Moulton Alabama

Moulton is the seat of Lawrence County and is located in the northwest corner of the state. Moulton is a city in Lawrence County. Although it incorporated in 1819 it did not first appear on the U.S. Census rolls until 1900. As of the 2010 census, the population of the city is 3,471. The city has been the county seat of Lawrence County since 1820. It has been the largest community in the county since the 1920 U.S. Census.

Moulton is located at 34°28′56″N 87°17′8″W (34.482307, -87.285621). The city is concentrated along Alabama State Route 33 southwest of Decatur. Alabama State Route 24 passes through the northern part of the city, and Alabama State Route 157 passes through its eastern section. The William B. Bankhead National Forest lies to the southwest of Moulton.

Moulton Alabama History

By the time Alabama became a state in 1819, an inn had been erected at the site of what is now Moulton to serve migrants along the various early paths that passed through the area. Shortly after Alabama achieved statehood, both Moulton and Courtland (to the north) incorporated and competed for the county seat of Lawrence County. Governor Thomas Bibb awarded the seat to Moulton as the most centrally located of the two within the county.

During the early nineteenth century, most residents made their living by farming or as merchants in the town. The town hosted the Baptist Female Institute, a school for women that opened in 1852. In 1859, the original courthouse burned and was replaced with a brick building the following year. That structure was torn down in 1936 and replaced with the current courthouse.

Moulton Alabama Events and Places of Interest

Moulton lies just north of the William B. Bankhead National Forest, which offers numerous opportunities for outdoor recreation. The Prairie Grove Glades, a Nature Conservancy preserve, offers visitors views of rare plants on 191 acres just outside Moulton. Also nearby are the Oakville Indian Mounds, which were built by Native Americans during the Woodland Period, some 2,000 years ago.
Events in Moulton include the Fiddle Fest held in August and the Strawberry Festival in May. Also each May, the county celebrates the Annual Cherokee River Homecoming Indian Festival, which features Native American crafts, foods, and games as well as dances and demonstrations of traditional activities.

Moulton Alabama Weblinks