Forgotten Washington County Alabama

04/29/2026

CHATOM, ALABAMA

03/16/2026

In the early 1900s, Dr. Chason’s family and the Jordan family built homes on the west side of the railroad across the street from where the Washington County Courthouse stands today.
Dr. Chason built an office and drug store east of his home on the corner of Central Avenue and Odom Street.

Dr. Chason joined Mr. Jordan as a partner in his Timber business and they bought several large tracts of land in the county. This partnership was dissolved with the death of Mr. Jordan in 1918.

In 1929 the Chason family moved to Baldwin county, they remained there until 1936, they then return to Chatom. Dr. Chason resumed his medical practice in Chatom until his death in 1940. 

The old Chason’s house still stands across from the courthouse however, it is barely visible … the once beautiful property is overgrown and covers with trees, it is rumored that buzzards occupy the once beautiful home. The home is located on private property… Several years ago I asked permission to take pictures… The pictures posted is what the home presently looks like.
 

03/13/2026

St. Stephens School, St. Stephens, AL. 1905

03/13/2026

Washington County’s undefeated football squad of 1954 .

03/13/2026

Board of Registered: Glendine Gordy, Cecil Carpenter, and Lee Coker . Year unknown.

03/02/2026

In 1985 the Washington County Commission proclaimed March 1st, Emanuel King Day. Alabama‘s coach, Ray Perkins was guest speaker at this momentous occasion. 
King was always a very talented athlete who led Leroy to many winning seasons.  After playing linebacker under legendary Coach Paul “Bear” Bryant, Emanuel King was selected 25th overall by the Cincinnati Bengals in the 1985 NFL Draft. He served as a linebacker for the Bengals from 1985 to 1988 and ended his NFL career in 1990 with the Los Angeles Raiders. King led the Bengals in sacks with 9.

In 2006, King returned to his alma mater, Leroy High School to coach football. While at Leroy, they won 4 state championships in five years and the Bears had a perfect 15-0 season in 2008.

In 2011, King began coaching UMS-Wright Prep School in Mobile, Alabama. During his second season at UMS-Wright, he led them to the state championship game. King is presently retired.

02/25/2026

11/19/2025

Jackson Knight visits Prestwick Preservation Park

09/24/2025

On Sep. 21st, Alabama documentarian and photographer Jackson Knight was guest speaker at the Washington County Historical Society’s meeting in Chatom AL. Knight is crisscrossing the state’s Black Belt, telling the stories of small towns, historic churches, and the people who keep them alive. Knights, unique and down to earth style of sharing History was absolutely educational and entertaining!
You can find his work at:
• Website: jacksonsramblings.com/black-belt-churches
• Facebook: Rambling the Alabama Black Belt
• YouTube: Jackson’s Ramblings
• Instagram:

Washington County Historical Society Prestwick Preservation SocietyWashington County Museum, Alabama Washington County Public Library, Alabama Rambling The Alabama Black Belt

09/24/2025