St. Stephens, located in Washington County, Alabama, is a historic site that served as the territorial capital from 1817 to 1819. Perched atop a limestone bluff overlooking the Tombigbee River, it played a pivotal role in Alabama’s early development. Below is detailed information about the town.
County: Washington
Zip Code: 36569
Latitude / Longitude: 31.5399°N, 88.0543°W
Elevation: Not available
Time Zone: Central (CST) (UTC-6)
Established: 1817
Disestablished: 1829
Comments: St. Stephens began as a Spanish fort in 1789 and later became a key entry point for settlers moving into the southwest frontier. In 1817, it was designated as the capital of the Alabama Territory. However, after the capital moved, the town rapidly declined and was abandoned by 1829. Today, the site is preserved as the Old St. Stephens Historical Park, offering visitors a glimpse into Alabama’s early history.
St. Stephens is an unincorporated census-designated place in Washington County, Alabama Ghost Townabama, United States. As of the 2010 census, its population was 495. Located near the Tombigbee River in the southwestern part of the state and 67 miles north of Mobile, it comprises two distinct sites: Old St. Stephens and New St. Stephens.
The Old St. Stephens site lies directly on the river and is no longer inhabited. It was the territorial capital of the Alabama Territory. Now encompassed by the Old St. Stephens Historical Park, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Changes in the territorial capital and transportation resulted in the Old St. Stephens site being bypassed by development.
“New” St. Stephens developed two miles inland around a railway station but adjacent to the old site. It is the location of the post office, Baptist and Methodist churches, and residences. St. Stephens first appeared on the 1890 U.S. Census as an unincorporated village. It did not reappear again until 2010, when it was classified as a census-designated place (CDP).
Remains: The Old St. Stephens Historical Park encompasses the original town site, featuring archaeological remains, a museum housed in the restored courthouse, and interpretive trails.
Current Status: St. Stephens is considered a ghost town, with the historical park serving as a testament to its past significance.
Remarks: The park offers camping, hiking, and educational programs, making it a valuable resource for those interested in Alabama’s territorial period.
You can visit the Old St. Stephens Historical Park and Encyclopedia of Alabama websites for more detailed information.
