Leeds, Alabama, is a tri-county municipality founded in 1818 and incorporated in 1887. Early European settlers established communities and churches that still exist today, such as Cedar Grove. The city is also believed to be the origin of the John Henry folklore, celebrating this legend with an annual Downtown Folk Festival and John Henry Celebration every September. Visitors can enjoy the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum to glimpse at automobile history, or the Shops of Grand River for antiques, trinkets, and more. 

Other attractions include the Leeds Theatre and Arts Center, which hosts plays, poetry readings, and more, and the Scenic Byway in downtown Leeds. Enjoy the Grand River Fest, held annually in downtown Leeds, typically in October.