Limestone County gets its name from the creek which flows through it, whose bed is of hard limestone.  The Tennessee River runs along the southern end of the county, and its northernmost border stretches to the Tennessee line.  Limestone County was created by an act of the Alabama Territorial General Assembly on February 6, 1818.  Athens was chosen as the county seat in 1819, and remains the Limestone County seat today.

Athens State University is Alabama's oldest institute of higher learning.  The main building on the campus, Founders Hall, was built in 1842.  Local legend says the building was saved from burning by Union troops during the Civil War when the College Madam produced a letter from President Abraham Lincoln. Founders Hall houses the Altar of the New Testament.  Athens State is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Also in Athens is the Limestone County Veterans Museum & Archives, located in the old L&N Freight Depot in Athens.  The museum houses memorabilia from all the wars in United States history and features a library and archives open to the public.  Visitors can spend hours reading the stories of veterans and looking through the artifacts such as uniforms, weapons and photographs at the museum that celebrated its grand opening on November 10, 2002.

Older than the state of Alabama, Mooresville is the oldest incorporated town in Limestone County and the state. Prominent structures include the 1820s Stage Coach Inn and Tavern, 1825 former lodging of a young Andrew Johnson, the 1839 community brick church, and the 1840 town post office.  Mooresville steps back in time every other year when local residents, dressed in period costumes, bring early America to life during the Walking Tour of Mooresville.

To find out more about Limestone County, please browse the links listed below.



Area Attractions and Events:

Limestone County Veterans Museum & Archives
Limestone Flea Market




Local Government and Associations Websites:

The City of Athens
The Town of Mooresville

The Official website of Limestone CountyAthens Chamber of Commerce
Limestone County Economic Development Association




Miscellaneous Information:
Athens in the Civil War