Full Citation

Title: Exploring different dimensions in defining the Alabama Black Belt

Citation Type: Journal Article

Publication Year: 2020

ISBN:

ISSN: 1572-9893

DOI: 10.1007/S10708-020-10325-X

NSFID:

PMCID:

PMID:

Abstract: The Alabama Black Belt region has played a significant role throughout Alabama’s history. However, the geographical extent of the region is subject to dispute. Multiple definitions of the region’s boundaries using different dimensions, taken at different times have been put forth by scholars. The lack of consistency makes it difficult to compare study results. A historically-defined boundary has the potential to increase the effectiveness of policies developed and implemented to address the persistent poverty in portions of the region. This paper seeks to define the boundary using historical dimensions based on quantifiable characteristics of the cotton culture which were unique to the Alabama Black Belt region. It uses physical dimensions as well as quantifiable agricultural characteristics of the cotton culture at the county level at two points in time, 1860 and 1900 to show that at the county level the Black Belt region remained stable and well defined through the first 100 years of Alabama history.

Url: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10708-020-10325-x

User Submitted?: No

Authors: Prior II, John W.; Wong, David W. S.

Periodical (Full): GeoJournal

Issue:

Volume: 87

Pages: 1525-1542

Data Collections: IPUMS NHGIS

Topics: Natural Resource Management

Countries: