Calhoun County
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Calhoun County, Alabama sits at the crossroads of transportation, industry, and community development in east-central Alabama.
The places documented here—towns, unincorporated communities, mills, and industrial sites—form the physical landscape where
daily life, work, and family histories unfolded.
This page is organized as a place-based research guide. It provides context for the records found in the county database
and serves as a starting point for exploring how people lived, worked, and moved across the county over time.
A Brief County History
Calhoun County was established in 1832 under the name Benton County, honoring Thomas Hart Benton,
a U.S. senator from Missouri known for his support of westward expansion. At the time, the region was largely rural,
shaped by early settlement patterns, agriculture, and emerging transportation routes.
In 1858, the county was renamed Calhoun County in honor of John C. Calhoun, a prominent political
figure from South Carolina. The name change reflected shifting political sentiments in the decades leading up to
the Civil War and aligned the county with Southern political identity during that period.
Following the war, Calhoun County experienced significant industrial growth. Iron production, textile manufacturing,
and railroad expansion reshaped the region, giving rise to company towns, mill villages, and new population movement.
These developments left lasting marks on family records, employment histories, and settlement patterns still visible today.
County Database
The database below links available records, locations, and references associated with Calhoun County. Rather than listing
isolated documents, the goal is to connect records to places—towns, communities, and work sites—where individuals lived
and appeared in the historical record.
As additional public records and verified sources are identified, entries are expanded to reflect new connections
between people and place.
Cities & Towns
Incorporated towns provide important anchors for research. Many records reference town names even when individuals
lived outside formal city limits. Each town listed here may be expanded over time with local history, landmarks,
cemeteries, churches, schools, and industrial sites. Click the name, and you'll be redirected to a more in-depth read of that place.
- Anniston – The county seat and historically known as “The Model City,” founded after the Civil War as a planned industrial community.
- Hobson City – A historic town that became Alabama’s first self-governed all-Black municipality in 1899.
- Jacksonville – Home to Jacksonville State University and a long-standing educational and economic center.
- Ohatchee – A town rooted in agriculture and local traditions along the Coosa River basin.
- Oxford – The largest city in Calhoun County, spanning three counties and serving as a regional commercial center.
- Piedmont – Located at the foothills of the Appalachians, historically shaped by railroads and agriculture.
- Southside – A smaller city known for residential growth and proximity to outdoor recreation areas.
- Weaver – A smaller city with a strong community identity within the Anniston–Oxford metro area.
Unincorporated Communities & Census Designated Places
Many families lived in communities that never incorporated as towns or no longer appear on modern maps. These places
often surface in census schedules, land descriptions, church records, postal routes, and employment records.
Documenting these communities helps bridge the gap between official records and lived experience, placing families
accurately on the historical landscape. Click the name, and you'll be redirected to a more in-depth read of that place.
- Angel Station – A small rural settlement that grew around early railroad activity and farming.
- Choccolocco – Named after nearby Choccolocco Creek, the area has deep Native American and agricultural roots.
- Coldwater – Known for Coldwater Mountain and outdoor recreation, especially hiking and mountain biking.
- DeArmanville – A historic mill and farming community that later became tied to Anniston’s industrial growth.
- Iron City – A sparsely populated area tied to Calhoun County’s early iron production and industrial development.
- Saks – A residential community near Anniston, historically associated with textile and mill-related employment.
- White Plains – A suburban community north of Anniston, known for residential growth, schools, and family neighborhoods.
In-Depth Reading
Angel Station
- Is a small unincorporated community in Calhoun County, Alabama, United States. It is a rural area associated with historic mining activity and local volunteer fire protection, rather than a formally incorporated town or city. References to the Angel Mining District (Angel Station Mining District) connect the community with regional mineral exploration and extraction.
Key Facts
- Country: United States
- State: Alabama
- County: Calhoun County
- Status: Unincorporated Community
- Related area: Angel Mining District
Geographic and Administractive Context
Angel Station lies within rural Calhoun County in eastern Alabama, not far from communities such as Jacksonville and Anniston. As an unincorporated community, it falls under the direct jurisdiction of county authorities for services such as law enforcement and planning, rather than having its own city council or mayor. Nearby road references, such as Angel Station Road and connections to state highways, place it in the broader Jacksonville-area hinterland.
