Home of the University of West Alabama (UWA), Hunting and Fishing, Diamond Jim's Restaurant
Population: 3,400
What are the most surprising facts about Livingston?
The town was initially founded on a Spring off the Sucarnochee River on what is now Spring Street, Downtown.
Our soil is white and chalky as we are part of the Selma Chalk formations, created during the cretaceous period.
Even though we are over 150 miles from the coast shark teeth and fish bones are easily found underfoot.
Our region is well known for dinosaur bones and the University of West Alabama employs Dr. James Lamb, a leading dinosaur expert in the eastern United States.
Do you have any famous current or former residents?
Jacky Jack White (songwriter, current resident) - LISTEN
Malcolm Butler (NE Patriots, formerly played for Univ. West Alabama)
Mario Austin (basketball player, former resident)
Julia Tutweiler (social activist and educator, deceased)
Ruby Pickens Tartt (famous american folklorist, deceased)
Vera Hall (singer, deceased) - LISTEN
What are the biggest annual events in your community?
Sucharnochee Folklife Festival (April 15, 2017) - Now in it's 13th year, the Sucarnochee Folklife Festival is dedicated to the preservation and celebration of the unique life ways of Black Belt residents with demonstrations of traditional crafts including pottery, metal works, quilting, and more from artists throughout the State. Bring a chair or blanket and enjoy live music and folksingers, storytelling, historical tours of local sites - including a Walking Ghost Tour - tasty traditional food, and the Black Belt Quilt Show. Locals also vie for bragging rights in Blue Ribbon competitions for pie baking, BBQ sauce and the cornbread cook-off.
Monster March (Halloween) - This collaborative event between the Chamber and Ruby Pickens Tartt Public Library, takes children trick-or-treat to businesses around the square and convene in the Arcade for activities like story time, a costume contest, and pictures with a fire truck!
DUD ("Darned Ugly Devils") Parade (December 31, 2017) - Held every New Years Eve, since 1857, it is believed to be a custom carried over from English and Scottish settlers, and is now tradition in Livingston and Sumter County. Year to year area residents plan elaborate costumes and acts to be included in the parade.
What do you want visitors to discover in Livingston?
There is so much to do and see in Livingston & Sumter County!
- Alamuchee-Bellamy Covered Bridge - originally constructed across the Sucarnoochee River in 1861
- Birding Trails @ Lake Livingston - scenic beauty, a year-round complement of herons and egrets, & more!
- Black Belt Museum - dinosaur bones, French & Choctaw artifacts from Ft. Tomecbee, and traveling exhibits
- Black Belt Garden - dedicated to the preservation, education, & study of Black Belt region native flora
- Black Belt Prairie - a restorative effort of UWA now being sourced for seeds for prairie restoration around the state
- Diamond Jim's Steakhouse - consistently rated in the top steak restaurants in the state by locals and visitors
- Historic Architecture - including County Courthouse Square, Lakewood Antebellum Home, City Hall, Churches and more
- Lake LU - 54-acre lake on the University campus that provides facilities for fishing, boating and picnicking
- Touch of Home Bakery - a Mennonite owned/run restaurant and bakery; a favorite lunch spot for locals
- Sucarnochee River - efforts are being made to add trails and a park along the bank on the east side of town
- UWA Rodeo Complex - a couple weekends in the fall UWA hosts a rodeo, currently undergoing a major rebuild/upgrade
What initiatives is your organization currently working on?
Livingston is actively involved in a number of projects right now including:
- Getting Downtown listed on the National Register of Historic Places
- Building trails from Lake Lu to the Sucarnochee River to Downtown
- Streetscaping downtown - trees, street lamps, parking, etc.
- Planning for the Alabama Bicentennial in 2019!
What family-friendly activities are offered in Livingston?
In addition to seasonal events like Monster March and Christmas on the Square, there are daily activities for family members of all ages. Activities include:
- Black Belt Museum - dinosaur bones, French & Choctaw artifacts from Ft. Tomecbee, and traveling exhibits
- Jaycee Park - basketball courts, baseball fields, swimming pool
- Lake LU - trails, fishing, canoeing, picnic tables
- Ruby Pickens Tartt Public Library - has regular events for children including an annual summer reading program
- Science Saturdays - Themed monthly event the UWA College of Math and Science organizes, open to all ages
- The Studio - a cool downtown space you can join regular art classes or reserve a private painting party
- UWA sporting events - baseball, basketball, football, rodeo, and more!
Where would you take someone on a first date in your community?
We'd head to a movie at University Cinema, a small 1 screen theater downtown, followed by a drink at The Coffee Shop on Monroe (artsy cafe) or The Brass Monkey (local bar and pool hall).
Is there an element of your community that would earn a nomination for "Ripley's Believe it or Not?"
The Alamuchee-Bellamy covered bridge is said to be where "Alabama's Outlaw Sheriff" Stephen S. Renfroe was hanged by locals in 1886. Legend says his spirit may still haunt the bridge!
Sound like a cool place?
