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COFFEE COUNTY.
Created in 1841, this county took its name from that of General John Coffee. It is highly favored with respect to its climate and superior healthfulness. It lies in the heart of the great Timber Belt, and all the characteristics which belong to that beautiful region are found existing here—extensive domains of forests of pine, with here and there a stream of crystal clearness, and carpeted throughout with pastures of perennial green; with a slightly undulating surface, affording lands of varying fertility, and with conditions of soil favorable alike to the pursuits of agriculture, horticulture, and stock-raising. Remote from the great arteries of commerce and centers of trade, its attractions are unknown ; but it is questionable whether a more populous section can be found in Alabama than just here when the intrinsic worth of this region shall have become known. Its area comprises 700 square miles.
Population in 1870, 6,171 ; population in 1880, 8,119. White, 6,831 ; colored, 1,288.
Tilled Land: 42,126 acres.—Area planted in cotton, 16,431 acres; in corn, 18,668 acres; in oats, 2,370 acres; in rye, 31 acres; in wheat, 22 acres; in rice, 21 acres; in sugar-cane, 254 acres; in sweet potatoes, 474 acres.
Cotton Production : 4,788 bales.
In the main, the surface of Coffee county is level; but in the northern portion it is broken and hilly. The northern and southern portions differ very much in this respect—the southern being quite level. Above Elba, the county-seat, there are what are locally called " the red clay hills," which, together with the intervening bottoms, are fairly productive. Going southward from the point indicated, one gets a view of the most magnificent forests of yellow pine upon the globe. It is impossible to estimate the wealth treasured up in these splendid trees, the forests of which abound for many miles throughout the county of Coffee. As yet, the lands over these vast ranges are used for little else than grazing purposes. Subsoil tillage will eventually place them among the most attractive agricultural lands in Alabama. At present, they are the haunts of extensive herds of cattle and sheep. The richest pasturage prevails here almost throughout the year. This is true of the pine districts.
Turning our attention to other qualities of soil, we find it in cultivation and producing quite readily. Previous to this, the farming interests of the county were restricted to the northern portions, but within the last two or three years a thrifty class of farmers has entered more than 40,000 acres of land in the southern part, and are rapidly improving the soil. The productions of the county are corn, cotton, oats, rye, rice, potatoes (sweet and Irish), and sugar-cane.
Like those of the surrounding counties, the people of Coffee are coming more and more to recognize the merits of the Cuban sugar-cane. Its production is easy and remunerative.
Fruits are readily produced here. Apples, pears, peaches, plums, quinces, and pomegranates are the principal fruits. The woods abound in wild fruits for man and beast. Grapes rapidly attain perfection, and with proper cultivation will become remunerative.
A green sand marl has been observed at Kimneey's mill, south of Elba, but its extent has not yet been ascertained. The timbers of the county are, oak, hickory, ash, beech, poplar, and pine. The northeastern part of the county is heavily timbered with oak, hickory, and ash. The interior of the county is usually covered with the forests of yellow pine.
The chief industries of Coffee are, fanning, timbering, and stock-raising. Wool-growing has long been an important branch of business.
The principal streams are, Pea river, and White Water, Big, Bluff, and Double Bridge creeks. Fish of superior quality abound in these streams. Branches, of perpetual flow, traverse the whole face of the country. Mineral springs also exist.
Elba, the county-seat, with a population of 600, Victoria, Clintonville, and Brannen are the points of interest.
School facilities are moderately good, and religious advantages are excellent.
The county is without river or railroad transportation, and relies mainly upon Troy, in the adjoining county of Pike, as a market, and as the nearest accessible point of transportation by rail. Railroads have been projected through the county, and it is believed that at no remote period, the county will have its slumbering resources recognized by reason of the existence of these great agencies of development.
Lands may be purchased for $i and $3 per acre.
Many of the most valuable lands of Coffee belong to the government, and may be entered; of these there are 131,280 acres.
The people of the county are eager to have immigrants settle in their midst and assist in its development.
Source: Alabama As It Is by Benjamin Franklin Riley, D. D., 1887 , Transcribed by C. Anthony
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