Historical and Economic Background
The name Angel Station is closely associated with the Angel Mining District (also known as the Angel Station Mining District), a recognized mineral locality in Calhoun County. Historical mineral surveys and locality databases list barite and associated minerals from this district, indicating past or small-scale mining prospects in the area. While not a major modern industrial center, these mining references help explain the “Station” designation and its presence in geological records.
Community Service & Risk Planning
Angel Station appears in Calhoun County’s hazard mitigation planning, particularly through the Angel Volunteer Fire Department (Angel VFD), which serves the local area as a key emergency response and fire protection resource. The community’s inclusion in county-level FEMA-aligned hazard mitigation plans highlights its recognition for emergency management, despite its unincorporated status.
Choccolocco
- Is an unincorporated community in Calhoun County, Alabama, located in the Appalachian foothills of eastern Alabama. Centered near Choccolocco Creek and east of Anniston, Alabama, it combines rural residential areas, pastureland, and forested ridges with easy access to nearby small cities via local highways.
Key facts
- Status: Unincorporated Community
- County: Calhoun County
- Setting: Rural valley and low hills along Choccolocco Creek
Geography and setting
Choccolocco lies in a broad valley drained by Choccolocco Creek, a major tributary of the Coosa River. Low mountains and wooded ridges frame the community, typical of the southern end of the Appalachian Mountains. Land use is a mix of scattered homesites, farms, churches, and small local businesses tied together by county roads and state routes leading toward Anniston and Oxford.
Community Character
As an unincorporated community, Choccolocco does not operate its own city government or municipal services; instead, it relies on Calhoun County for law enforcement, road maintenance, and other basic services. Daily life is closely tied to nearby towns for shopping, schools, health care, and employment, while the immediate area retains a quiet, rural feel with strong local and family connections.
Surrounding Region
Choccolocco is part of a broader region that includes recreational and natural areas such as Choccolocco Wildlife Management Area and Talladega National Forest, as well as sports and birding destinations like Choccolocco Park in Oxford. These nearby sites provide outdoor activities, from hiking and hunting to organized athletics and birdwatching, that complement the community’s rural character.
DeArmanville
- Is an unincorporated community located in Calhoun County, Alabama, United States. It lies southeast of Anniston, Alabama along U.S. Route 78 and serves as part of the Anniston–Oxford metropolitan area. The community is primarily residential, with local schools, small businesses, and rural surroundings defining its character.
Key facts
- Country: United States
- State: Alabama
- County: Calhoun County
Location & Geography
DeArmanville sits in the foothills of the southern Appalachian Mountains, giving the area a gently rolling terrain and forested landscape typical of northeastern Alabama. The community is positioned near Interstate 20, providing convenient access to regional centers such as Birmingham, Alabama and Atlanta, Georgia.
Community and Education
As an unincorporated area, DeArmanville does not have its own municipal government and relies on Calhoun County for local services. DeArmanville Elementary School, part of the Oxford City Schools system, serves local students and functions as a community focal point. The surrounding area includes churches, small farms, and local businesses supporting nearby Oxford and Anniston.
Economy and Development
DeArmanville’s economy is closely tied to the broader Anniston–Oxford area, which includes manufacturing, retail, and logistics sectors. Residential growth has increased over the past two decades as families seek suburban and rural living within commuting distance of regional employers. Despite this growth, the community retains a predominantly rural character.
Transportation and Access
U.S. Highway 78 runs through DeArmanville, linking it directly to Anniston and Oxford. Interstate 20 lies a few miles south, offering broader connections across Alabama and neighboring states. The community’s proximity to major routes supports its role as a quiet but accessible part of Calhoun County.
Coldwater
- Is an unincorporated community in Calhoun County, in the eastern part of the U.S. state of Alabama. It lies in the Appalachian foothills near major regional cities such as Anniston and Oxford, and is closely associated with nearby Coldwater Creek and Coldwater Mountain, local geographic landmarks.
