Butler County, Alabama
Encyclopedia
Butler County is a county
of the U.S. state
of Alabama
. Its name is in honor of Captain William Butler
, who was born in Virginia
and fought in the Creek War
, and who was killed in May 1818. As of 2010 the population was 20,947. Its county seat
is Greenville
.
, and Monroe County, Alabama
, by an act passed December 13, 1819, by the Legislature while in session at Huntsville. This was the first session of the Legislature of Alabama as a State. The name of Fairfield was first proposed for this county, but was changed on the passage of the bill to Butler, in honor of Captain William Butler
.
The exact date of the first settlement made by white people in the limits of Butler County is not exactly known. Some records have it as early as 1814, but the earliest settler of no dispute is James K. Benson, who settled in the Flat in 1815, and built the first house ever erected in Butler County. It was built near where Pine Flat Methodist Church now stands, and was made of logs. Shortly after, William Ogly and John Dickerson came with their families and made a settlement on the Federal Road, about three miles (5 km) south of where Fort Dale was later erected. In the fall of 1816, a party from the state of Georgia came to settle in Pine Flat, including Thomas Hill, Warren A. Thompson
, Captain John Watts, and Benjamin Hill. In 1817, many more settlers arrived, since the hardest work had already been done by these brave original souls.
, native of Virginia, previous member of Georgia Legislature and captain of Georgia militia, came to Butler County in search of adventure, but was soon killed by native Americans near Butler Springs on the morning of 20 March 1818. While on his way from Fort Bibb to Fort Dale with four other men, Captain Butler was wounded and thrown from his horse, but attempted to make his escape. Seeing that this was impossible, he resolved to die fighting his enemy, and succeeded in killing one of Savannah Jack's bravest warriors, and after severely wounding several others who attacked him, was overcome by the number of Native Americans who were present. He was left mangled, scalped, and with his ears and privates stuffed into his mouth.
Warren A. Thompson
was a noted explorer and original settler of the county, and was locally known as the strongman of the original Butler County pioneer settlers.
Hank Williams was born in Butler County in 1923.
of 2000, there were 21,399 people, 8,398 households, and 5,870 families residing in the county. The population density
was 28 people per square mile (11/km2). There were 9,957 housing units at an average density of 13 per square mile (5/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 58.38% White
, 40.81% Black
or African American
, 0.21% Native American
, 0.16% Asian
, 0.05% from other races
, and 0.39% from two or more races. 0.67% of the population were Hispanic
or Latino
of any race.
There were 8,398 households out of which 32.50% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.70% were married couples
living together, 18.20% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.10% were non-families. 27.50% of all households were made up of individuals and 13.50% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.52 and the average family size was 3.06.
In the county the population was spread out with 26.90% under the age of 18, 8.60% from 18 to 24, 25.10% from 25 to 44, 23.00% from 45 to 64, and 16.40% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females there were 88.00 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 82.90 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $24,791, and the median income for a family was $30,915. Males had a median income of $28,968 versus $18,644 for females. The per capita income
for the county was $15,715. About 20.40% of families and 24.60% of the population were below the poverty line, including 31.30% of those under age 18 and 28.60% of those age 65 or over.
County (United States)
In the United States, a county is a geographic subdivision of a state , usually assigned some governmental authority. The term "county" is used in 48 of the 50 states; Louisiana is divided into parishes and Alaska into boroughs. Parishes and boroughs are called "county-equivalents" by the U.S...
of the U.S. state
U.S. state
A U.S. state is any one of the 50 federated states of the United States of America that share sovereignty with the federal government. Because of this shared sovereignty, an American is a citizen both of the federal entity and of his or her state of domicile. Four states use the official title of...
of Alabama
Alabama
Alabama is a state located in the southeastern region of the United States. It is bordered by Tennessee to the north, Georgia to the east, Florida and the Gulf of Mexico to the south, and Mississippi to the west. Alabama ranks 30th in total land area and ranks second in the size of its inland...
. Its name is in honor of Captain William Butler
William Butler (militiaman)
William Butler was an American militiaman who fought in the Creek War. Born in Virginia, he moved first to Georgia where he briefly held elected office before moving west into the Alabama Territory. He served as a militia leader during the Creek War from 1813-1814...
