The History of Monroeville, Alabama
Monroeville, Alabama boasts an exciting history that stretches back more than 200 years. The community was initially established in the early 19th century, and over the years, it’s grown into a small, yet vibrant, city, which attracts both new residents and travelers through its distinctive culture and tight-knit, small-town atmosphere. Experience the city firsthand by planning a visit with guidance from the Monroeville/Monroe County Chamber of Commerce, and brush up on Monroeville, Alabama history in the meantime.
Monroeville’s Origins
Settlers had occupied lands upon which the community is now built for many years before the city of Monroeville was ever incorporated. Monroe County itself was founded in 1815 using lands that once belonged to the region’s native tribes, and the town that would eventually be known as Monroeville grew from an 80-acre government land grant that dates back to 1831.
The community, then called Walker’s Mill and Store, became the county seat by the next year, when the town’s name was switched to Centerville. The name held only briefly, however, before the town was renamed Monroeville after former U.S. President James Monroe. Despite its prominent position in Monroe County, the community wasn’t officially incorporated as Monroeville until April 15, 1899.
A Deep Literary Heritage
The story of Monroeville, Alabama is interesting in itself, but the city’s literary heritage has played a major role in earning Monroeville widespread attention. Monroeville was the childhood home of world-renowned novelists Harper Lee, who made waves with To Kill a Mockingbird, and Truman Capote, who crafted the true-crime classic In Cold Blood with Lee’s help. Today, this heritage is carried on through regular theatrical performances of To Kill a Mockingbird, the annual Alabama Writers Symposium and numerous other events and attractions.
Get Up Close and Personal With Monroeville, Alabama History
Whether you’re a history buff, literary enthusiast or simply interested in learning more about the city's distinctive past, Monroeville is a great addition to any vacation. Begin your day at the Heritage Museum to discover permanent exhibits exploring Truman Capote and Harper Lee in a restored, 1930s-style courtroom. Then, be sure to swing by the Old Monroe County Bank, where Harper Lee’s father once held an office and Lee herself wrote portions of To Kill a Mockingbird. The Monroe County Public Library, now housed in the former La Salle Hotel, is another historical highlight.
Come to Historic Monroeville, Alabama
See what makes Monroeville so special by booking your stay in the city today. For planning assistance, attraction recommendations and more, contact the Monroeville/Monroe County Chamber of Commerce.
Monroeville’s Origins
Settlers had occupied lands upon which the community is now built for many years before the city of Monroeville was ever incorporated. Monroe County itself was founded in 1815 using lands that once belonged to the region’s native tribes, and the town that would eventually be known as Monroeville grew from an 80-acre government land grant that dates back to 1831.
The community, then called Walker’s Mill and Store, became the county seat by the next year, when the town’s name was switched to Centerville. The name held only briefly, however, before the town was renamed Monroeville after former U.S. President James Monroe. Despite its prominent position in Monroe County, the community wasn’t officially incorporated as Monroeville until April 15, 1899.
A Deep Literary Heritage
The story of Monroeville, Alabama is interesting in itself, but the city’s literary heritage has played a major role in earning Monroeville widespread attention. Monroeville was the childhood home of world-renowned novelists Harper Lee, who made waves with To Kill a Mockingbird, and Truman Capote, who crafted the true-crime classic In Cold Blood with Lee’s help. Today, this heritage is carried on through regular theatrical performances of To Kill a Mockingbird, the annual Alabama Writers Symposium and numerous other events and attractions.
Get Up Close and Personal With Monroeville, Alabama History
Whether you’re a history buff, literary enthusiast or simply interested in learning more about the city's distinctive past, Monroeville is a great addition to any vacation. Begin your day at the Heritage Museum to discover permanent exhibits exploring Truman Capote and Harper Lee in a restored, 1930s-style courtroom. Then, be sure to swing by the Old Monroe County Bank, where Harper Lee’s father once held an office and Lee herself wrote portions of To Kill a Mockingbird. The Monroe County Public Library, now housed in the former La Salle Hotel, is another historical highlight.
Come to Historic Monroeville, Alabama
See what makes Monroeville so special by booking your stay in the city today. For planning assistance, attraction recommendations and more, contact the Monroeville/Monroe County Chamber of Commerce.
