Monroe County

Situated deep in the piney woods of the First District, Monroe County is a hidden surprise. Perhaps the county's greatest claim to fame is that it has been the home to three internationally known writers: Harper Lee, author of To Kill A Mockingbird; Truman Capote, author of In Cold Blood; and Mark Childress, author of Crazy in Alabama.

This rich tradition led the state legislature to name Monroe County as the literary capital of Alabama, and the area draws tens of thousands of tourists each year who want to see first-hand the area that inspired such tremendous creative work. The Old Monroe County Courthouse, used as the setting of the famous trial scene in To Kill A Mockingbird, is now the home of the county historical museum and hosts an annual production of the Christopher Sergel play based on Miss Lee's novel.

The timber industry remains the centerpiece of the county's economy, along with smaller cotton and other agricultural products supplementing local income. The Alabama River Companies, comprised of pulp, paper, newsprint and land management divisions, is the county's single largest employer, and in 1992 demonstrated its strong commitment to remaining in the area by completing a $1.7 billion expansion.

In a manner similar to neighboring Clarke County, Monroe County also offers numerous recreational and historical opportunities for residents and tourists alike.