Alabama entered the union as the twenty-second (22nd) state on December 14, 1819. Prior to that time, this area was part of the Mississippi Territory and Indian lands. Its earliest counties -- Washington, Madison, Baldwin, Clarke, Mobile, Monroe, and Montgomery -- were formed from the Mississippi Territory. Over time, additional counties were formed with 67 counties now comprising the state.

Cessation of Indian lands

From the formation of the Alabama territory in 1817 until around 1830, Native American tribes retained possession of signification portions of land in Alabama. This map shows the counties and Indian territory as it existed in 1830.

By 1832, more land had been ceded to the state and new counties formed, particularly along the eastern border of the state.