Columbiana, Alabama

Columbiana is the seat of Shelby County, near the geographic center of Alabama, and has a mayor and city council form of government [1]. It was first settled around 1821, probably by residents of nearby towns that preceded it, and was originally called Columbia. Voters chose it as county seat over Montevallo in 1826, the year a post office was established. The legislature renamed it Columbiana in 1832, and it was incorporated on December 5, 1837. See Pelham.

History

An old schoolhouse served as the courthouse until a new building was constructed in 1854. Several foundries were established in the mid-1800s, and one burned in 1865. The People’s Advocate newspaper was founded in 1892, the courthouse moved to its current location in 1905 and the Shelby County Sun was established in 1910 [1].

Economy and schools

Arts, entertainment, recreation, accommodation and food services employed 16.8 percent of workers in 2020, professional and management services 16.0 percent and manufacturing 14.6 percent. Columbiana is part of the Shelby County School District, with an elementary, a middle and a high school plus a vocational school [1].

Museums and events

The Shelby County Museum and Archives is housed in the 1854 courthouse, and the Karl C. Harrison Museum of George Washington holds what the Encyclopedia of Alabama describes as the largest collection of George and Martha Washington memorabilia outside Mount Vernon. Liberty Day, held on the last Saturday in June since 1986, features music, crafts and fireworks, and the Columbiana Sports Complex has baseball and football fields and a walking track [1].

Settlement and county seat

Columbiana was first settled around 1821 as Columbia and renamed Columbiana by the legislature in 1832. An 1826 vote chose it over Montevallo as Shelby County seat, and it was incorporated on December 5, 1837.[2]

Courthouses

An old schoolhouse served as the courthouse until 1854, when a new building was constructed; the courthouse moved to its present home in 1905, and the 1854 building now houses the Shelby County Museum and Archives.[2]

Population and economy

The 2020 census estimate was 4,602, with a median household income of ,759. The largest employment sectors are arts, entertainment, recreation, accommodation and food services (16.8 percent), professional and management services (16.0 percent) and manufacturing (14.6 percent). State Highways 25 and 70 and County Road 47 serve the city, and Tri-L Acres Airport is nearby.[2]

FAQs

When was Columbiana incorporated? December 5, 1837.

What is its population? 4,602 in the 2020 estimates.

Sources

1. Encyclopedia of Alabama: Columbiana
2. Encyclopedia of Alabama: Columbiana

Editorially reviewed by Specialty Digest Editorial TeamLast reviewed November 10, 2026Researched and drafted with AI assistanceReport an issue