Lamar County, Alabama, is located in the northwestern part of the state. It was established in 1877 and is named after Lucius Q. C. Lamar, a prominent politician and lawyer. The county seat is Vernon, which serves as the main hub for local government and services. The county covers an area of approximately 640 square miles and is known for its rural landscape, including forests and rivers. It is part of the Birmingham-Hoover Metropolitan Statistical Area and has a small population, contributing to its tight-knit community atmosphere.