Alabama Front Porches: The official website for Alabama's Black Belt

Originally called Bethany Baptist Churchy, the Burnt Corn Baptist Church was established in 1821 in nearby Conecuh County; it moved in 1846 to Puryearville (Monroe County), just west of Burnt Corn; then, in 1874 the congregation built the present structure. The history of the Burnt Corn area begins hundreds of years ago. Since this was [...]

Hours of operation, etc.: Open February through November, Tuesday through Sunday, sunrise to sunset. Habitat: 94 acre manmade lake with a +/- 1 mile access/perimeter road on the east and south sides of the lake; upland loblolly pine forest surrounds the lake; hardwood swamp extends north from the lake. Birding: Two brief visits found 42 [...]

Travel back in time 60 million years ago…. The River Museum tour begins with a collection of ancient fossils and Native American artifacts found in Monroe County, explaining the first inhabitants. Then, view the exhibit that immortalizes the Steamboat Era, including a miniature replica of the Nettie Quill, a steamboat which traveled the Alabama River. [...]

An operating water-powered grist mill and museum. Rikard’s Mill is nestled in the piney woods along the banks of the picturesque Flat Creek which flows through Monroe County and into the Alabama River. First built in 1845, the mill has served residents of North Monroe County ever since. Visitors to the mill can watch as [...]

The Old Courthouse Museum serves as an important link between the county’s colorful past and the events of today. Located in the Old Monroe County Courthouse on the Monroeville town square, the museum provides a variety of events and activities to attract people of all ages and backgrounds throughout the year. “Monroeville is best known [...]