Key Facts
- Country: United States
- State: Alabama
- County: Calhoun County
- Status: Unincorporated Community
- General Setting: Rural/semirural, in the Appalachian foothills of eastern Alabama
Location & Physical Setting
Coldwater is situated in east-central Alabama within Calhoun County, a county that includes communities such as Anniston and Oxford and lies along the Interstate 20 corridor between Birmingham and Atlanta.
The community is near Coldwater Creek and the slopes of Coldwater Mountain, part of the rolling terrain that characterizes this portion of the southern Appalachian region. The wider county includes lakes, creeks, and forested hills, giving Coldwater a predominantly rural landscape.
Governance and Character
As an unincorporated community, Coldwater does not have its own municipal government; local services, zoning, and administration are provided by Calhoun County authorities. The area functions as part of the broader Anniston–Oxford region, and residents typically rely on nearby incorporated cities for many commercial, educational, and civic services.
Anniston
- Is the county seat of Calhoun County, Alabama, United States. Founded after the Civil War, Anniston was established as a planned industrial community and became widely known as “The Model City.”
Key Facts
- Country: United States
- State: Alabama
- County: Calhoun County
- Status: Incorporated City
- County Seat: Yes
Geographic and Administrative Context
Anniston is located in central Calhoun County and functions as the primary governmental and administrative hub for the region. As the county seat, it houses key courthouse and county offices, making it central to legal, land, and probate records. Its location along major rail and roadway corridors contributed to its early growth and continued regional importance.
Historical and Economic Background
Anniston was founded in the late nineteenth century as a planned industrial town centered on iron production and manufacturing. Unlike organically developed towns, its growth was guided by industrial planning and investment. Over time, the city diversified its economy while retaining strong ties to manufacturing, military support functions, and healthcare services.
Community and Historical Significance
Anniston played a notable role in Alabama’s industrial history and later became nationally recognized during the Civil Rights era. For researchers, the city offers extensive municipal records, newspapers, institutional archives, and cemetery documentation reflecting both urban development and social change over time.
Hobson City
- Is a town in Calhoun County, Alabama, United States, historically significant as Alabama’s first self-governed all-Black municipality, incorporated in 1899.
Key Facts
- Country: United States
- State: Alabama
- County: Calhoun County
- Status: Incorporated Town
Geographic and Administrative Context
Hobson City is located adjacent to Anniston in western Calhoun County. Despite its small geographic size, it operates under its own municipal governance. Its proximity to Anniston influenced employment, housing, and transportation patterns for residents.
Historical and Economic Background
Founded by formerly enslaved individuals and their descendants, Hobson City was established to provide political self-determination and community control. Its incorporation represented a significant achievement during the post-Reconstruction era. The town’s economy historically relied on local labor, domestic services, and employment opportunities in nearby Anniston.
Cultural and Genealogical Significance
Hobson City holds exceptional importance for African American history in Alabama. Church records, municipal documents, and family cemeteries preserve a legacy of self-governance, resilience, and community continuity that remains central to genealogical and historical research.
Jacksonville
- Is a city in Calhoun County, Alabama, United States, long associated with education and home to Jacksonville State University.
Key Facts
- Country: United States
- State: Alabama
- County: Calhoun County
- Status: Incorporated City
Geographic and Administrative Context
Jacksonville is located in northeastern Calhoun County and developed as an educational center rather than an industrial one. Municipal governance supports residential neighborhoods, academic institutions, and local commerce serving both permanent residents and students.
Historical and Economic Background
The city’s growth is closely tied to the establishment of educational institutions, most notably Jacksonville State University. Education shaped local employment, housing, and commerce, distinguishing Jacksonville from nearby industrial towns. This academic focus fostered steady growth rather than rapid industrial expansion.
Research and Community Context
Jacksonville’s records reflect a blend of permanent families and transient student populations. Church, land, and census records provide insight into how education influenced settlement and community structure over time.
Ohatchee
- Is a town in Calhoun County, Alabama, United States, historically rooted in agriculture and rural community life.
Key Facts
- Country: United States
- State: Alabama
- County: Calhoun County
- Status: Incorporated Town
Geographic and Administrative Context
Ohatchee is situated in southeastern Calhoun County near the Coosa River basin. Its rural surroundings influenced settlement patterns, land use, and transportation routes connecting farms to nearby markets.
