Overview

Cherokee County is a county of the U.S. state of Alabama. It takes its name from the Cherokee people who once lived in the region. The county seat is county seat Centre, a small town that functions as the administrative and commercial center for the surrounding rural area. As recorded in the 2010 census the county had a population of about 25,989 residents.

Geography and environment

Located in the northeastern corner of Alabama, Cherokee County features rolling hills, forested tracts, and several reservoirs that attract visitors for boating and fishing. The county's landscape is part of the Coosa River watershed and includes shoreline and wetlands that support local wildlife. These natural features shape both recreation and the local economy.

History

The county was organized in the 1830s following the removal of Native American tribes from the Southeast; its name memorializes the region's earlier Cherokee inhabitants. During the 19th and early 20th centuries the area developed through agriculture, timber, and small-scale industry. Historical sites and local museums preserve aspects of this frontier and rural past.

Economy, culture, and recreation

Today the county economy mixes farming, forestry, small businesses, and tourism tied to lakes and outdoor pursuits. Anglers and boaters visit for established fisheries and seasonal events, while local festivals and community institutions contribute to a small‑town cultural life. Public services are centered in Centre and other incorporated towns.

Government and notable facts

Cherokee County has been described as a prohibition or dry county, a designation that affects the retail sale of alcoholic drinks in many parts of the county. Local option elections and municipal ordinances have at times modified how those rules apply in individual towns. Notable communities in the county include Centre, Cedar Bluff, Leesburg, Gaylesville and others that serve as hubs for commerce and services.

Quick facts

  • County seat: Centre
  • Named for: the Cherokee people
  • Region: Northeastern Alabama, part of the Coosa River system
  • Characteristic features: lakes, fishing, rural communities

For further local information, municipal services, and visitor resources consult county notices and regional guides maintained by state and local agencies.