The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-05-01

Pike county. named after Gen. Ze5- ulon Montgomery Pike, who was a well known explorer and soldier in the early days of our country, was originally within the domain of the Creek Indians and is located in the southeastern quarter of the state. The county was created by an act of the legislature on December IT, 1921. The land comprising it was obtained from Henry and Montgomery coun- ties. Later in 1882. Pike gave land to Barbour, in 1865, to Crenshaw, and in 1866 to Bullock. The first court held in the county was in 1893.
 While Pike county was within the domain of the Creek Indians, there seems to have been no Indian settle ments within it's borders for it was outside of the territory in which they preferred to dwell and for that req son there are few Indian mounds in the county. For the same reason there is very little Indian history as sociated with the county. During the Creek war in 1886 about 300 In dians passing from their old home on the Tailapoosa, committed some depredations near Midway in Bar bour and were overtaken by Gen. William Wellborn near Bobdys Bridge on the Pea river, and many were slain and the rest dispersed in the swamp.
 The white population of Pike eoun- ty came from the older counties north and east and from Georgia and the CaroIinas. It is probable that the first farms were opened up near Hobyds bridge and at Orion about the year 1910. These farms were won from the ancient forests of pine. hickory, white and red oak and cy- press. In the early days of the coua- ty most of the food supplies Tor home use were raised on the planta- tions. The hoe and a small blow provided corn, sweet potatoes ana garden truck. After the war. cot ton became the main crop.>
 Location and Climate
 Pike county lies in the south eastern quarter of the state and Is only 80 miles west of Georgia and 100 miles north of the Gulf Of Mexico. The proximity of the gulf influences the climate and precipitation. The climate is mild and healthful. The length of the season between spring and frost is about eight months. The mean annual temperature for the summer months Is S4 degrees Fah- renhest and the mean annual tenn perature for the winter is only 49. The length of the crop growing sea son is 2so days. giving ample time 10 raise two crops of those products requiring a short season. The ratn- fail averages 50 inches and is. suf- ficient for agricultural purposes.
 The land area of Pike county is ef. square miles, or 432 ,000 acres. The elevation is ineonsiderable, being only 5S0 feet in Troy. Most of the surface Is rolling to hiliy with broken areas in the northern and southwestern parts. There are long areas of level and rolling lands which can be a6- vanfageously cultivated by tractors and machinery.
 The county lies in the coastal plain province, which is of ancient marine deposition, uplifted and reworked giving a large variety of soils, Tn general sandy. The soils are derived from red sands and sandy clays which comprise the superficial formation The land in Pike county has always been productive but by more ad- vanced and up-to-date methods with diversification of crops, they can readily be made to yield still more
 The drainage of the county is by the Coneeuh and Pea rivers and is in general toward the south. There is some swamp land in the river bottoms. However, the drainage is excellent and at this time of year from the low hills the water courses are plainly marked by budding leaves and the flowers of dogwood in uncleared forests along the streams
 Great Change in County
 A wonderful change has taker place in the county since the first few settlers arrived in 1910 for beau tiful farms and villages have re- placed the ancient forests and g thrifty population now owns and oc- cupies the land. The population c1