Alabama 56
The only east-west route in Washington County, Alabama 56 begins near State Line, Mississippi from the eastern transition of Mississippi 42. The two lane state highway travels to the county seat of Chatom (pop. 1193) at Alabama 17, then continues eastward to a terminus with U.S. 43 at Wagarville. History rich Alabama 56 was the original routing for U.S. 84 in the 1950s, and was the eastern segment of U.S. 86 in the 1920s. Counties: Washington
| An end Alabama 56 shield is posted at the state line. To continue west would lead to the town of State Line, Mississippi (pop. 555) and U.S. 45. Mississippi 42 shields do not appear until this junction with the U.S. route. Alabama 56 trailblazers are posted at that intersection. Photo taken 02/10/02.
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| First eastbound Alabama 56 reassurance shield. There is not much between the state line and Chatom, just a handful of houses surrounded by pine tree forest. Alabama 56 does take a winding path however, which is fun to drive. Fourteen miles stand between this location and the town of Chatom, the county seat of Washington County. Photo taken 02/10/02.
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| Eastbound approaching the junction with Alabama 17 in the town of Chatom. The two highways share a block together, before Alabama 56 resumes its eastward trajectory en route to Wagarville. The town of Chatom appeared to me nothing more then a few homes and a shopping center at first glance. Photo taken 02/10/02.
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| The eastern terminus of Alabama 56 occurs at U.S. 43 in the village of Wagarville. There is no end sign posted, just these U.S. 43 shields. U.S. 43 is four lanes and divided throughout Washington County, and is a moderately traveled long distance route between Mobile and Tuscaloosa. Many industries are located to the east of the highway, situated with port facilities along the Tombigbee River. Photo taken 02/10/02.
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| Close-up of the U.S. 43 shields at the east end of Alabama 56. Note that two different badge styles are in use. Of historical significance, this intersection was the former eastern terminus of the 1920s U.S. 86. That route followed Alabama 56 west to Mississippi, with an ultimate terminus at Natchez. Photo taken 02/10/02.
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