The drive
Monroeville is Harper Lee's hometown, and the drive starts there. The 1903 Old Courthouse, restored to its 1930s look, is the museum that inspired the courtroom in To Kill a Mockingbird, with exhibits on Lee and on Truman Capote's childhood in the town. From there the route heads north on Highway 21, then turns onto Highway 265 at Beatrice and carries on to Camden, the Wilcox County seat.
The road runs through pine woods and farmland in the Black Belt, on small county grades with moderate bends and very little traffic. Highway 265 itself is about 21 miles, linking Highway 21 at Beatrice with Highway 28 and Highway 41 in Camden. Allow about 45 minutes for the 36.7 miles; it is a relaxed drive, with the quiet countryside as the draw.
Fuel and food are easiest to find in Monroeville and Camden, so fill up before you go.
Along the way
- Monroeville
- Camden
Good to know
- Services are sparse between Monroeville and Camden, so fuel up at either end.
- The Old Courthouse Museum in Monroeville is closed on Sundays and most holidays; check its hours before planning a stop.
- The route changes roads at Beatrice, where Highway 265 branches off Highway 21, so watch for the turn.
Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check ALGO Traffic (ALDOT).
Questions about this drive
How long does Highway 265 from Monroeville to Camden take?
The drive from Monroeville to Camden, on Highway 21 and Highway 265, is 36.7 miles and takes about 45 minutes.
Is the Monroeville to Camden drive twisty?
No. It has moderate bends through pine woods and farmland, but it is a relaxed drive rather than a twisty one. The draw is the quiet Black Belt countryside.
What is there to see in Monroeville, Alabama?
The Old Courthouse Museum at 31 North Alabama Avenue is the main stop. Its restored 1930s courtroom inspired Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird, and it has exhibits on Lee and Truman Capote.
Where does Alabama Highway 265 begin and end?
Highway 265 runs about 21 miles from Highway 21 at Beatrice, in Monroe County, north to Camden in Wilcox County, where it meets Highway 28 and Highway 41.
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More drives near here
Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.


