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While the accounts vary, it is clear that the beauty and livable qualities of Blount County go back hundreds of years. Creek and Cherokee nations and other Native American groups found the area's climate, forests, mountains, streams, caverns and lush valleys to be inviting as did early settlers from Georgia, Tennessee and the Carolinas who streamed into the area in the early 1800s. They came, they stayed, they prospered and they sent the word back to their kin and friends to "come and join us!" A county older than the state of Alabama, Blount County, named for an early governor of the State of Tennessee was created February 7, 1818. Much larger than its present boundaries, several present-day adjoining counties were formed in part or in whole from the original Blount County. Long-time residents are quick to proclaim, however, that the best part of the original area lies in the 600-plus square miles making up the county today. Many present-day residents trace their roots back to the early settlers. However, increasing numbers from around the state nation and the world have come to visit with many also choosing to make their home and livelihood in the "Covered Bridge Capital of Alabama." Good schools, progressive and caring county and town government, delightful parks, highly rated golf courses, a great sense of community, the area's natural beauty, close proximity to Birmingham, Huntsville and Gadsden yet set apart from these large cities, active churches, special events capitalizing upon all these advantages and so much more have made real those dreams not only of the early settlers of the area but of all who followed their invitation to "come and join us" as well. |
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