Claiborne, Alabama, is a ghost town situated on a bluff above the Alabama River in Monroe County. Once a thriving center of trade and culture, it is now abandoned and holds historical significance for the region. Below is detailed information about the town:
County: Monroe County
Zip Code: Not available
Latitude / Longitude: 31.5403° N, 87.4986° W
Elevation: Approximately 200 feet (61 meters)
Time Zone: Central Time Zone (UTC-6; UTC-5 during Daylight Saving Time)
Established: 1816
Disestablished: Late 19th century
Comments: Claiborne was established in 1816 and quickly grew into one of the most prosperous towns in Alabama during its early years. It served as a major port and trade center along the Alabama River, with warehouses, stores, hotels, schools, and a bustling population. Its decline began with the construction of railroads, which redirected trade routes away from the river, leading to its eventual abandonment.
Remains: Remnants of Claiborne include a cemetery, some brick foundations, and scattered artifacts in the surrounding area. The nearby Claiborne Lock and Dam has also shaped the landscape of the area.
Current Status: Abandoned; classified as a ghost town
Remarks: Claiborne’s historical significance is tied to its role as a center of commerce and culture in Alabama’s early statehood. Today, it offers a glimpse into the region’s history and the impact of shifting trade routes on river towns. Claiborne is a ghost town on a bluff above the Alabama River in Monroe County, Alabama Ghost Townabama.
Situated near the Federal Road, Claiborne began during the Mississippi Territory period with a ferry over the river. During the Creek War a large stockade fort, named Fort Claiborne, was established at the site by General Ferdinand Claiborne. He used the fort as a base for the invasion of the Creek nation with the Regular Army of the United States, the Lower Tombigbee Militia, and friendly Choctaw. The community of Claiborne began in 1816, on the former fort site.
