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Lawrence County in Alabama may not be on the top of everyone's list when it comes to history, but it has a rich and fascinating past. From the Civil War to the Civil Rights Movement, Lawrence County played a significant role in shaping the state and the country. Here are seven interesting facts about Lawrence County in Alabama history:
1. The county was named after James Lawrence, a naval hero from the War of 1812. Lawrence's famous last words, "Don't give up the ship!" still inspire the U.S. Navy today.
2. Lawrence County was originally part of the Cherokee Nation, and many Native American tribes lived in the area.
3. During the Civil War, Lawrence County was divided. The northern part of the county supported the Union, while the southern part supported the Confederacy. This led to several skirmishes and battles in the area, including the Battle of Day's Gap.
4. In 1854, a meteorite landed in Lawrence County, causing a stir among scientists and locals. The 94-pound meteorite is now on display at the Alabama Museum of Natural History.
5. Lawrence County was the birthplace of several notable figures, including country music legend Tammy Wynette, civil rights activist Johnnie Carr, and Space Shuttle astronaut Jan Davis.
6. Moulton, the county seat of Lawrence County, was the site of the first free public school in the state of Alabama, opened in 1883.
7. Lawrence County played a significant role in the Civil Rights Movement. In 1965, Martin Luther King Jr. led a voting rights march from Selma to Montgomery, passing through Lawrence County on the way. The county was also the site of the 1966 shooting of civil rights activist Samuel Younge Jr. by a white gas station attendant.
Lawrence County in Alabama may not be the most well-known county in the state, but it certainly has a unique and interesting history. From its Native American roots to its role in the Civil War and the Civil Rights Movement, Lawrence County played a significant role in shaping Alabama and the United States.
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