Northport was incorporated as a municipality in Alabama in 1871 and; therefore, has a long history in Alabama.  Northport has several attractions for visitors which include the annual Kentuck Festival and Kentuck Art Museum along with the annual Dickens Downtown Festival.

Northport's early history revolved around the river, but the little town continued to grow after railroads and highways surpassed river traffic in the volume of transportation.

Northport’s municipal government has operated under the Mayor-Council form of government since incorporation in which the Mayor and City Council are elected on a non-partisan basis to concurrent four-year terms of office which begin on October 1st of election year.  Policy-making and legislative authority is vested in the City Council, which consists of one individual elected from each of five council districts.

The City Council is responsible for considering local resolutions and ordinances, adopting an annual budget, and appointing members to local boards and committees.  The City Administrator is appointed by the City Council and is responsible for day-to-day operations of the city and carrying out and enforcing the city's policies and ordinances.