Monroeville is known as the Literary Capital of Alabama because such famous writers as Harper Lee and Truman Capote have called it home. Each spring Monroeville celebrates its heritage with productions of "To Kill A Mockingbird" at the old Courthouse that inspired the fictional setting of the book. Reserve your seat early; it's Alabama's hottest theater ticket.

Monroeville gained the distinction of "Literary Capital of Alabama" by proclamation of the State Legislature in 1997 because of the literary greats who have called it "home".

Pulitzer prize-winning author Harper Lee was born in Monroeville and it is this city which inspired her Pulitzer prize-winning work, "To Kill A Mockingbird." Each year in May, a two-act play adaptation of the novel by Christopher Sergel is presented at Monroeville's Old Courthouse. For ticket information, contact Monroe County Heritage Museums.

Monroeville is also the childhood home of Truman Capote, author of such classics as "In Cold Blood" and "Breakfast at Tiffany's". Capote's best-loved sentimental stories such as "A Christmas Memory" and "The Grass Harp" were inspired by his early life in Monroeville.

Contemporary author Mark Childress, who has gained acclaim for such works as "Tender" and "Crazy in Alabama" is also a native of Monroeville. These and other writers were inspired by their Monroe County roots and their work continues to draw thousands here each year to tap into an atmosphere of warmth and creativity.

Each year, Alabama Southern Community College is the site of the Alabama Writers' Symposium, a three-day celebration and exploration of the creation and study of literature.

Monroeville's Old Courthouse, with its distinctive architecture, is one of the most photographed historic buildings in Alabama. Visitors from throughout the world marvel at its stately courtroom upstairs with its deep-set windows, majestic upper-floor balcony railings and punched-tin ceiling tiles accented with a dogwood pattern. At the building's pinnacle is its domed clock tower, which stands as a symbol for the city and county.

On the south lawn of the Old Courthouse stands a monument to "Atticus Finch", fictional hero of "To Kill A Mockingbird" by Monroeville native Harper Lee. The monument was erected in 1997 by the Alabama Bar Association as the first commemorative Legal Milestone in the state's judicial history. The fictional character was chosen because he stands as a role model for those committed to equal justice for all.

Monroe County, "a county older than the state" is a place to visit and remember. Visit Monroe County and write your own story.

Driving tours of the County and a complete visitor package are available though our National Area Chamber of Commerce.