Opelika, Alabama

Opelika is the county seat of Lee County in east-central Alabama and a principal city of the Auburn-Opelika metropolitan area. The 2020 census counted 30,995 residents, up 17.1 percent from 26,477 in 2010 [1]. The name is said to come from a Muskogean word meaning “large swamp” [1]. The city grew as a rail junction and textile town and today is home to East Alabama Health, the Grand National golf complex and the Tiger Town shopping center [1][2].

History

Creek lands were ceded under the 1832 Treaty of Cusseta and white settlers followed in the late 1830s [1][2]. A rail line from Montgomery reached Opelika in 1848 and a line to West Point, Georgia, in 1851; the town was chartered on February 9, 1854 [2]. In mid-July 1864 Union general Lovell Rousseau’s raid destroyed the rail lines and Confederate supply depots [2]. A fire in 1868 destroyed most of the business district [2]. Lee County was created in 1866 and Opelika became the seat; the present courthouse, completed in 1896, was designed by Horace King, a Black builder [2][3]. In 1882 rival factions fought over city government, and the state revoked the charter and appointed commissioners until 1899 [1].

Economy

In 1896 Opelika was one of ten experimental sites for rural free mail delivery [2]. The Opelika Cotton Mill opened in 1900 with 125 workers and later served as a filming location for Norma Rae (1979) [2]. Pepperell Manufacturing was founded in 1925 and closed in 2006, and no textile mills remain open [2]. Camp Opelika held more than 2,700 German prisoners of war from December 1942 to December 1945 [2]. Uniroyal opened a tire plant in 1963, and Michelin’s plant closed in October 2009 [2]. Tiger Town, completed in 2005 with more than 750,000 square feet, is the largest retail center in East Alabama [2]. East Alabama Health is the largest employer, and since 2005 new industry investments have exceeded $2.6 billion and created over 4,700 jobs [1].

Culture and recreation

Opelika Public Library opened in 2021 at a cost of $12 million and Opelika Community Theatre was founded in 2015 [1]. Spring Villa Park covers 350 acres, and the antebellum Spring Villa house is on the National Register [1]. The SportsPlex and Aquatics Center cost $32 million in 2009 and the pickleball facility opened in 2019 with 24 courts [1]. The Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at Grand National is ranked among Golf Digest’s top affordable courses, and historic downtown Opelika is on the National Register [1][2]. Lee County attractions include the Museum of East Alabama and the December Victorian Porch Tour [3].

Government and education

Opelika has a mayor-council system with a five-member council; in 2007 it was designated a “City of Character” [1]. Opelika City Schools operates nine schools, and Southern Union State Community College has a campus in the city [1].

Notable people

Governors Fob James and William J. Samford, Congressman William Dickinson, astronaut James Voss, physicist Jabez Curry Street and Miss America 2013 Mallory Hagan are among those connected with Opelika [1][2]. Neighboring city: Auburn.

FAQs

What county is Opelika in? Lee County; it has been the seat since 1866 [2].

When was Opelika chartered? February 9, 1854 [1][2].

Sources

1. Wikipedia: Opelika, Alabama
2. Encyclopedia of Alabama: Opelika
3. Encyclopedia of Alabama: Lee County

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