The Opelika area was first settled in 1832 after the Treaty of Cusseta[4] was signed by the U.S. government and the Creek Nation.

This treaty placed the land, and all other Creek territories east of the Mississippi River, under the possession of the United States government.

This growth was due to the Montgomery & West Point Railroad Company's rail lines, which traversed the town and served as major means of transportation for unprocessed cotton between the northern and southern territories.

[citation needed] Opelika's downtown was packed with saloons catering to railroad workers and other men.

Frequent gunfire in the street by intoxicated patrons resulted in railroads directing their passengers to duck beneath the windows when their trains passed through the town.

[8] In 1882, two factions claimed to rule the city government, one known as the "Bar room" headed by Mayor Dunbar, a saloon keeper, and another known as the "Citizens".

After continued violence, the state legislature revoked the city's charter and the governor sent in the militia to restore order.

The library holds a large main area of books with a teen and kid room in the far back.

[17] Spring Villa, an antebellum house located in the park, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The mayor has complete executive power in the city, and can appoint and dismiss department heads at will.

[24] A campus of Southern Union State Community College—a public, two-year college—is located Opelika.