Bibb County Extension Office

Alabama Extension Agents Buoyed So Far by Crop Planting Conditions

About Bibb County

Bibb County, a rural county in west-central Alabama, is bisected geologically by a fall line extending through the county seat of Centreville. The Fall Line separates the foothills of the Appalachians in northern Bibb County from the rolling, sandy hills of the Gulf Coastal Plain in the south. The natural and biological diversity of these unique settings are highlighted by two major resources for nature-based tourism---the Oakmulgee District of the Talladega National Forest and the Cahaba River, Alabama's longest free flowing river. The Cahaba River is noted for its rapids that are ideal for canoeing, as well as for the rare Cahaba Lily the blooms in late May and 12 species of mussels and fish listed under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. Ample locations offer excellent hiking, canoeing and nature photography opportunities.

Originally named Cahawba County for the river, the county was created by the Alabama Territorial Legislature on February 7, 1818. Alabama became a state in 1819, and therefore the county enjoys the distinction of being older than the state. On December 4, 1820, the county was renamed Bibb County in honor of William Wyatt Bibb, Alabama's first governor. Mr. Bibb was appointed in 1817 as the first governor of the Alabama Territory, and then he was elected governor in 1819 when Alabama became the 22nd state of the U.S.Governor Bibb died after a fall from a horse in July of 1820, and the county was named for him less than 5 months later. Other incorporated municipalities are Brent, West Blocton and Woodstock.

As of 2006, Bibb County's population was 21,482, a 3.1 percent increase from the year 2000 (20,826.) 22 percent of the population is black and 77 percent is white, and with respect to gender about 52 percent is male and 48 percent female. 63 percent of Bibb County's adults have completed high school. The Construction sector was the leading employer in Bibb County with 508 jobs inthe first quarter of 2006, followed by Educational Services with 474. Rounding out the top five industries by employment were Health Care/Social Assistance, Retail Trade and Manufacturing. The five industries provided 2,250 jobs, 61 percent of the county total. Forestry and related industries also continue to be a major component of the county's economy. The U.S. government, Westervelt, and International Paper Company, among others, are prominent stewards of the county's timber lands. Beef cattle, corn and soybeans comprise the bulk of the county's agricultural products. And with the dawn of the 21st Century, the county's leaders have begun to capitalize on the potential for sustainable tourism to improve Bibb County's economy and way of life.

Public and private K-12 education is available in Bibb County. The Bibb County Public School District is comprised of five elementary schools, one middle school, one junior high school, two high schools and a technical school. Private schools include Cahawba Christian Academy and McCulley Hill Christian School.

The Bibb County Extension Office houses three full-time and three part-time staff, as well as about 15 volunteers who deliver Extension programs.4-H & Youth Development programs engage about 60 youth, and adult & youth leadership programs are being developed. Please visit the links above for more information about Bibb County.