Bellefonte, Alabama, is a ghost town with a rich history dating back to the early 19th century. Below is detailed information about the town:
County: Jackson County
Zip Code: 35752
Latitude / Longitude: Approximately 34.7128° N, 85.9469° W
Elevation: 745 feet (227 meters)
Time Zone: Central Time Zone (UTC-6; UTC-5 during Daylight Saving Time)
Established: 1821
Disestablished: 1920s
Comments: Bellefonte is a ghost town in Jackson County, Alabama Ghost Townabama, United States, near the site of the Bellefonte Nuclear Generating Station. Bellefonte was incorporated on December 15, 1821, and served as the Jackson County seat until 1868. The town’s name combines the French words “belle” (beautiful) and “fonte” (fount). During its peak, Bellefonte had a courthouse, church, post office, and was home to various professionals, including lawyers and doctors. The town suffered significant damage during the Civil War and never fully recovered.
Remains: Today, the only standing structure is the chimney of the former local inn. The Bellefonte Cemetery also remains, containing gravestones dating back to 1826.
Current Status: Abandoned; classified as a ghost town
Remarks: The decline of Bellefonte was accelerated by the relocation of the county seat to Scottsboro in 1868 and the town’s refusal to allow a railroad to pass through, leading to its eventual abandonment by the 1920s.
For a visual exploration of Bellefonte and its historical significance, you might find the following video informative:
