Barnsville
Barnsville is a ghost town in Marion County, Alabama that once thrived as a small community with a p
Barnsville is a ghost town in Marion County, Alabama that once thrived as a small community with a post office, blacksmith shop, grocery store, and two churches.
History
Nestled in the rolling hills of Marion County, Barnsville stands as a quiet reminder of Alabama's rural past. Though now classified as a ghost town, this small community refuses to completely fade away. A scattered population still calls Barnsville home, and two historic churches—one Missionary Baptist and one Freewill Baptist—continue to anchor the community.
The Story
In its heyday, Barnsville was a self-sufficient rural hamlet typical of 19th-century Alabama. The town featured a blacksmith shop where farmers brought their horses for shoeing and tools for repair, a grocery store that served as both a commercial hub and social gathering place, and the two churches that formed the spiritual heart of the community.
Today
Perhaps most notably, Barnsville maintained a post office for over half a century, from 1855 to 1907. The presence of a post office was a mark of legitimacy and permanence for small Southern towns, making its 52-year operation a testament to the community's once-vibrant existence.
Timeline
- 1855 - to 1907, spanning the Civil War era and into the early 20th century
Plan Your Visit
Best Time: Year-round
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Time Needed: 1-2 hours
Tips
- Today, visitors to Barnsville can still see the two remaining churches that have survived the town's decline. The community observes 'Decoration Day' on the third Sunday of May, a Southern tradition o
Quick Facts
- Barnsville's post office operated for 52 years, from 1855 to 1907
- The community still observes Decoration Day on the third Sunday of May
- Two churches—Missionary Baptist and Freewill Baptist—still stand today
- Despite being classified as a ghost town, Barnsville still has scattered residents
Location
Address: Barnsville, Marion County, Alabama
Coordinates: 34.1397, -88.0778