Pikeville, Marion County, Alabama facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Pikeville,
Marion County, Alabama |
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 Pikeville, Marion County, Alabama
Location in Alabama
Pikeville, Marion County, Alabama
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Alabama |
| County | Marion |
| Elevation | 702 ft (214 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| Area code(s) | 205, 659 |
| GNIS feature ID | 156885 |
Pikeville is a fascinating ghost town located in Marion County, Alabama. A ghost town is a place where most people have left, leaving behind empty buildings and a quiet history. Pikeville was once a very important place. It was the first permanent county seat for Marion County from 1820 until 1882. This means it was the main town where the county government was located.
Contents
Pikeville: A Glimpse into the Past
The County Seat
Pikeville officially became a town on January 12, 1827. For many years, it was the center of government for Marion County. The county courthouse, where important decisions were made, stood here. Sadly, the courthouse was destroyed by fire in 1866. But the people of Pikeville rebuilt it, showing their dedication to the town.
Important People
One important person in Pikeville's history was John Dabney Terrell, Jr. He served as the Probate Judge for Marion County for over forty years. A Probate Judge handles important legal matters, like wills and property. He and his family lived in Pikeville for a long time. They stayed until the town slowly became a ghost town.
Communication and Mail
Pikeville also had its own post office. It opened in 1824 and helped people send and receive letters. The post office was a vital part of the community. It stayed open for many years, finally closing in 1907.
What Remains Today
Even though Pikeville is now a ghost town, some parts of its history are still visible. The old courthouse building still stands. You can also find the city cemetery and a Civil War cemetery. There is even a grave for an unknown soldier from the War of 1812. Remnants of General Jackson's Military Road can also be seen. This road was important for travel and military movements long ago.
How Many People Lived There?
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1880 | 57 | — | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
We know a little about Pikeville's population from the 1880 U.S. Census. A census is like a big count of all the people living in a place. In 1880, Pikeville had 57 residents. This was shortly before it stopped being the county seat. This was the only time Pikeville was counted as a separate community in the census.
