Welcome
A small southern town near the Alabama-Florida state line, Florala, AL is rich in history. Following the Civil War many migrated to this area in Alabama and west Florida to take advantage of the inexpensive land, untapped forestry resources, cotton, and subsequent need for railroads, schools and goods for its population. Later the textile industry emerged. My family’s ancestors, the Martin Luther Ray’s and W. Christopher McLauchlin’s, like a number of other Scots, came to this area near the turn of the century from their homeland in Cumberland County, North Carolina. Their ancestors came to Cumberland County from Scotland via the Cape Fear River. They eventually settled in Alabama as their prospects dimmed in the North Carolina sandhills and their families expanded. Many were “Tarheels” who sought to employ their skills in the lumber and naval stores business learned among the Carolina pines. Due to the vast pine forests this portion of the south was seen as a land of opportunity. Florala’s prosperity grew and became a bustling town. In 1900 the US Census of Florala lists a population of 300. In 1907, a city census counted a population of 2,021, an increase of nearly 700% in those 7 years. The population further increased to ca 3,500 in the subsequent years. A stately hotel and spacious homes with high pitched roofs and expansive porches were built, a number with distinctive turret features. Three railroads, routed south, east and north connected the town for commerce and pleasure travel.
1942 postcard depicting Lake Jackson
In time Florala’s growth faltered. The forest industry became less lucrative and the timber stands depleted, the Depression exacted its financial toll, and global forces eventually weakened the textile industry. Many of the youth left to join the war effort in the early 40s, to Mobile to work in the shipyards and to Brookley Air Force base to support the US Air Force, others to join the armed services. But Florala has an ageless jewel that has not left, Lake Jackson. A body of water once thought to be the rising of an underground river, but now believed by geologists to have been born from the collapse of ancient limestone caves. Its a not-too-small and not-too-big lake (ca 500 acres) that exemplifies nature’s beauty when ample quantities of stilled clear water, Cypress trees, Spanish Moss, and time merge. People living and working near its shores hoped and prayed for a good life and future for their community
View of downtown Florala in 1909 (5th Ave or Main St). The building on left and in the center of the right picture is the Opera House. Currently the Country Folks Buffett is on this site. Notice Cawthon’s Photo Studio, McRae’s Trading Co (left of Post Office) and Post Office. Florala’s Destiny 1908: Florala Destiny -9
This website is an effort to share and preserve some of the history of Florala. Our grandmother, Margaret McLauchlin Ray Baker (1888-1986) lived at 109 S. 3rd Street (across from Florala Wetlands Park) for over 60 years. She collected and inherited some of the material to be put on this site. We welcome others to contribute stories, pictures, genealogy or simply how they remember the people and town of Florala. Contribute as a Comment or email us: mbak69@msn.com.
Wagon shop on North 5th St.
“Flat Iron” building
Downtown Florala ca 1911. The sign by the Opera House reads “The Sins of the Father”(Thomas Dixon), a play that traveled in the south at that time.
The Bank of Florala, possibly on June 24. Note the many US flags.
How much has Florala changed? You be the judge.
View of northwest of Lake Jackson
Florala History References
1. Bryan GJ, Bryan RR. Covington County History 1821-1976. 1976. The Opp Historical Society, Inc, printed by Covington Publishing Co, Inc (available from the Opp Chamber of Commerce)
By charles russell, May 31, 2011 @ 4:22 pm
Great pictures, makes me want to see more.
By Kyle & Patricia Johnson, June 22, 2011 @ 2:47 pm
As a newcomer to Florala my husband an I are in love with your town and the many wonderful people. Lake Jackson exemplifies the guiet peaceful beauty that God gave us to enjoy. Thank You Florala
By Tri-City Chamber of Commerce, July 6, 2011 @ 10:36 am
Pages 9 and 10 of the Ed Rodwell history print out the same as page 11. I would like to have a copy of pages 9 and 10.
By Max Baker, July 6, 2011 @ 7:05 pm
I believe you can copy them now. If you can’t, I will email them to you.
Regards
By James Staufenberg, September 1, 2011 @ 6:07 pm
Lake Naomi in Lockhart , the old Lumber Yard is a wonderful place to visit. Lake Jackson and downtown Florala are fun swimming for visiting children. Florala Flea Markets provide fine shopping experience.
By Bill Martin, December 27, 2011 @ 4:09 pm
Thanks for the great pictures and write up! Grew up there and
June 24th was the DAY of the year; thanks to the Masons. The ce;ebration continues today; just not as big as it once was. \
Thanks again!!