gordo’s early development as an agricultural town. Education in Gordo is provided by the Pickens County School District, with Gordo High School serving as the main educational institution for local students. Gordo’s agricultural history, community events, and friendly atmosphere make it a key part of Pickens County.
Reform
City Facts
- Area: 8.1 square miles
- Population: 1,647 (2020 Census)
- Latitude: 33.3802° N
- Longitude: 88.0154° W
City Overview
Reform is located in the northeastern part of Pickens County and was incorporated in 1899. The town’s name is thought to come from a group of settlers who wished to “reform” the way of life in the region, bringing progress and growth. Historically, Reform was an agricultural town, with cotton being the main crop. Over time, the town has diversified its economy to include small industries and local businesses, but it remains a quiet, rural community with a focus on farming and local culture.
Major Landmarks and Schools
Reform is home to several historic buildings, including the Reform Opera House and the Reform Presbyterian Church, both of which date back to the town’s early days. The town hosts the annual Reform Street Fair, a popular event that features local vendors, music, and community activities. Reform is part of the Pickens County School District, with Pickens County High School serving students from the area. Reform’s historical significance and its dedication to preserving its small-town character make it a notable town in Pickens County.
McMullen
City Facts
- Area: 0.1 square miles
- Population: 10 (2020 Census)
- Latitude: 33.0767° N
- Longitude: 88.2178° W
City Overview
McMullen is one of the smallest towns in Alabama, located in the southwestern corner of Pickens County. Incorporated in 1976, McMullen is a tiny community with just a handful of residents. The town developed as a rural farming community, and while its population remains small, it continues to serve as a reminder of Alabama’s deep agricultural roots. McMullen offers a peaceful, rural lifestyle, with most residents engaged in farming or living on family-owned land.
Major Landmarks and Schools
Given its small size, McMullen does not have major landmarks or schools within the town itself. Residents typically travel to nearby towns like Aliceville or Carrollton for education and services. The surrounding rural landscapes provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as hunting and fishing, making McMullen a quiet, close-knit community in the heart of Pickens County’s agricultural region.
Pickensville
City Facts
- Area: 1.0 square miles
- Population: 558 (2020 Census)
- Latitude: 33.2263° N
- Longitude: 88.2653° W
City Overview
Pickensville is located in the northwestern part of Pickens County, near the Tombigbee River. Founded in the early 19th century, the town grew as a river port and agricultural hub, with cotton being its main crop. Pickensville played an important role in the transportation of goods along the river during the 19th century. Although the town’s prominence as a river port has declined, it remains a quiet rural community with a strong connection to its history and the surrounding natural environment.
Major Landmarks and Schools
One of Pickensville’s key landmarks is the Tom Bevill Lock and Dam, part of the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway, which offers recreational opportunities like fishing and boating. The Pickensville Methodist Church is another notable site, reflecting the town’s historical roots. Pickensville does not have its own schools, so students typically attend schools in nearby towns like Aliceville. The town’s location near the river and its peaceful rural setting make Pickensville an important part of Pickens County’s agricultural and transportation history.
Memphis
City Facts
- Area: 0.7 square miles
- Population: 29 (2020 Census)
- Latitude: 33.4417° N
- Longitude: 88.2867° W
City Overview
Memphis is a small, unincorporated town located near the Alabama-Mississippi border in northwestern Pickens County. Despite its small size, Memphis has a rich history, as it was once a bustling town during the 19th century, when agriculture and timber were the dominant industries. Today, Memphis is a quiet, rural community with few residents, offering a glimpse into the slower pace of life in rural Alabama. Its location near the Tombigbee River and the state border gives it historical significance as a trading post and agricultural center in the region’s past.
Major Landmarks and Schools
Memphis is known for its rural landscape and historic homes, although most of its 19th-century landmarks no longer exist. The nearby Tombigbee River provides opportunities for outdoor activities, including fishing and boating. Residents of Memphis travel to neighboring towns such as Aliceville and Carrollton for education and other services. Memphis’s quiet, agricultural lifestyle and its place in Pickens County’s history make it a unique, though small, part of the region.