Limestone County Courthouse

Visitors will find clothing, gifts, books, antiques, an art studio, photographers, food, hardware, a coffee shop, and even an old fashioned soda fountain at the corner drug store. Most of the shops were built around the turn of the 20th century or before, and it shows in the architecture. Many buildings maintain antique ornamental tin ceilings with factory-pressed designs.

The county courthouse, built in 1919, provides a magnificent centerpiece to the downtown square. In the spring, it is surrounded by pink and white dogwood blossoms; in winter, the same trees sparkle with thousands of tiny, white Christmas lights.

After a visit downtown, try shopping at the numerous strip malls - some anchored by major chain stores - or the small, locally run businesses with plenty of unique merchandise to sell.

Athens and Limestone County’s continuing growth has required the spread of businesses throughout the city and county. Interstate 65, a pipeline between Nashville and Birmingham, created a perfect location for restaurants, motels and hotels at the Athens exit, the first major south-bound exit in Alabama.

In the early 1950’s, Limestone County became a location of choice for families wanting more space and value for their personal residences. That trend continues today with 13,500 workers traveling to their place of work outside Limestone County and 7,713 traveling into Limestone County each day to work.

General Motors-Saginaw Steering Division, now Delphi, located in Limestone County in 1974. This set the stage for more automotive companies to locate in Limestone County. Others are Federal Mogul (gaskets), Tris USA, Inc. (carbon brushes for small motors), Coilplus Alabama, Inc. (steel service center) and Electricfil (engine and transmission sensors). Major economic development continued when the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) constructed Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant with its 3 reactors in the 1970’s at the West end of the county. World class Steelcase, Inc. (office furniture) located in Athens in 1979 and Target Distribution Center opened at the Intersection of (-565 and Greenboro Road in 2001.

Agriculture remains very important to the economy of Limestone County. The county is the number one cotton producing county in the state of Alabama and also produces wheat, corn, and soybeans. Cattle farms are still plentiful and the poultry industry is represented by Aviagen (poultry breeding) and Pilgrims Pride (poultry processing).

During the most recent five year period, 1697 new jobs have been created with an investment of $104,000,000.00 in Limestone County. With infrastructure such and the Huntsville International Airport, 2 main-line railroads, and Interstate 65, Limestone County will continue to experience economic growth and prosperity.

Dogwood Festival: This annual festival is held in April of each year and features Kid’s Day In The Park as well as many other activities that occur throughout the month.

Homespun: This two-day arts and crafts show, held each spring, features demonstrations and exhibits of pioneer skills, live music and a working antique gristmill.

Musical Explosion: Two weekends each spring, professional entertainers join with a selection of local and regional performers to offer four days of lively family entertainment.

Historic Mooresville: Take the walking tour during “Olden Days” through this tiny waterfront community incorporated November 16, 1818, one year after the Alabama Territory was created.

Tennessee Valley Old Time Fiddlers Convention: The first full weekend in October, music lovers and musicians from more than 30 states converge on the campus of historic Athens State University for one of the oldest and largest of any similar musical event in the nation.

Alabama Veteran’s Museum and Archives: Housed in an old L & N Railroad freight depot, this museum honors veterans with displays of memorabilia starting with the Revolutionary War.

Limestone County Sheriff’s Rodeo: This rodeo begins in May of each year with a parade and rodeo pageant. The rodeo features bareback riding, steer wrestling, bull riding, roping and more.

Ardmore Renaissance Faire: Walk through the gates to a world of music, history and excitement. Test your skills in the gaming glen or cheer on the competition of dashing knights.

Athens State University: Athens State University is Alabama’s oldest institution of higher learning. The focal point of this beautiful campus, Founders Hall, was built in 1842.