Boligee is an unincorporated community and census‑designated place (CDP) located in Sumter County in the western part of the U.S. state of Alabama. It lies along Alabama State Route 21, approximately 12 miles north of the county seat, Livingston.
Geography
- Coordinates: 32°42′48″N 88°09′16″W.
- Total area: 3.6 sq km (1.4 sq mi), all land.
- Elevation: about 210 feet (64 m) above sea level.
Demographics (2020 United States Census)
- Population: 195 residents.
- Racial composition: Majority African American, with smaller percentages of White and other races.
- Household and family structures align with typical rural communities in the region.
History
- The name “Boligee” is derived from a local Native American term, thought to reference a “big creek” or “large waterway,” though exact etymology remains uncertain.
- Boligee was incorporated as a town in 1911 and later lost its municipal charter in the mid‑20th century, reverting to unincorporated status.
- The community developed around agriculture, particularly cotton cultivation, and served as a modest commercial hub for surrounding farms.
Education
- Residents are served by the Sumter County School District; the nearest public schools are located in nearby Livingston and Epes.
Infrastructure
- Transportation: State Route 21 provides road access; the nearest major highways are U.S. Routes 80 and 43.
- Utilities: Standard rural utilities, including electricity and water, are supplied by regional providers.
Notable Features
- Boligee Historic District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, includes several ante‑bellum structures and the former Boligee School building.
- The community hosts an annual community fair that celebrates local heritage and agricultural traditions.
Economy
- The local economy remains largely agricultural, with some residents commuting to larger towns for employment in manufacturing, retail, and services.
Government
- As an unincorporated area, Boligee does not have its own municipal government; governance and public services are administered by Sumter County officials.
References
- United States Census Bureau data (2020).
- Alabama Department of Archives and History.
- National Register of Historic Places listings for Sumter County, Alabama.