, who was born in Virginia
Virginia
The Commonwealth of Virginia , is a U.S. state on the Atlantic Coast of the Southern United States. Virginia is nicknamed the "Old Dominion" and sometimes the "Mother of Presidents" after the eight U.S. presidents born there...
and fought in the Creek War
Creek War
The Creek War , also known as the Red Stick War and the Creek Civil War, began as a civil war within the Creek nation...
, and who was killed in May 1818. As of 2010 the population was 20,947. Its county seat
County seat
A county seat is an administrative center, or seat of government, for a county or civil parish. The term is primarily used in the United States....
is Greenville
Greenville, Alabama
Greenville is a city in Butler County, Alabama, United States. At the 2000 census, the population was 7,228. The city is the county seat of Butler County and is known as the Camellia City. The movement to change the Official Alabama State Flower from the goldenrod to the camellia originated in...
.
History
Butler County was formed from Conecuh County, AlabamaConecuh County, Alabama
-2010:Whereas according to the 2010 U.S. Census Bureau:*51.3% White*46.5% Black*0.3% Native American*0.1% Asian*0.0% Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander*1.0% Two or more races*1.2% Hispanic or Latino -2000:...
, and Monroe County, Alabama
Monroe County, Alabama
Monroe County is a county of the U.S. state of Alabama. Its name is in honor of James Monroe, fifth President of the United States. As of 2010, the population was 23,068. Its county seat is Monroeville. It is a dry county, in which the sale of alcoholic beverages is restricted or...
, by an act passed December 13, 1819, by the Legislature while in session at Huntsville. This was the first session of the Legislature of Alabama as a State. The name of Fairfield was first proposed for this county, but was changed on the passage of the bill to Butler, in honor of Captain William Butler
William Butler (militiaman)
William Butler was an American militiaman who fought in the Creek War. Born in Virginia, he moved first to Georgia where he briefly held elected office before moving west into the Alabama Territory. He served as a militia leader during the Creek War from 1813-1814...
.
The exact date of the first settlement made by white people in the limits of Butler County is not exactly known. Some records have it as early as 1814, but the earliest settler of no dispute is James K. Benson, who settled in the Flat in 1815, and built the first house ever erected in Butler County. It was built near where Pine Flat Methodist Church now stands, and was made of logs. Shortly after, William Ogly and John Dickerson came with their families and made a settlement on the Federal Road, about three miles (5 km) south of where Fort Dale was later erected. In the fall of 1816, a party from the state of Georgia came to settle in Pine Flat, including Thomas Hill, Warren A. Thompson
Warren A. Thompson
Warren A. Thompson was a noted explorer and original settler of Butler County, Alabama.-Explorations:Thompson went with Captain John H. Watts and Thomas Hill on their many explorations throughout Butler County, and had the particular honor of naming the many creeks found in the area...
, Captain John Watts, and Benjamin Hill. In 1817, many more settlers arrived, since the hardest work had already been done by these brave original souls.
Famous Citizens
Captain William ButlerWilliam Butler (militiaman)
William Butler was an American militiaman who fought in the Creek War. Born in Virginia, he moved first to Georgia where he briefly held elected office before moving west into the Alabama Territory. He served as a militia leader during the Creek War from 1813-1814...
, native of Virginia, previous member of Georgia Legislature and captain of Georgia militia, came to Butler County in search of adventure, but was soon killed by native Americans near Butler Springs on the morning of 20 March 1818. While on his way from Fort Bibb to Fort Dale with four other men, Captain Butler was wounded and thrown from his horse, but attempted to make his escape. Seeing that this was impossible, he resolved to die fighting his enemy, and succeeded in killing one of Savannah Jack's bravest warriors, and after severely wounding several others who attacked him, was overcome by the number of Native Americans who were present. He was left mangled, scalped, and with his ears and privates stuffed into his mouth.
Warren A. Thompson
Warren A. Thompson
Warren A. Thompson was a noted explorer and original settler of Butler County, Alabama.-Explorations:Thompson went with Captain John H. Watts and Thomas Hill on their many explorations throughout Butler County, and had the particular honor of naming the many creeks found in the area...
was a noted explorer and original settler of the county, and was locally known as the strongman of the original Butler County pioneer settlers.
Hank Williams was born in Butler County in 1923.
