Celebrating The Past, Looking Forward To The Future
POLICE DEPT JOB OPENING
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION VIEW POLICE DEPT PAGE
In the 19th century, Henry County covered the southeast corner of
Alabama. A few towns had been established but the area was primarily
timberland and farmland. Many "crossroads" settlements had appeared
with homes and stores and one-room schools scattered about.
In the mid 1800's an influential landowner, W.S. Wood, moved into this
isolated area from Columbia and the future began to take shape. A small
town was in its beginning. In February of 1903 a new county was formed
from parts of Henry and Geneva counties. It was given the name of
Houston in honor of Gov. George S. Houston. Two months later in April of
1903, the Town of Cottonwood was incorporated making it the first town
established in the new Houston County. The town's name may have
come from either Mr. Wood or from the Cottonwood trees growing in the
area. That, however, is a debated issue.
General stores, a bank, mills (turpentine, grist, timber, etc.) sprang up. At
least two lumber companies constructed logging railroads through the
town. One remained in service into the 1940's as a freight service from
the Cowarts area to Bascom, FL.
The early 1920's saw an interest in drilling for crude oil in the area.
Several attempts would find only a hot mineral water spring. Mr. J. R.
Sealy capitalized on this find and established an internationally known
health spa. The Sealy Hot Mineral Springs remained in business until fire
destroyed it in 2001.
The 20th century saw an economic roller coaster. Cottonwood has seen
good times and bad times, as has every small town in the USA
Downtown Cottonwood 1950's
Downtown Cottonwood June 2004
Postal & Physical:
Town Of Cottonwood
1414 Metcalf St.
P.O. Box 447
Cottonwood , Al. 36320
Emails:
Police Department: cwoodpd@graceba.net
Fire Department: cwoodfd@graceba.net
Town Clerk: cotwood@graceba.net
Municipal Court : cwoodth@graceba.net
Mayor: cwoodmayor@graceba.net
Phone :
Town Hall
334-691-2671
334-691-3111 (fax)
Extensions:
Town Clerk 101
Water Department 102 & 108
Municipal Court 103
Police Department :
334-691-2113
Fire Department:
334-691-3112
In Case Of Emergency :
911