Greene County: Waterscapes, History and Folkways

Greene County combines expansive waterscapes with the multifaceted history of western Alabama. Warrior Reservoir near Eutaw is an 8,580-acre lake on the Black Warrior River. By contrast, the Sipsey River is a 92-mile-long, wild and free-flowing swamp river, with an estimated 50,000 acres of wetlands and swamps in its floodplain. Those seeking to combine a trip with nature experiences, regional culture and historical impressions will find different focal points here when choosing suitable accommodation.

Waterscapes with Various Options

At Warrior Reservoir, basic camping, hunting and boating are possible. Eight public access points provide access to the shore and water by boat. The reservoir is also known for fishing for largemouth bass and crappie. This makes it possible to shape a stay around personal interests: Some travelers seek the tranquility of the water, while others plan time for boating or fishing. For families, it can be appealing to view active and more relaxing periods not as a fixed program, but as different ideas for the day.

The Sipsey River offers a different focus. Canoeing is possible in its secluded backwater areas, while bank fishing is available along the main river channel. At the same time, the river is accessible by boat only to a limited extent because of its rural character and lack of developed access points. This is an important consideration when planning a trip: Anyone wishing to include the Sipsey River should take the specific type of access and the desired activity into account before planning the day. The Old Lock 7 Complex in West Damsite Park adds to the nature experiences. Forest areas around the park, picnic and camping areas provide habitat for woodland songbirds and woodpeckers.

Eutaw and Greene County for Culture Enthusiasts

The region's historical side is also distinctive. The Old Sheriff's Office and Grand Jury Room is a two-story brick building completed in 1842 on Old Courthouse Square in Eutaw. Eutaw's post office houses the New Deal mural “The Countryside” by Robert Gwathmey. The Eutaw Pilgrimage program includes tours of antebellum homes and churches as well as the historic Courthouse Square.

History is visible in several places and in different forms. The Civil Rights Freedom Farm Museum in Mantua, Greene County, preserves and conveys the everyday lives of African Americans in the early 20th century. The complex includes shotgun houses named after Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King Jr. and Ralph Abernathy. In total, 39 historic structures in Greene County are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The examples mentioned also include Kirkwood, a Greek Revival-style mansion built in 1860, and Magnolia on Main, which was built around 1904 as a town house for the builder's family.

The way historic houses can be viewed should be taken into account: Most historic houses in the survey area of Rural Southwest Alabama are private residences and, unless otherwise indicated, can only be viewed while driving past. The Littleberry Pippen House, also called Pippen Plantation House, is a one-story wood-frame house from the early 1840s with Creole Cottage-style architecture and later Greek Revival-style alterations. Bird's Farm creates an unusual visual contrast with a large field along Highway 43 and imaginative works of art made predominantly from hay bales. The site also features a 32-foot-tall Tin Man made from discarded industrial and agricultural materials.

Folkways, Crafts and Regional Cuisine

The Black Belt Folk Roots Festival is an annual celebration of the folkways, traditions and culture of western Alabama. The program includes quilting, basket weaving, chair seat weaving, doll making, wood carving and clay painting. Soul food, barbecue and homemade ice cream complement the craft and cultural experiences. Those choosing a vacation rental or vacation home in Greene County can therefore weigh a stay focused on water and nature, historical discoveries or regional traditions. Eutaw is directly accessible via two highway exits, making it a clear point of orientation for further travel planning.

Additional destinations for your own planning: Marshall County, Cleburne, Franklin County, Lauderdale County, Sumter County, Elmore and Shelby County.

For the overview of the broader travel region: Alabama.