Geography
According to the 2000 census, the county has a total area of 777.92 square miles (2,014.8 km²), of which 776.87 square miles (2,012.1 km²) (or 99.87%) is land and 1.05 square miles (2.7 km²) (or 0.13%) is water.Major highways
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Interstate 65Interstate 65Interstate 65 is a major Interstate Highway in the United States. The southern terminus is located at an intersection with Interstate 10 in Mobile, Alabama, and its northern terminus is at an interchange with Interstate 90 , U.S. Route 12, and U.S...
U.S. Highway 31
State Route 10
State Route 106
Adjacent counties
- Lowndes CountyLowndes County, AlabamaLowndes County is a county of the U.S. state of Alabama. It is named in honor of William Lowndes, a member of the United States Congress from South Carolina. As of the 2010 census, the population was 11,299...
(north) - Crenshaw CountyCrenshaw County, AlabamaCrenshaw County is a county of the U.S. state of Alabama. Its name is in honor of a judge, Anderson Crenshaw. As of 2010 the population was 13,906. Its county seat is Luverne.-Geography:...
(east) - Covington CountyCovington County, AlabamaCovington County, Alabama, is a county of the U.S. state of Alabama. Its name is in honor of Brigadier General Leonard Covington of Maryland. As of 2010 the population was 37,765...
(southeast) - Conecuh CountyConecuh County, Alabama-2010:Whereas according to the 2010 U.S. Census Bureau:*51.3% White*46.5% Black*0.3% Native American*0.1% Asian*0.0% Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander*1.0% Two or more races*1.2% Hispanic or Latino -2000:...
(southwest) - Monroe CountyMonroe County, AlabamaMonroe County is a county of the U.S. state of Alabama. Its name is in honor of James Monroe, fifth President of the United States. As of 2010, the population was 23,068. Its county seat is Monroeville. It is a dry county, in which the sale of alcoholic beverages is restricted or...
(west) - Wilcox CountyWilcox County, AlabamaWilcox County is a county of the U.S. state of Alabama. Its name is in honor of Lieutenant J. M. Wilcox, who fought in the wars against the Creek tribe. As of 2010, the population was 11,670...
(northwest)
Demographics
As of the censusCensus
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
of 2000, there were 21,399 people, 8,398 households, and 5,870 families residing in the county. The population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 28 people per square mile (11/km2). There were 9,957 housing units at an average density of 13 per square mile (5/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 58.38% White
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 40.81% Black
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
or African American
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.21% Native American
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.16% Asian
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.05% from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 0.39% from two or more races. 0.67% of the population were Hispanic
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
or Latino
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
of any race.
There were 8,398 households out of which 32.50% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.70% were married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 18.20% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.10% were non-families. 27.50% of all households were made up of individuals and 13.50% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.52 and the average family size was 3.06.
In the county the population was spread out with 26.90% under the age of 18, 8.60% from 18 to 24, 25.10% from 25 to 44, 23.00% from 45 to 64, and 16.40% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females there were 88.00 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 82.90 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $24,791, and the median income for a family was $30,915. Males had a median income of $28,968 versus $18,644 for females. The per capita income
Per capita income
Per capita income or income per person is a measure of mean income within an economic aggregate, such as a country or city. It is calculated by taking a measure of all sources of income in the aggregate and dividing it by the total population...
for the county was $15,715. About 20.40% of families and 24.60% of the population were below the poverty line, including 31.30% of those under age 18 and 28.60% of those age 65 or over.
Cities and towns
- GeorgianaGeorgiana, AlabamaGeorgiana is a town in Butler County, Alabama, United States. As of the 2000 census, the population of the town was 1,737.-Geography:Georgiana is located at 31°38'24.313" North, 86°44'21.991" West .According to the U.S...
- GreenvilleGreenville, AlabamaGreenville is a city in Butler County, Alabama, United States. At the 2000 census, the population was 7,228. The city is the county seat of Butler County and is known as the Camellia City. The movement to change the Official Alabama State Flower from the goldenrod to the camellia originated in...
- McKenzieMcKenzie, AlabamaMcKenzie is a town in Butler and Conecuh counties in the U.S. state of Alabama. The population was 644 at the 2000 census.-Geography:McKenzie is located at ....
(part of McKenzie is in Conecuh CountyConecuh County, Alabama-2010:Whereas according to the 2010 U.S. Census Bureau:*51.3% White*46.5% Black*0.3% Native American*0.1% Asian*0.0% Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander*1.0% Two or more races*1.2% Hispanic or Latino -2000:...
)
See also
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Butler County, Alabama
- Properties on the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage in Butler County, Alabama