Etowah County

Etowah County is an administrative division in northeastern Alabama, with Gadsden serving as its administrative center. The county encompasses multiple towns and communities spread across the region, managing local government services and public affairs.

The county was established on December 1, 1868, emerging from the earlier Baine County following the Civil War. This creation reflected Alabama's reorganization during the Reconstruction period after the conflict.

The name comes from the Cherokee language, connecting to the Native American people who lived here before removal from their homeland. This link to the past remains part of how local residents understand their region.

Visitors can access local government services in Gadsden, where the main courthouse and administrative offices handle legal matters and property records. Most essential services are available through in-person visits or online platforms during business hours.

Despite its compact size, the county maintains one of Alabama's highest population densities within a relatively small area. This concentration of people creates a distinct community character different from Alabama's more spread-out regions.

Location: Alabama

Inception: December 7, 1866

Capital city: Gadsden

Shares border with: DeKalb County, Blount County, Cherokee County, Calhoun County, St. Clair County, Marshall County

Website: http://etowahcounty.org

GPS coordinates: 34.05000,-86.03333

Latest update: December 20, 2025 02:34