Autauga county was created in 1818,
and named from the Indian word autaugi, signifying a dumpling, meaning plenty.
This is quite as suggestive to-day as it was when the Indian rudely cultivated
his patches about his wigwam, realizing plenty from the generous soil in which
this region abounds. From the first settlement of the county, in the earliest
days of the present century, to this time, many of the best soils of Autauga
have been subjected to the most exhaustive means of cultivation, and yet they
seem as fruitful to-day as at any time in the past. Not only has Autauga held
her place amid the most progressive agricultural counties, but it was one of the
pioneer counties of the State in the manufactures. The county has an area of 660 square
miles. Population in 1870, 11,623; population
in 1880, 13,108. White, 4,397; colored, 8,711. Tilled Land: 81,388 acres.—Area
planted in cotton, 30,474 acres; in corn, 20,417 acres; in oats, 2,153 acres; in
wheat, 700 acres; in rye, 63 acres; in rice, 43 acres; in sugar-cane, 22 acres;
in sweet potatoes, 540 acres. Cotton Production: 7,944
bales. The surface of Autauga is undulating. In the northern
portion there is a pine district, which is broken into hills and valleys. The
forests are thronged almost altogether by the towering yellow pine, in the
midst of which is slightly interspersed a stunted growth of black-jack oaks.
The commercial value of this yellow pine is enormous, and will, one day, be a
source of great revenue to the county. The lands of this region are thickly
overspread with luxuriant herbage, embracing various wild grasses, clovers,
and other plants, which afford superior pasturage. The deep subsoil of clay
makes this a region favorable to the growth of fruits. The lands which skirt
the streams in this portion of Autauga are good farming lands. Further down in
the county the lands increase in their fertility, and one finds the farms
multiplying the further south he goes. Sandy surface soil is still a
predominating feature, but many of the lands lie well and are favorable to
cultivation, both because they are level and because they are easily tilled.
In this portion are found hummock lands, which lie along the streams. The
table-lands are valuable for fanning because of their deep clay foundation. In
the Southern portion of Autauga the lands grow more prolific, and in some places
exceedingly fertile. Here are found what are called second-bottom or
river-hummock lands. Here again is found a district of that fertile land which
follows the deep rolling Alabama in its windings to the sea. That famons river
forms the southern boundary of the county, and its rich alluvial bottoms yield
splendid harvests. The lime lands in the southwestern part of the county are
superior for the production of cotton. Thus it will be seen that the soils of
Autauga County, Alabama History
The water supply of the county is abundant, there being many streams, springs, and wells in every part of its territory. The main streams are the Alabama river, Big and Little Mulberry, Swift, Beaver, Nolan's, Whitewater, Bear, and Autauga creeks. Flowing through such lands as have been described above, these streams enhance their value for the production of stock. This industry is assuming greater prominence every year. Wool-growing is fast resolving itself into one of the industries of the county. These swift and deep streams are favorable also to the manufactures. For many miles along Autauga creek there are the most favorable locations for manufactories. This is true of other streams in the county. Appreciating this fact, Daniel Pratt, one of the pioneer manufacturers of the South, built a cotton mill upon one of the streams of the county as early as 1846. This has been followed by others, and to-day there are the following manufacturing interests in different parts of Autauga: Prattville Mills, Autaugaville Factory, Planters' Factory, and Lehman Mills. The Alabama river flows along its southern border, the East Tennessee, Virginia, and Georgia railroad also penetrates it in the west, and the Louisville and Nashville railroad cuts across the northeastern portion of the county; and these furnish the means of transportation. With an increase of such facilities, the county is in position to take a long stride forward. Principal among the thrifty little towns that dot the county over may be mentioned Prattville, the county-seat, with a population of 1,400, Autaugaville, Kingston, and Mulberry. These are thrifty centers and have good educational and church advantages. Common schools are sustained throughout the county.
Lands may be purchased at as low figures as $1-50 per acre; or, in highly-favored localities, it will cost from $S to $15 per acre. Since the recent discovery of marl deposits, the lands are more highly prized. These marls have not as yet been developed, but should they prove of no commercial value, they will be of great practical advantage in the enrichment of the surface soils. Immigrants would meet every encouragement in seeking homes in Autauga county.
There are 13,040 acres of government land to be had in the ceunty.
Source: Alabama As It Is by Benjamin Franklin Riley, D. D., 1887 , Transcribed by C. Anthony
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