Demopolis, Alabama

Coker, Alabama

Weather: low 65 degrees, high 80 degrees, mostly cloudy to partly cloudy skies

We felt the urge to get out and see some countryside this morning, and decided to drive down to Demopolis, about 60 miles south of Coker. Why did we go to Demopolis? Because we could, and hadn't explored the area.

Our route led us through areas we had been through before, so we didn't tarry around in those areas. It is amazing to us how much vacant land we see in our travels, and we saw plenty of it today. Mostly wooded with large pastures spaced among the wooded sections, this is nice country. I think we saw more catfish ponds today than any other place we have been. I wonder if the catfish farming is a viable business?

Demopolis is an old town located where the Tombigbee and Black Warrior Rivers join, and was originally settled in 1817 by French immigrants leaving France because of the downfall of Napoleon Bonaparte. The first crops they grew were grapes and olives. Since the original settlers were from the French aristocracy, the settlement didn't fare well because they were not used to the rough and rugged conditions of early settler life. Most of the French people moved on, but the town eventually prospered. Today, it seems to be a prosperous town that is growing to the southwest side of town.

When we're in a new town, we always look for a courthouse to take pictures of. Unfortunately, the old courthouse is gone, but a nice little city park took it's place. The downtown area has been refurbished, and is very attractive. The picture below on the left is where the courthouse was located. The one on the right is of one of the streets. Both these pictures came from the city's website.



We found an Army COE park there that we drove through. It's a nice little park, with large RV spaces, hookups, walking trails, picnic areas, primitive camping, and boat ramps. We wouldn't mind staying there a few days.

By the time we arrived home, the wanderlust had abated, at least for today. We'll see what tomorrow brings.

More later, be safe.

Today's Town - Demopolis, Alabama: Home Of Christmas On The River

Not all who wander are lost.