Cities in Wilcox County, AL

by btobers · October 8, 2024

Wilcox County, located in the southwestern part of Alabama, was established in 1819 and named after Lieutenant Joseph M. Wilcox, a hero of the Creek War. The county is known for its rural landscape, vast forests, and proximity to the Alabama River, which played a crucial role in its early development. Agriculture, particularly cotton farming, was the backbone of its economy in the 19th century, with timber and paper industries gaining prominence in later years. Despite being one of the least populated counties in Alabama, Wilcox County is rich in history and has several small towns that reflect its unique Southern heritage.

Wilcox County Facts:

Population: 10,600 (2020 census)
County Seat: Camden
Number of cities and towns: 5

List of Cities and Towns in Wilcox County, AL

1. Camden

Overview of Camden

Camden is the county seat of Wilcox County and its largest town. Situated near the Alabama River, Camden was incorporated in 1841 and quickly became the center of commerce for the surrounding rural areas. The town’s early growth was driven by cotton production, with riverboats transporting cotton to larger markets. During the Civil War, Camden, like much of the South, faced economic hardship, but it rebounded in the post-war years, with agriculture and timber industries playing key roles in its recovery. Today, Camden maintains its historical charm while serving as a small hub for government, commerce, and education in the county.

Camden Facts:

Area: 4.5 square miles
Population: 1,950 (2020 census)
Latitude: 31.9909° N
Longitude: 87.2900° W

Major Landmarks and Schools in Camden

Camden is home to several significant landmarks, including the Wilcox County Courthouse, a historic building that symbolizes the town’s central role in local governance. The Gaines Ridge Dinner Club, a former plantation home, is one of Alabama’s most famous restaurants and a key historical site. Outdoor enthusiasts visit Roland Cooper State Park for camping, fishing, and boating along the Alabama River. The town is served by Wilcox Central High School, Camden School of Arts & Technology, and J.E. Hobbs Elementary School, which provide education from primary to high school levels. These schools are part of the Wilcox County School District.

2. Pine Hill

Overview of Pine Hill

Pine Hill is a small town in the northern part of Wilcox County, situated near the Clarke County line. Pine Hill was incorporated in 1895 and developed as a lumber and railway town, benefiting from its location near major timber resources. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century spurred economic growth, making Pine Hill a center for timber processing and transportation. Today, while the population has dwindled from its peak, Pine Hill remains an important community within Wilcox County, with its residents continuing to value the area’s historical roots and scenic surroundings.

Pine Hill Facts:

Area: 3.6 square miles
Population: 882 (2020 census)
Latitude: 32.0062° N
Longitude: 87.5894° W

Major Landmarks and Schools in Pine Hill

Pine Hill’s historic connection to the lumber industry is reflected in its architecture and small-town charm. The Pine Hill Depot Museum is a notable landmark, showcasing the town’s railway and timber history. Thomasville State Park is located nearby, offering hiking and outdoor activities for residents and visitors. The town’s educational needs are served by Pine Hill Elementary School, which provides K-6 education, while older students attend nearby schools in Camden or Thomasville for secondary education. These institutions reflect the close-knit nature of Pine Hill’s community and its focus on preserving its heritage.

3. Oak Hill

Overview of Oak Hill

Oak Hill is a small, unincorporated community located in the eastern part of Wilcox County. It was once a bustling rural town centered around agriculture, primarily cotton farming, and later shifted to include timber and livestock production. Established in the early 19th century, Oak Hill is known for its well-preserved antebellum homes and historic sites. The town’s name comes from the numerous oak trees that dot the landscape, giving the area a tranquil, picturesque quality. Though small in population today, Oak Hill’s history remains an essential part of Wilcox County’s heritage.

Oak Hill Facts:

Area: 1.5 square miles
Population: 26 (2020 census)
Latitude: 31.8760° N
Longitude: 87.0207° W

Major Landmarks and Schools in Oak Hill

Oak Hill is home to some of the oldest and most well-preserved antebellum homes in the region, including the Oak Hill Presbyterian Church, built in 1850, which remains a key historic and cultural landmark. The Grimes Home is another notable structure, showcasing Southern architecture from the mid-1800s. Though the town does not have its own schools due to its small size, students from Oak Hill attend schools in nearby Camden or Pine Hill. The town’s proximity to historical sites and preserved buildings makes it a quiet but important cultural destination in Wilcox County.

4. Yellow Bluff

Overview of Yellow Bluff

Yellow Bluff is a small town located on the banks of the Alabama River in the southwestern part of Wilcox County. Its location made it a significant site for river transport in the 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly for the movement of timber and cotton. The town was named after the yellow-hued bluffs that line the riverbank, which became a landmark for riverboats. While Yellow Bluff never grew into a major commercial center, its strategic location along the Alabama River gave it importance in regional trade and transport, particularly during the peak of the cotton industry.

Yellow Bluff Facts:

Area: 0.4 square miles
Population: 150 (2020 census)
Latitude: 31.9357° N
Longitude: 87.4978° W

Major Landmarks and Schools in Yellow Bluff

One of the most prominent landmarks in Yellow Bluff is the Alabama River, which offers numerous recreational opportunities, including fishing, boating, and sightseeing along the scenic bluffs. The Yellow Bluff Historic District preserves several older buildings that reflect the town’s river transport heritage. Yellow Bluff Park is a small but cherished spot for local gatherings and community events. There are no schools in Yellow Bluff itself, but children attend schools in nearby towns like Camden. The town’s close connection to the river and its quiet rural setting make it an attractive place for residents who enjoy nature and history.

5. Catherine

Overview of Catherine

Catherine is a small, unincorporated community in central Wilcox County, located near the Alabama River. Historically, Catherine was a cotton-producing area that benefited from its proximity to the river, where riverboats facilitated the transportation of crops to larger markets. Like many other small Southern towns, Catherine saw its economy decline with the collapse of the cotton industry in the 20th century, though timber production helped sustain the town. While the population is small today, Catherine is known for its serene rural landscape and rich history tied to the agrarian past of Wilcox County.

Catherine Facts:

Area: 1.2 square miles
Population: 22 (2020 census)
Latitude: 32.0665° N
Longitude: 87.4259° W

Major Landmarks and Schools in Catherine

Catherine’s historical landmarks include the Catherine Plantation, a remnant of the town’s agricultural heritage, and the nearby Gee’s Bend, a historic African American community famous for its unique quilt-making tradition. The Alabama River continues to provide recreational activities such as boating and fishing. Though Catherine is small, it is close to the Wilcox County Schools system, where children attend elementary and secondary schools in Camden or nearby towns. The community’s connection to the Gee’s Bend area, along with its historical landmarks, attracts those interested in Alabama’s deep cultural history.