History of the City of Opelika

Welcome to Opelika, a city of 25,000. Opelika’s entry signs proclaim, “Rich in Heritage with a Vision for the Future.” This is the motto we live by here in this East Alabama city, which is located between Montgomery, Alabama and Columbus, Georgia.

Opelika was ceded from the Creek Indians in the Treaty of Cusseta. The Creeks are considered to be the source of the city’s name, “Opilu” meaning “swamp” and “Laka” meaning “large." Despite its name, Opelika is no big swamp and actually sits at the highest level of elevation between Atlanta and New Orleans.

Historic Railroad Avenue sits peacefully along the rails which have moved well beyond the rancorous rail days.

When Opelika’s rail lines were destroyed in the Civil War as a part of Rousseaus’ Raid, the city struggled to rebuild. The newly restored Depot, home to Opelika Main Street and the East Alabama Arts Association, was part of the reconstruction of the 1920s, a time when Opelika found its new catalyst for growth as a textile mill town. The historic Pepperell Mill Village is still alive today and is protected as a historic area.