These 7 Towns In Alabama Have Beautiful Architecture
Alabama is in the Southeast and has several historical landmarks, ranging from the Civil War to Civil Rights. Amidst all of American history are small towns with charm and architectural significance. The architecture tells how these towns became prominent and marked their place in time with their unique styles.
The dominant architectural styles are Antebellum, Gothic Revival, Queen Anne, and Georgian. Some towns offer more commercial buildings, while others maintain beautiful residences on quaint streets where the trees are as old as the houses. These seven towns in Alalbama have stunning architecture and a lovely history.
Tuscumbia
Tuscumbia is a small, charming town with attractive architectural styles. It is famous for being Helen Keller's home, and the town celebrates her legacy every summer during the Helen Keller Festival. Ivy Green was her childhood home, containing original furnishings and personal effects. Another historical building is the 1888 Tuscumbia Railroad Depot.
The train depot was the Memphis and Charleston Railroad headquarters, a short distance from the Coldwater Stagecoach Shop, a pioneer log cabin that stands today. The historic downtown, one of the oldest in Alabama, is mostly brick storefronts that lend a southern chic to the businesses. The domed courthouse with the town clock as its centerpiece was built in 1882. This charming town is pedestrian-friendly and has several pre-modern to modern edifices and residences that are fun to explore.
Fort Payne
Fort Payne is known for its beautiful views of Lookout Mountain, its southern charm, and the legendary band Alabama. The nostalgic downtown area will bring visitors to a simpler place with three historic districts. The Boom Town, Main Street, and Residential Historic Districts are an architecture buff's dream. Boom Town has vintage architecture from the late 1800s, such as the Opera Block, which contains the Opera House and Sawyer Building.
The Main Street Historic District shows 19 structures from Fort Payne's growth from the 1920s to the 1940s near Gault Avenue and 1st Street, commonly called Main Street. The residential area includes homes from the late 1800s to the 1940s. You will find American Foursquare, Tudor, Victorian, and other architectural elements along the scenic roads. Fort Payne has fascinating beauty and an elegant display of architectural styles, making it one of the prettiest towns in the state.
Columbia
Columbia is one of Alabama's oldest towns, with many preserved architectural churches, homes, and commercial buildings. Many structures date to the mid-1800s, including grave sites at the Columbia Cemetary. The Columbia Methodist Episcopal Church, South, was built in 1832, and the Columbia Baptist Church was built three years later.
The wooden Columbia Jail, built in 1860, is one of the last of its kind in the South. The landmark building is in the historic downtown area, along with other 19th-century commercial buildings. Another historic building downtown is the Henry County Courthouse, ca 1889, and a cotton textile mill built in 1891. One of the best ways to view the structures is with a walking tour. The guided tour winds past the commercial buildings and historic residences like the Purcell-Killingsworth House, built in 1890.
Mooresville
The entire town of Mooresville is on the National Register of Historic Places because of its abundance of vintage residences and buildings. The most common styles are Gothic Revival and Colonial Revival. Numerous homes were built during the Federal period from 1790 to 1830, while others were built during the Greek Revival period from 1815 to 1840. The Greek Revival homes have noticeable columns and triangular pediments.
The 1825 Stagecoach Inn and Tavern was built before 1825 and served as the town post office until 1840. It was restored in the 1980s and has a historical marker designating its significance to Mooresville. Union Church, ca. 1839, includes a recessed portico and a wooden hand on its belfry pointing toward the sky. Additions were made in the 1980s, and the building reflects an eclectic architectural mix of cottages, a New England saltbox, and an Italianate home built in the latter half of the 19th century.
Athens
Athens is known for several things, including museums and historic homes like the Donnell House. The two-story home, built between 1849 and 1851, is on 200 acres and features majestic columns on the front. The famed Wallace House, completed in 1964, showcases fine Grecian elements like the sweeping staircase and expansive porches.
Other historic structures are located in the Robert Beaty Historic District, a residential area founded in the 1820s. The area contains Greek Revival, Italianate, and Federal architectural styles. On Main Street, Athens Square includes posh boutiques and restaurants in a historic district with 19th-century buildings. Athens is a charming town to walk in and explore the beautiful homes. Several architectural styles catch the eye, and all are well-maintained.
Foley
Baldwin County has several small towns like Foley and distinctive architectural styles, including Traditional, Ranch, Colonial, and French. The Foley by Foot walking tour introduces children to the many architectural varieties in the historic downtown. The Foley Hotel is an elegant Italian Renaissance Revival structure built in 1927 with a live theatre. Another landmark structure is Holmes Memorial Hospital, the first in Baldwin County.
After touring the buildings, stop at the Drowsy Poet, a quaint coffee shop that started as a gas station in the mid-20th century. This is an excellent example of historic preservation and economic evolution that highlights the significance of Americana filling stations that brought growth to smaller communities. Foley is a fascinating town for architectural buffs or anybody who enjoys historic sites and small-town charm.
Fairhope
Fairhope has many historic homes and businesses, making it one of Alabama's most prominent architectural gems. The Historic Downtown District has many vintage edifices, like the Lebanon Chapel AME Church, constructed in 1923 with gorgeous white brick. Fairhope Pharmacy is a magnificent example of early 20th-century architecture, as is the Fairhope Baptist Church and Playhouse.
For an eclectic experience, check out the two Sheldon Castles. The castles were built by Craig Sheldon starting in 1946. The second castle, Mosher, was built by Mr. Sheldon's son-in-law in what is now called the "castle neighborhood." Both are shining examples of architectural creativity and genius. This unique town has done much to preserve its cultural heritage and is one of the most architecturally significant towns in the state.
Alabama is a naturally gorgeous state with small towns that have beautiful architecture. From the unique castles of Fairhope to the 19th-century commercial buildings of Columbia, this state is a treasure trove of stylistic design. The towns are small enough to walk around, which is welcome, and many offer guided tours that enhance the experience.
Athens is unique in its Grecian style, hence the name. It is hard to beat Fort Payne, not only for the scenery but for the historic districts. There are several, some highlighting commercial structures while some showcase residential areas. Alabama is an architectural buff's dream for exploring vintage styles like Victorian and Gothic Revival. These seven towns have the most beautiful architecture in Alabama and some of the most prominent in the South.
