Old Ramer
Old Ramer was a thriving local hub from 1850-1895 featuring a sugar mill, hotel, general store, and
State: Alabama
County: Montgomery County
Founded: circa 1850
Abandoned: circa 1895
Old Ramer was a thriving local hub from 1850-1895 featuring a sugar mill, hotel, general store, and blacksmith shop. New road construction and the closure of its mill led to abandonment. An 1800-era home still stands on the private property, and artifacts from the blacksmith shop have been found.
Timeline
- circa 1850 - Founding Old Ramer was established as a local hub serving the agricultural community of Montgomery County.
- 1850-1895 - Active Period For 45 years, Old Ramer served the surrounding area with its sugar mill, hotel, general store, and blacksmith shop. The town was a self-sufficient community providing essential services.
- circa 1895 - Decline and Abandonment New roads bypassed Old Ramer, and the town's mill closed. Without traffic and without its industrial purpose, residents departed. The community faded into a ghost town.
Plan Your Visit
Best Time: Any season
Difficulty: Town site private; cemetery accessible
Time Needed: 30 minutes for accessible areas
Tips
- Travel south on Highway 231 from Montgomery to Goodwin Road, then follow to the cemetery
- An 1800-era home still stands in good condition on private property
- A 1908 house is currently inhabited on the property
- Historical artifacts (coins, nails, hinges) have been found from the blacksmith shop
- Don't confuse with modern Ramer community to the east
Quick Facts
- An 1800-era home from the original settlement is still standing in good condition
- Artifacts from the blacksmith shop—coins, nails, hinges—have been found at the site
- Old moonshining equipment traces have been discovered, hinting at Prohibition-era activity
- The modern community of Ramer was originally called Athens and is distinct from Old Ramer
Location
Address: Near Goodwin Road, Montgomery County
Coordinates: 32.05, -86.05