Erie, Alabama facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Erie, Alabama
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 Erie, Alabama
Location in Alabama
Erie, Alabama
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Alabama |
| County | Hale |
| Elevation | 548 ft (167 m) |
| Population | |
| • Total | 0 |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| GNIS feature ID | 138975 |
Erie is a ghost town in Hale County, Alabama, United States. A ghost town is a place that used to be a busy settlement but is now mostly empty. Erie was once the main town, or county seat, for a larger area called Greene County.
However, in 1838, the county seat was moved to Eutaw. This happened because Eutaw was more central and better for a growing area. After losing its important role, Erie slowly faded away. When Hale County was formed in 1867, after the Civil War, Erie became part of it. The town was mostly empty long before its last house burned down in 1933.
Erie was located on the east bank of the Black Warrior River. This spot was known as the "Erie Bend." It is about 11 miles (18 km) east of Greensboro today.
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History of Erie
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Erie was first part of Greene County. It was chosen as the very first county seat for that area.
What Was Erie Like?
Erie became an official town in 1820. It was a busy and successful place. The town had stores, a hotel, and even a jail. About 1,500 people lived there. They enjoyed a lively community with all the usual ups and downs of a thriving town.
A Busy River Port
Because Erie was on a bend of the Black Warrior River, it became an important shipping port. Farmers would send their cotton from Erie down the river. The cotton would travel all the way to Mobile, a seaport on the Gulf Coast. Many people worked as professional teamsters, hauling cotton by wagon to the port.
Why Erie Disappeared
Several things caused Erie to decline. In 1838, leaders decided to move the county seat to Eutaw.
Problems with the Location
Erie had some challenges with its location. It was said to have "little and bad water." The area was also often muddy. Plus, Erie was not in the center of the county. As more people moved to the western part of Greene County, a more central location was needed.
The County Seat Moves
During the late 1830s, Erie also faced other problems. Like many towns along the river, it suffered from a serious illness called yellow fever. The settlement also experienced flooding from the river. When Erie lost its status as the county seat, it lost much of its importance.
Erie was later included in Hale County, Alabama when it was formed in 1867. This happened after the Civil War. Erie continued to decline. The very last house in the old settlement was destroyed by fire in 1933. Today, the former town site is on private land. You might find a few old stones and bricks there. The Erie Cemetery is a short distance to the east.
Famous People from Erie
Some important people once lived in Erie:
- Thomas H. Herndon: He was elected to the Alabama House of Representatives. He also served in the United States House of Representatives.
- Thomas Seay: He became the 27th Governor of Alabama.
