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Geneva County is a historic county located in the southeastern area of the US state of Alabama. Rich in history and culture, the county has plenty of fascinating stories about its past that are worth exploring. Here are seven interesting facts about Geneva County in Alabama history that you may not have known.
1. The first inhabitants of Geneva County were Native Americans from the Creek and Choctaw tribes. The county was officially founded in 1868 and named after the city of Geneva in Switzerland.
2. Geneva County was once the site of the Cottonwood Massacre, which occurred in 1837 during the Second Seminole War. A group of Seminole Native Americans and runaway slaves attacked a steamboat on the Chattahoochee River, killing more than 50 people.
3. The town of Hartford, which serves as the county seat of Geneva County, is home to the oldest bank in the state of Alabama. The First National Bank of Hartford was established in 1876 and still operates today.
4. Geneva County was once a major center for the production of naval stores, such as turpentine, rosin, and pitch. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the county's forests were a valuable source of raw materials for this industry.
5. Geneva County is also known for its role in the civil rights movement. In 1965, the town of Slocomb was the site of a historic voting rights march led by Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. and other civil rights leaders.
6. The Geneva County Jail, located in the town of Geneva, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The jail was built in 1912 and served as the county's primary correctional facility until it was decommissioned in 2003.
7. Geneva County has produced a number of notable figures throughout its history, including baseball player Hank Aaron, musician Hank Williams Jr., and actor Jamie Farr. Aaron was born in nearby Mobile but spent part of his childhood in Geneva County, while Williams Jr. grew up in the town of Georgiana and often performed in the county during his early career.
In conclusion, Geneva County has a rich and varied history that is filled with fascinating stories and notable figures. Whether you're interested in Native American history, civil rights, or the history of industry in the South, there is something for everyone to discover in this unique and historic county.
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