ROGERSVILLE, ALABAMA
Rogersville, Alabama, is a charming Lauderdale County community just outside the Shoals area. It lies just to the north of the Tennessee River and has great opportunities for shopping, camping and being on the water.
History
The community was first called "Rodgersville" because Andrew and Patience Rodgers came to live here on 80 acres that they purchased in 1818. The land on which they lived is now the downtown district. When the post office was opened in 1825, the "d" was dropped from the name. Rogersville quickly grew as a trading center between Memphis and Chattanooga in the mid-19th century.
Rogersville has great opportunities to stay active, the most prominent being Joe Wheeler State Park. Wheeler Lake is the second-largest lake in Alabama. The Tennessee Valley Authority created Wheeler Lake to produce hydroelectric power and control flooding. For residents of Rogersville, a byproduct of this effort was the establishment of an excellent fishing lake. The reservoir is named for Fightin' Joe Wheeler, a Civil War general who settled in the area after the war.
At Joe Wheeler State Park, boat, kayak and paddle-board rentals are available as well as hiking and mountain biking trails. This state park is also home to many camping spots as well as reservable cabins to stay in. There's also a full-featured marina that caters to the needs of the many boaters and anglers that visit Wheeler Lake. Wheeler Lake is also one of five lakes that are a part of the Alabama Bass Trail!
Parks and recreation
Just to the west of Rogersville is Joe Wheeler’s “The General” Golf Course. This 18-hole championship layout features multiple tee sets to address every skill level. Deep bunkers, water hazards and tree-lined fairways offer endless challenges on this picturesque layout.
Rogersville is also home to a quaint downtown area with dining and shopping options.
EVents
The Rogersville Bluegrass Festival has been a major music event for over a decade. The festival includes the Alabama Bluegrass Music Championship. Musicians compete in mandolin, dobro, guitar and banjo competitions. There's a great deal of jamming and camaraderie throughout the course of the summer festival.