Historical and Economic Background
The town developed primarily through farming and local trade. Agriculture and small-scale commerce shaped daily life and economic stability. Unlike industrial cities, Ohatchee retained a strong rural character throughout its history.
Community Continuity
Churches, schools, and family cemeteries form the backbone of Ohatchee’s historical record. For genealogists, the town offers long-term family continuity and stable land ownership patterns reflected in local records.
Oxford
- Is the largest city in Calhoun County, Alabama, United States. It spans parts of Calhoun, Talladega, and Cleburne counties and serves as a principal city in the Anniston–Oxford metropolitan area.
Key Facts
- Country: United States
- State: Alabama
- County: Calhoun County (also extends into Talladega and Cleburne counties)
- Status: Incorporated City
- Regional role: Major commercial and residential center
Geographic and Administrative Context
Oxford is positioned along major transportation corridors that connect eastern Alabama to the Birmingham region and beyond. Because the city extends across multiple counties, administrative boundaries can affect how records are kept and where they are filed, particularly for property, courts, and taxation. For most county-level research, it is important to confirm which portion of Oxford a person lived in, as that determines whether the relevant records fall under Calhoun, Talladega, or Cleburne County jurisdictions.
Historical and Economic Background
Oxford’s growth accelerated alongside regional transportation development and the expansion of commerce serving the Anniston area. Rather than forming around a single industry, Oxford evolved into a retail, service, and residential hub, supporting both local families and a wider regional population. Over time, the city’s economy became closely tied to shopping, hospitality, medical services, and commuter movement within the metro area.
Research and Community Context
Oxford’s multi-county footprint makes it a place where boundaries matter. City directories, newspapers, and property records often provide essential detail for pinpointing neighborhoods and time periods. For genealogists, Oxford frequently appears as a “destination” community for families moving from rural Calhoun County into more urban or suburban settings during the twentieth century.
Piedmont
- Is a city located in northeastern Alabama, with portions extending into Calhoun County, Alabama, United States. Historically, it developed as a railroad and agricultural community near the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains.
Key Facts
- Country: United States
- State: Alabama
- County: Calhoun County (also extends into neighboring counties)
- Status: Incorporated City
- Historical drivers: Railroads and agriculture
Geographic and Administrative Context
Piedmont sits near the edge of Calhoun County and is part of a broader region where county lines and local identity often overlap. Its location near mountain foothills shaped transportation routes and settlement patterns. As with other boundary-spanning cities, determining the correct county jurisdiction for a residence can be important when locating land, court, and probate records.
Historical and Economic Background
Piedmont developed during the era when rail connections influenced growth across northeastern Alabama. Rail access supported the movement of agricultural goods and local commerce. The surrounding countryside retained a strong farming identity, and the city functioned as a service center for nearby rural communities rather than a large industrial hub.
Research and Genealogical Significance
Piedmont’s value for researchers often lies in how it connects rural families to transportation, employment, and market access. Newspapers, cemetery records, and school and church documentation help reconstruct community networks. Because Piedmont intersects multiple counties in the region, confirming exact locations and time frames is often essential for record accuracy.
Southside
- Is a city in Calhoun County, Alabama, United States, historically associated with rural land use and later residential growth tied to nearby waterways and regional development.
Key Facts
- Country: United States
- State: Alabama
- County: Calhoun County
- Status: Incorporated City
- Setting: Primarily residential with nearby outdoor recreation
Geographic and Administrative Context
Southside is located in southern Calhoun County in an area influenced by river and lake geography and the road networks connecting it to Anniston, Oxford, and surrounding communities. As the city developed, it retained a close relationship to nearby natural areas and rural neighborhoods, shaping both land use and community life.
Historical and Economic Background
Historically, Southside’s surrounding area reflected agricultural land use and small community settlement patterns. Over time, improved transportation and regional growth encouraged residential expansion. The city’s modern identity is tied less to manufacturing and more to housing, local services, and its position within the broader Anniston–Oxford region.
Community Continuity
Southside’s records often show families who remained rooted in southern Calhoun County while adapting to changing land use and suburban development. Land deeds, cemetery documentation, and church records can be particularly important for tracking families as property boundaries and neighborhoods evolved over time.
