Paint Rock, Jackson County, Alabama
“Early Settlement of Paint Rock” by Coy E. Michael, published in the Valley Leaves, chronicles the history of Paint Rock, a community in Jackson County. Settled after a Cherokee land cession in 1819, the town became a significant settlement with influential early settlers like the Kennamer and Keel families. It saw economic growth with key industries like mills and manufacturing until the Civil War brought devastation and battles, notably involving local leader Col. Lemuel G. Mead. The 1931 Scottsboro Boys incident and devastating tornadoes in 1932 further marked Paint Rock’s tumultuous history. The article highlights the enduring resilience of the community.