Anne McKee

Meridian is nestled nicely on the MS/AL line, and actually Sumter County Alabama is in the neighborhood, and grand neighbors, indeed.

The county was founded in 1832 and was named after Gen. Thomas Sumter of South Carolina, a Revolutionary War hero. The 907 square miles of territory were lands ceded to the United States in the Choctaw Treaty of 1830, also known as the Treaty of Dancing Rabbit Creek. The earliest settlers came to the county from the Carolinas, Georgia, Tennessee, and Virginia. Today the Encyclopedia of Alabama reports Sumter County is has an approximate population of 16,174 as reported by the U. S. Census Board of 2006.

In 1832, Livingston became the county seat and a courthouse built of logs completed 1833 and a second framed courthouse built in 1839 on the same site -- it burned in 1901. In 1902, the third and present courthouse was built on the same site, a domed, brick structure. The final courthouse has undergone several renovations yet is still in use today. The largest city in Sumter County Alabama is Livingston with a population of 3048 followed by York (2625), Cuba (334), and Gainesville (207).

Sumter County, as part of Alabama’s Black Belt area, was a top producing agricultural center with cotton, corn, and sweet potatoes as the main crops. The mighty Tombigbee River flows through the rich and fertile land and made easy access for the transportation of the goods. During the nineteenth century, Gainesville became the largest inland shipping port of cotton in the world. Gainesville’s success was and is clearly seen by the lovely old homes and churches located there. The First Presbyterian Church dates from 1837. The Methodist church dates from 1872, the St. Alban’s Episcopal Church founded in 1879, and a Confederate cemetery are located at Gainesville as well.

Today, as stated by Encyclopedia of Alabama, cattle are the major agricultural product, and lumbering is the major industry. Some of the larger employers are Mannington Wood Floors, the University of West Alabama, Chemical Waste Management, Livingston Apparel, Inc., Toin Corporation Packaging, and Custom Sheeting Corporation Paper Mill.

The county consists of rolling prairies and costal plains with Oak forests that line the Tombigbee River. The river flows along the county’s eastern boundary. The river traffic is facilitated by a series of locks and dams where there are plenty of scenic views and recreational opportunities that include the ole fishing pole and cabins located beside the river.

At the quaint and historic city of Livingston, there is much to see and learn. The University of West Alabama (UWA) began in 1835 as a church supported school for young women and was called Livingston Female Academy. In 1840 the Alabama Legislature incorporated Livingston Female Academy and granted the institution tax-exempt status. Some say that one of the most famous of UWA’s presidents was Julia Tutwiler who was a well-known social and educational reformer. She established Alabama’s first kindergarten and wrote the Alabama State song. Known as “Miss Julia,” she had a twenty-nine year term as President of the college. Many hardworking and courageous leaders kept the UWA torch burning as each one-made giant steps for education. In 1995 the institution changed its name to The University of West Alabama indicating a broader mission to serve the educational needs for all of the citizens.

Sumter County Places of interest:

Bored Well – An artisan well completed in 1857 located on the Courthouse Square, Livingston. The well was known as a health spa and at one time mineral water was bottled and shipped nationwide.

Livingston City Hall – Built in the 1800’s, the city hall was once used as a train depot.

Confederate Monument – Located on Highway 11 side of the Livingston Courthouse Square and dedicated on June 17, 1909.

Covered Bridge – Located on the UWA campus, the bridge first span the Sucarnoochee River in 1861 and was moved in 1924 to the Alamuchee Creek, and in 1969 it was moved to the present location on the campus of UWA. It was renovated at that time.

Myrtlewood Cemetery – The oldest cemetery located in Sumter County located off Church Street, Livingston.

Sucarnochee Folklife Festival – Art demonstrations, including poetry, metal works, quilting, live music, storytelling, walking ghost tour, a cornbread cook off, and a Sucarnochee 5K run – activities for the entire family is celebrated each April located around the Sumter County Courthouse Square at Livingston.

If you are searching for recreation then you should head for Sumter County Alabama. At UWA you may enjoy college baseball played on Tartt Field and high school games as well. There is adult softball, little league, T-Ball, girls pony league softball, and others are played at the Jaycee Park in Livingston. If basketball is your preference then come to Pruitt Hall on the UWA campus. In addition, Livingston High School and Sumter Academy have enjoyed top state rankings in their division.

How about some boating and fishing? The public boat launching docks on the Tombigbee River are located in Epes, Gainesville, and Belmont. Football, you ask? Of course – NCAA Division II and Gulf South Conference football games are played at Tiger Stadium, UWA campus, and in addition high school games available at each school. Tennis, swimming, and Volleyball are popular throughout the county. Sumter County Fine Arts Council presents a series of programs each year, and come out for the NIRARODEO competitions at UWA where area school children participate in the Alabama High School Rodeo Championships.

When I drive Interstate 20/59 with Livingston on my mind, I am usually headed for Diamond Jim’s Restaurant located on Highway 28. Hmm, steaks, barbeque, and fried catfish – but then, that’s just me and a lot of other folks too.

Sumter County Alabama, our good neighbor to the East, is reached easily by driving Interstate 20/59, U. S. Hwy 11, or U. S. Highway 80 – any route that you choose will bring you to a friendly community seeped in history, uplifted by educational opportunities, and with an immensity of picturesque scenery that you don’t need to miss. Plan a day trip now, and tell them the good folks at Meridian Mississippi sent you.

Anne McKee is a writer and storyteller who lives in Meridian. She is listed on the Mississippi Artist Roster as a literary artist, and she is active with the arts communities throughout Mississippi.