Bainbridge, Alabama, was a historic town established in the early 19th century along the Tennessee River. Below is detailed information about the town:
County: Colbert County
Zip Code: Not available
Latitude / Longitude: Approximately 34.8050° N, 87.6000° W
Elevation: Approximately 500 feet (152 meters)
Time Zone: Central Time Zone (UTC-6; UTC-5 during Daylight Saving Time)
Established: 1819
Disestablished: 1840s
Comments: Bainbridge was strategically located at the head of navigation on the Tennessee River and served as a significant river crossing point. The Byler Road, Alabama’s first state highway, passed through Bainbridge, enhancing its role as a transportation hub. The town featured brick stores and homes, indicating a period of prosperity. However, with the advent of the railroad, business and real estate values declined, leading to its abandonment by the 1840s.
Remains: The original site of Bainbridge is now submerged under Wilson Lake, created by the construction of Wilson Dam.
Current Status: Submerged; classified as a ghost town
Remarks: During the Civil War, Bainbridge was the site of several skirmishes due to its strategic location. Both Confederate and Union forces vied for control of the ferry crossing. Notably, in December 1864, General Hood’s army used a pontoon bridge at Bainbridge to cross the Tennessee River during their retreat. Today, the town’s history is commemorated by a historical marker near Muscle Shoals, Alabama.
