Opelika in Lee County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)

Bobby James Freeman

August 1, 1937 — November 2, 2021

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, October 4, 2025

1. Bobby James Freeman Marker

Inscription.
Mayor Bobby James Freeman Remembered for Transforming Opelika's Historic Core

Mayor Bobby James Freeman served as a Lee County Commissioner for 10 years and as Mayor of the City of Opelika for eight years. During his tenure as Mayor, the Railroad Depot was vacant and faced demolition due to neglect and structural issues. Under his leadership, the City acquired the Depot from Norfolk Southern Railroad, and with the assistance of federal grants and donations from local residents, the city restored the building to its original character keeping the unique cultural landmark in the historic downtown area.

Mayor Freeman's integrity, ability and devotion to his community enabled him to make substantial and valuable contributions to the City of Opelika and its citizens. The Railroad Depot continues to serve as a tangible reminder of the City's railroad legacy which played a pivotal role in Opelika’s economic development. Freeman was also instrumental in revitalizing downtown Opelika with its first streetscape project at Courthouse Square and for bringing Grand National Golf Course to our community.

Mayor Freeman worked tirelessly

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to improve the lives of the Citizens of Opelika and Lee County. He served in the United States Army from 1956 to 1959.

Erected 2025 by City of Opelika, Alabama.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Government & Politics. A significant historical date for this entry is August 1, 1937.

Location. 32° 38.727′ N, 85° 22.952′ W. Marker is in Opelika, Alabama, in Lee County. It is on South Railroad Avenue just south of South 10th Street. The marker is in front of the historic Opelika Railroad Depot, today renamed in honor of Bobby James Freeman. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1032 South Railroad Avenue, Opelika AL 36801, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in East Alabama and in Greater Columbus.

It is also in the American South

and specifically in the Deep South.

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 the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At

Marker detail: Bobby James Freeman image. Click for full size.

2. Marker detail: Bobby James Freeman

least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Railroad Avenue Historic District (approx. 0.2 miles away); South Railroad Avenue (approx. 0.2 miles away); Lee County World War II Honor Roll (approx. 0.2 miles away); Pepperell Manufacturing Company (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named Lee County Courthouse / Lee County Probate Judges (approx. 0.2 miles away); Lynching in America / Lynching in Lee County (approx. 0.2 miles away); Killgore Scholarships / Some Terms of Scholarships (approx. ¼ mile away); Opelika / Opelika (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Opelika.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Lee County Courthouse / Lee County Probate Judges (was approx. 0.2 miles away but has been replaced with another marker now near it).

Also see . . . Opelika train depot named in honor of late Mayor Bobby J. Freeman (The Observer).

(by Sam Vise, 7/29/2025) Excerpt: The historic Opelika Train Depot was re-dedicated on July 25 as the Bobby J. Freeman Building, honoring the late Opelika Mayor Bobby James Freeman. The ceremony, attended by Freeman’s
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, October 4, 2025

3. Bobby J. Freeman Railroad Depot
The marker is in front of the historic railroad depot.
family, city officials and community leaders, celebrated both the building’s enduring legacy and the impact of its new namesake. Opelika’s very origins are linked to the railroad, with its incorporation in 1854 stemming from its rapid growth as a railway hub.
Current Mayor Gary Fuller, who presided over the event, highlighted Freeman’s pivotal role in the development of Opelika. “Bobby Freeman served 10 years as a member of the Lee County Commission and was then elected mayor of Opelika and served two terms, first in 1988 until 1996,” Fuller said. “Looking back, I think his two greatest accomplishments were the streetscape and the Depot, but in 1992, Bobby Freeman successfully convinced Dr. David Bronner to come to Opelika and build a golf course.” Fuller was, of course, referencing the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at Grand National, which has become one of the leading tourist attractions in Alabama, according to Business Alabama.

(Submitted on April 4, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

Credits. This page was last revised on April 4, 2026. It was originally submitted on April 4, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 11 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 4, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.