Lauderdale County was named in honor of Col. James Lauderdale, a Virginian born in the 1780s who later served under Andrew Jackson. He fought alongside Jackson in numerous battles against the American Indians. Historians differ on when Lauderdale died. Some say he died from wounds suffered in the Battle of Talladega, while others say he died in the Battle of New Orleans. Several cities and counties in the South are named after Lauderdale.
Lauderdale County was established in 1818, a year before Alabama became a state. The county was established by an act of the General Assembly of Alabama Territory. Florence, which was named after the city of the same name in Italy, became the county seat later that year, still before Alabama became a state.
The first courthouse was built in 1822 and was used by the county for 77 years when it was remodeled and enlarged. The remodeling was completed three years later in 1902.
After the cession of Indian lands in north Alabama to the white settlement in 1816, the United States began selling lands in the area at a public auction, leading to the establishment of many new towns, most of which were formed along the Tennessee River.
Some of the Lauderdale County towns that competed for early settlers were Savage’s Spring, nine miles below Florence, and Waterloo, which is 20 miles down river.
Waterloo was established in 1819 and settled by people from the Carolinas. Some historians say the town was named for the Belgian town that was the site of Napolean’s defeat.
Waterloo became incorporated in 1832, becoming one of the oldest incorporated towns in Alabama.
Waterloo and Florence became regular stops for many of the old riverboats. The boats came from as far as St. Louis, bringing cargoes and passengers. Others carried cotton from Lauderdale farms to the port of New Orleans.
The river was the main mode of transportation then. Some made it to the area by following the Natchez Trace, which was just a little more than an Indian trail at the time. The Military Road, which was cleared by Andrew Jackson’s troops in 1816, brought another overland route. It was later officially named Jackson Highway.
Some of the recognizable natives of Lauderdale County include W.C. Handy, who earned the nickname “Father of the Blues.” Sam Phillips was born in Florence and became a pioneer in the music industry and was given credit for discovering Elvis Presley. The industry also produced local success stories in Spooner Oldham, Buddy Killen and Donnie Fritts.
PGA golfer Stewart Cink grew up in Florence as did Ed Yeilding, who broke the speed record for his cross-continental plane trip. Pulitzer Prize winning author T.S. Stribling lived several years in the county as did Dred Scott, a former slave who successfully sued to win his freedom.
Pope’s Tavern is one of many attractions in the county. The tavern served as an inn and stagecoach stop, with Andrew Jackson being its most famous guest.
The Indian Mound traces the history of some of the area’s first settlers. The Rosenbaum House, the only structure in Alabama designed by famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright, is also located in the county and is open to the public.
The county also holds several big events, including the Trail of Tears motorcycle ride, which commemorates the route American Indians had to take during their forced removal to Oklahoma. The W.C. Handy Music Festival, Renaissance Faire and Oktoberfest are also big events.
The county is also known for spectacular fishing, which attracts numerous tournaments each year. For the recreational fisherman, there are plenty of trophy fish caught every year.
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