Chatom in Washington County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)
Washington County
First County in Alabama
Photographed By Mark Hilton, August 23, 2018
1. Washington County Marker
Created in 1800 by proclamation of
governor of Mississippi Territory.
This was first U.S. civil government
in area that was to become Alabama.
Its original boundaries:
East to west: Chattahoochee to Pearl River;
South, 31° lat. (present Ala.-Fla. line);
North, 32° 28', a line just north of
Phenix City - Montgomery - York.
From these 25,000 square miles have come
26 counties in Alabama, Mississippi.
1519-1700 Claimed by Spain as part of
Florida by discovery, exploration, conquest
and attempted settlement.
1700-1763 Claimed by France as part
of Louisiana by exploration, settlement.
1763-1780 Seized by England as part of
West Florida after defeating French.
1780-1795 Regained by Spain during
American Revolution by invasion, occupation.
1795 - Spain ceded area to U.S.
1798 - U. S. created Mississippi Territory.
(for history as first county, see other side)
Erected 1959 by Alabama Historical Association.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Exploration • Political Subdivisions
this page online
Location. 31° 27.946′ N, 88° 15.376′ W. Marker is in Chatom, Alabama, in Washington County. Marker is on Court Street north of Central Avenue (Alabama Route 56), on the left when traveling north. Located at the Washington County Courthouse. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 45 Court Street, Chatom AL 36518, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 4 other markers are within 13 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Washington County Courthouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Washington County Veterans Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Washington County Confederate Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Old St. Stephens Masonic Lodge No. 9 (1821-1834)/St. Stephens Lodge No. 81 (approx. 13 miles away).
Photographed By Mark Hilton, August 23, 2018
2. Washington County Marker (reverse)
Photographed By Mark Hilton, August 23, 2018
3. Washington County Courthouse with marker on far right.
Photographed By Larry Gertner, May 19, 2021
4. "PATRON + Washington County…..where the State of Alabama began"
Alabama Pioneers website entry
Click for more information.
Click for more information.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 16, 2021. It was originally submitted on August 24, 2018, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 369 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 24, 2018, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. 4. submitted on July 16, 2021, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.