Weaver - Is a city in Calhoun County, Alabama, United States, located within the Anniston–Oxford metropolitan area and characterized by steady residential and community development.
Key Facts
- Country: United States
- State: Alabama
- County: Calhoun County
- Status: Incorporated City
- Regional context: Part of the Anniston–Oxford metro area
Geographic and Administrative Context
Weaver is situated near Anniston and Oxford, in a corridor shaped by transportation routes and suburban growth. Its proximity to larger cities influenced employment patterns, commuting, and housing development. Municipal governance supports local services, while county institutions remain important for courts, land, and probate matters.
Historical and Economic Background
Weaver developed within a region historically shaped by industry and transportation, but its growth has largely reflected residential expansion and local commerce rather than a single defining industry. The city’s economy aligns with the broader metro area, supporting family life and day-to-day services for residents.
Research and Community Context
For genealogical research, Weaver often appears in records as families moved from rural parts of Calhoun County toward suburban neighborhoods. Property records, cemetery documentation, and local church histories help preserve continuity as the community expanded alongside the Anniston–Oxford region.
Iron City
- Is an unincorporated community in Calhoun County, Alabama, United States, historically associated with early iron production and industrial activity in the region.
Key Facts
- Country: United States
- State: Alabama
- County: Calhoun County
- Status: Unincorporated Community
- Known for: Early iron and industrial activity
Geographic and Administrative Context
Iron City is located within Calhoun County in an area historically shaped by access to natural resources and transportation routes. As an unincorporated community, it falls under county jurisdiction for governance and public services. Its location placed it within the broader industrial corridor that influenced settlement in central Calhoun County.
Historical and Economic Background
The community’s name reflects its association with iron production during the nineteenth century, when ironworks and related industries played a central role in regional development. These operations attracted labor and contributed to the growth of nearby towns, even as Iron City itself remained small and sparsely populated. Over time, as iron production declined, the area transitioned toward rural land use and dispersed settlement.
Research and Historical Significance
Iron City appears in historical records primarily through industrial references, land deeds, and labor-related documentation. For researchers, the community provides insight into early industrial activity and its influence on population movement, employment patterns, and land ownership within Calhoun County.
Saks
- Is an unincorporated community in Calhoun County, Alabama, United States, located near Anniston and historically linked to textile manufacturing and mill-related employment.
Key Facts
- Country: United States
- State: Alabama
- County: Calhoun County
- Status: Unincorporated Community
- Associated industry: Textile and mill work
Geographic and Administrative Context
Saks is situated near the western side of Anniston, within the broader Anniston–Oxford metropolitan area. Although unincorporated, its proximity to larger cities influenced residential development, transportation access, and employment opportunities. County authorities provide governance and public services for the community.
Historical and Economic Background
Saks developed in connection with textile mills and related industries that operated in and around Anniston during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Housing in the area often reflected the needs of mill workers and their families. As textile operations declined or relocated, the community transitioned toward a more residential character while maintaining its historical identity.
Community and Genealogical Context
For genealogists, Saks frequently appears in employment records, census schedules, and church memberships tied to mill families. The community’s close relationship with Anniston means records may be found across municipal and county sources, making cross-referencing an important research practice.
White Plains
- Is an unincorporated community in Calhoun County, Alabama, United States, located north of Anniston and characterized by residential growth and suburban development.
Key Facts
- Country: United States
- State: Alabama
- County: Calhoun County
- Status: Unincorporated Community
- Primary character: Residential and suburban
Geographic and Administrative Context
White Plains lies north of Anniston along transportation routes that connect it to Jacksonville and other parts of Calhoun County. While unincorporated, the community functions as a significant residential area with schools and local services supported through county administration.
Historical and Economic Background
Historically, the White Plains area reflected rural land use and farming activity. Over time, improved road access and regional growth encouraged suburban development. Housing subdivisions and educational facilities became defining features, marking a shift from agricultural use to residential settlement.
Community Development and Research Context
White Plains represents a transition area where rural Calhoun County evolved into suburban neighborhoods. For researchers, land records, school histories, and church affiliations provide valuable insight into how families adapted to changing land use and population growth in the northern part of the county.
This page is maintained as a working reference and expanded as verified, publicly released historical information
becomes available.
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