Louisville

History

Louisville was established in 1817 in former Creek territory. The town holds a unique place in Alabama's administrative history as one of few municipalities to serve as county seat for multiple counties. It first became the county seat of Pike County in 1821, demonstrating its early importance in the region. When Barbour County was created from portions of Pike and Henry counties, Louisville was chosen as its first county seat, serving from 1832 until 1834, when the seat was relocated to Clayton. This dual role as county seat for two different counties reflects Louisville's significant role in southeast Alabama's early development. The town's economic development was significantly influenced by the arrival of the Central of Georgia Railroad in 1888. The lumber industry, established in 1828, became a cornerstone of the local economy and continues to play an important role today. The town marked its entry into the automotive age with its first automobile in 1908.

Geography

Louisville is southwest of Clayton, the county seat, and northeast of Clio. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 2.8 square miles (7.1 km), all land.

Race & ethnicity

Largest nearby schools

• Barbour County High School
  High · Clayton · 317 students · 21.1:1 ratio
• Barbour County Intermediate School
  Elementary · Louisville · 263 students · 18.8:1 ratio
• Barbour County Primary School
  Elementary · Clayton · 135 students · 16.9:1 ratio