Clarke County, Alabama

Clarke County
County
Clarke County Courthouse in Grove Hill
Clarke County Courthouse in Grove Hill
Map of Alabama highlighting Clarke County
Location within the U.S. state of Alabama
Map of the United States highlighting Alabama
Alabama's location within the U.S.
Coordinates: 31°40′25″N 87°50′17″W / 31.673611111111°N 87.838055555556°W / 31.673611111111; -87.838055555556
Country United States
State Alabama
FoundedDecember 10, 1812
Named forJohn Clarke
SeatGrove Hill
Largest cityJackson
Area
 • Total1,253 sq mi (3,250 km2)
 • Land1,238 sq mi (3,210 km2)
 • Water14 sq mi (40 km2)  1.1%
Population
 (2020)[1]
 • Total23,087
 • Density18/sq mi (7.1/km2)
Time zoneUTC−6 (Central)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−5 (CDT)
Websitewww.clarkecountyal.com

Clarke County is a county of the U.S. state of Alabama. As of 2020, 23,087 people lived there.[1] The county seat is Grove Hill.

History

Clarke County was formed on December 10, 1812 by the Mississippi Territory. It is named in honor of General John Clarke of Georgia, who was later elected governor of that state.[2] The county had many forts, built by settlers for protection during the Creek War (1813-1814). One of the most notable was Fort Sinquefield.[3]

The first county seat was Clarkesville, formed in 1820. The seat was moved to Macon, later renamed Grove Hill, in 1831. During the American Civil War, the county was notable for its salt production.[2]

Major highways

Border counties

Settlements

Cities

Towns

Communities

Former communities

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 "QuickFacts: Clarke County, Alabama". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved August 8, 2023.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 "Clarke County: A Brief History". Clarke County Historical Museum. Retrieved 3 January 2009.
  3. ↑ "Fort Sinquefield". Clarke County Historical Museum. Retrieved July 27, 2011.