Fairhope, Alabama, A Quintessential Character Town

The City of Fairhope began as a dream in the minds of a group of populist reformers who were seeking their own special utopia. Over a hundred similar utopian colonies had already come and gone in other locations including our very own founders’ failed attempt at “The National Cooperative Company” colony in Louisiana. They went back to the planning stage and borrowed from Henry George’s Single Tax philosophy trying to solve some of the economic and social problems of the day. After searching several Southern states for possible sites, they chose the Eastern shore of Mobile Bay and declared November 15, 1894 as “Round-Up Day.” They thought using the Single Tax plan would give them at least a “fair hope” of succeeding.” 

LOCAL ECONOMY… Also from the Fairhope Museum of History. 

“Fairhope has always been a resort community, early visitors came by Bayboat from Mobile to vacation in the small bay cottages and hotels along the bluff top. Vacationers came to Fairhope in the early days for many of the same reasons they do today: its pleasant climate, peaceful surroundings, and inspiring scenery. Over the years artists, writers, and craftsmen have found Fairhope to be an inspiring haven for their work and have helped to make the community what it is today.”