Decatur County, Alabama facts for kids

Decatur County was once a part of the state of Alabama in the United States. It was named after a brave naval hero, Commodore Stephen Decatur of the United States Navy. For a short time, its main town, or "county seat," was Woodville.

The Short Story of Decatur County

How It Began

The government of Alabama, called the Alabama Legislature, officially created Decatur County on December 17, 1821. This meant it became a new area with its own local government. In 1822, the town of Woodville was chosen to be its main center, or "county seat." This is where important county offices would be located.

Why It Disappeared

Just a few years later, things changed for Decatur County. In 1825, a special survey was done. This survey showed that the county was not big enough. It did not have the minimum land area required by Alabama's rules at the time.

Because of this, Decatur County was officially closed down on December 28, 1825. Its land was then divided and added to two nearby counties: Madison County and Jackson County. The part that went to Madison County was even called "New Madison" by people for many years afterward.