Oak Hill in Wilcox County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)
Town of Oak Hill
Photographed by Mark Hilton, June 21, 2020
1. Town of Oak Hill Marker
Originally known as "The Ridge," Oak Hill was settled c. 1830 primarily by former South Carolinians. During the early 1800s, Ebenezer Methodist Campground was located here. Due to a malaria outbreak, settlers from nearby Hamburg moved to Oak Hill in the 1840s. In 1856, Bethel Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church was established. A Baptist church was erected in 1910 but disbanded c. 1928. One of the first African-American Lutheran congregations was established at Oak Hill. The Oak Hill Academy, a boarding school for girls, existed here from 1849-1869. In the 1870s, a coeducational school was established which was eventually absorbed into the public school system. The school closed in the 1940s. A post office was established in 1894. Circa 1900, Oak Hill had four general stores, a drug store, gin, blacksmith shop, and a Masonic hall. In 1940, Oak Hill was incorporated as a town. Benjamin Meek Miller, Alabama Governor 1931-1935, was born here in 1864. He was known as the sturdy oak of Wilcox." In 1998, Oak Hill was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Erected 2010 by Alabama Tourism Department
this page online
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Religion & Religious Structures • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Alabama Tourism Department series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1830.
Location. 31° 55.35′ N, 87° 4.873′ W. Marker is in Oak Hill, Alabama, in Wilcox County. It is at the intersection of Dale Drive and Alabama Route 21, on the left when traveling east on Dale Drive. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Oak Hill AL 36766, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the American South, specifically in the Deep South, and in the Black Belt. Globally, it is in North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 9 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: G. W. Watts High School
Photographed by Mark Hilton, June 21, 2020
2. View of marker looking south into the small downtown area.
Also see . . .
1. History of Oak Hill. Town website entry (Submitted on June 21, 2020, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.)
2. Benjamin Meek Miller (1931-35). Encyclopedia of Alabama website entry (Submitted on August 15, 2022, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Photographed by Mark Hilton, June 21, 2020
3. The view north on Alabama State Route 21.
Photographed by Mark Hilton, June 21, 2020
4. The Bethel Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 15, 2022. It was originally submitted on June 21, 2020, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 763 times since then and 51 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 21, 2020, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.
