Pioneer Village

The Old Pioneer Village and Flea Market

The old Pioneer Village north of Troy, Alabama, opened sometime in the early to mid-1980s and was owned by James Ralph Johnson. Johnson was born in Elba, Alabama. A graduate of Elba High School, he earned a Master’s Degree in Education from Troy University. As a young man, he joined the military and advanced to the rank of Major.

He married Frankie Ruth Woodham and had one son, Timothy Alan Johnson. The family settled in Troy, where Ralph farmed and raised cattle for several years. After leaving the military, he pursued a career in education, first as a teacher and later as the director of the DECA program for the Alabama State Board of Education. Following his retirement, he built Pioneer Village north of Troy.

The Pioneer Village offered a unique shopping experience. It consisted of authentic log cabins where folks could stop in and shop for antiques, clothing, and handmade items. The shopping center also featured a restaurant, a blacksmith, and a 1960s Ford American LaFrance once used by the Meeksville Volunteer Fire Department.

In July 1985, the Pioneer Village and Flea Market launched a new tradition in Pike County with its first Watermelon Festival. The event was so well received that it became an annual celebration and a beloved mid-summer tradition for many local families.

Timothy Johnson, the son of James Johnson, currently owns the property. In 2016, he attempted to revitalize the old flea market. On August 5th, the Branding Iron Grill opened on the site. Richard Griffin, who owned the restaurant, said there were plans for a candle shop, boutique, general store, and several more. Unfortunately, the reopening was unsuccessful, and the Pioneer Village again closed in 2017.

On April 7, 2023, nine log cabins on the long-abandoned site burned to the ground when a massive fire ignited in one of the buildings. No official cause of the fire has been released.

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