Winston County

Winston County is an administrative division in northwestern Alabama that spans varied terrain with forests, hills, and waterways in the Appalachian Mountain foothills. The William B. Bankhead National Forest covers much of the land and shapes how the landscape appears throughout the region.

The county changed its name from Hancock to Winston in 1858 to honor John A. Winston, the first Alabama-born governor of the state. This renaming marked a shift in local identity and self-perception.

Residents opposed Confederate secession during the Civil War, meeting at Looney's Tavern to discuss their independence. This stance shaped the local identity and remains part of how people understand the region's past.

Visiting centers on hiking trails, camping spots, and outdoor activities in the William B. Bankhead National Forest spread across the county. Visitors should prepare for hilly terrain and forest paths if planning outdoor recreation.

Four sites in the county are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, including the Houston Jail and Winston County Courthouse. These buildings offer glimpses into local history and architecture that visitors often overlook.

Location: Alabama

Inception: February 12, 1850

Capital city: Double Springs

Elevation above the sea: 204 m

Shares border with: Lawrence County, Cullman County, Walker County, Marion County, Franklin County

Website: http://winstoncountyalabama.org

GPS coordinates: 34.14917,-87.37472

Latest update: December 20, 2025 02:25