Montgomery County, Alabama

Montgomery County, Alabama
Chris Pruitt · CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
County	Montgomery County
State	Alabama
Founded	December 6, 1814
Seat	Montgomery, Alabama
Largest city	Montgomery, Alabama
Area total sq mi	794
Population as of	2020
Population total	200624

Montgomery County, Alabama. Located in the Southeastern United States, it is part of the Montgomery, Alabama Metropolitan Area and is home to notable institutions such as Auburn University at Montgomery, Alabama State University, and Faulkner University. The county is situated near the Alabama River and is close to other major cities like Birmingham, Alabama and Tuscaloosa, Alabama. It has a rich history, with significant events like the Selma to Montgomery Marches and the Montgomery Bus Boycott led by Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks.

Geography

Montgomery County, Alabama is bordered by Elmore County, Alabama to the north, Macon County, Alabama to the east, Bullock County, Alabama to the southeast, Pike County, Alabama to the south, Crenshaw County, Alabama to the southwest, and Lowndes County, Alabama to the west. The county is drained by the Alabama River and its tributaries, including Catoma Creek and Lagoon Park. The city of Montgomery, Alabama is the county seat and is home to several parks, including Old Alabama Town and Blount Cultural Park. Nearby cities like Prattville, Alabama and Wetumpka, Alabama are also part of the county's geography. The county is close to the Tallapoosa River and the Coosa River, which are both part of the Alabama River watershed. Other notable geographic features include the Montgomery Zoo and the First White House of the Confederacy.

History

The history of the area dates back to the Creek War, when the Creek Nation ceded the land to the United States through the Treaty of Fort Jackson. The county was established on December 6, 1814, and was named after Richard Montgomery, a Continental Army general who died during the American Revolutionary War. The county played a significant role in the American Civil War, with the city of Montgomery, Alabama serving as the Confederate capital. Notable historical events include the Battle of Montgomery, the Selma to Montgomery Marches, and the Montgomery Bus Boycott, which was led by Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks. Other notable figures from the county include Helen Keller, Booker T. Washington, and George Washington Carver. The county is also home to the Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church, where Martin Luther King Jr. served as pastor. The National Memorial for Peace and Justice and the Legacy Museum are also located in the county.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States Census, the population of the county was 200,624. The county has a diverse population, with a mix of African Americans, European Americans, and Asian Americans. The median household income is around $43,000, and the median home value is around $140,000. The county is home to several neighborhoods, including Cloverdale, Montgomery, Alabama, Garden District, Montgomery, Alabama, and Old Cloverdale. Nearby cities like Prattville, Alabama and Wetumpka, Alabama also contribute to the county's demographics. The county is part of the Montgomery, Alabama Metropolitan Area, which has a population of over 400,000. Other notable demographic features include the Alabama Shakespeare Festival and the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts.

Economy

The economy of the county is driven by several industries, including healthcare, education, and government. The county is home to several major employers, including Jackson Hospital, Baptist Health, and the State of Alabama. The city of Montgomery, Alabama is also a major hub for tourism, with attractions like the First White House of the Confederacy, the Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church, and the National Memorial for Peace and Justice. The county is also home to several Fortune 500 companies, including Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama and Mercedes-Benz U.S. International. Nearby cities like Birmingham, Alabama and Tuscaloosa, Alabama also contribute to the county's economy. The county is part of the Montgomery, Alabama Metropolitan Area, which has a diverse economy with a mix of manufacturing, technology, and service industries. Other notable economic features include the Montgomery Regional Airport and the Port of Montgomery.

Government

The government of the county is led by the Montgomery County Commission, which is composed of five members elected by district. The county is also part of the Alabama Legislature, with several representatives and senators serving the area. The city of Montgomery, Alabama is the county seat and is home to several government agencies, including the Montgomery Police Department and the Montgomery Fire Department. The county is also home to several federal agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service. Nearby cities like Prattville, Alabama and Wetumpka, Alabama also have their own governments. The county is part of the United States District Court for the Middle District of Alabama, which has jurisdiction over the area. Other notable government features include the Alabama Supreme Court and the Alabama Court of Appeals.

Education

The county is served by the Montgomery Public Schools system, which operates several schools in the area, including Jefferson Davis High School, Robert E. Lee High School, and Sidney Lanier High School. The county is also home to several private schools, including Montgomery Academy and Trinity Presbyterian School. The city of Montgomery, Alabama is home to several colleges and universities, including Auburn University at Montgomery, Alabama State University, and Faulkner University. Nearby cities like Prattville, Alabama and Wetumpka, Alabama also have their own schools. The county is part of the Alabama Community College System, which has several campuses in the area. Other notable educational features include the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts and the Alabama Shakespeare Festival. The county is also home to the National Center for the Study of Civil Rights and African-American Culture at Alabama State University.