Alabama, Lawrence County, Courtland
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Built about 1830 for merchant Joseph Trotter, this house was purchased in 1838 by John J. McMahon, a Virginia-born cotton factor who divided his time between Courtland and New Orleans. The house remained the home of McMahon's descendants for nearly 150 years. John McMahon's wife, Harriet, was the daughter of Dr. Jack Shackelford, who in 1836 organized a military company, the Courtland "Red Rovers," to fight for Texas independence. Donated by the family to the Alabama Historical Commission in 1987, the house was privately restored under protective covenant. The McMahon house is a notable example of the Federal-period architecture brought to this area by early settlers from the Atlantic seaboard.
(Notable Buildings) Includes location, directions, 3 photos, GPS coordinates, map.
Built about 1830 for merchant Joseph Trotter, this house was purchased in 1838 by John J. McMahon, a Virginia-born cotton factor who divided his time between Courtland and New Orleans. The house remained the home of McMahon's descendants for nearly 150 years. John McMahon's wife, Harriet, was the daughter of Dr. Jack Shackelford, who in 1836 organized a military company, the Courtland "Red Rovers," to fight for Texas independence. Donated by the family to the Alabama Historical Commission in 1987, the house was privately restored under protective covenant. The McMahon house is a notable example of the Federal-period architecture brought to this area by early settlers from the Atlantic seaboard.(Notable Buildings) Includes location, directions, 3 photos, GPS coordinates, map.
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In the late 1960s, Point Park was developed by the City of Florence on this 82-acre site, leased from TVA, for outdoor recreation. It was the first multi-use sport complex in the State of Alabama. In the early 1970s, plans were developed for a Veterans Memorial in the park. The Memorial was built in 1975 and dedicated on Memorial Day of 1977. In April 1983, the name of the park was changed from Point Park to Veterans Memorial Park to honor all Veterans of Lauderdale County who served and died for their country. In 2002, the City of Florence and American Legion Post #11 implemented plans to enhance the Veterans Memorial by restoring and adding static displays to the grounds. These displays include an AH-1F cobra helicopter, a F-4D Phantom jet, a Medal of Honor recipient display, and markers listing Lauderdale County Veterans of WWI, WWII, Korean and Vietnam Wars who paid the ultimate sacrifice in defense of their country. These memorials stand as symbols of the patriotism of the citizens of Lauderdale County. The cornerstone of the Memorial tells it all, "Built By Those Who Care."
Northern white cedar trees cling to the rocky rim of 38-acre Horseshoe Island. A tangle of birch and balsam fir, with pale blossoms of climbing fumitory, grow on the island, too. Long ago, people lived on Horseshoe Island.
United States Colored Troops formed the majority of Johnsonville's garrison. They played a crucial role in the construction of the depot and its defensive works. They garrisoned the blockhouse defending the Nashville and Northwestern Railroad and fought at the Battle of Johnsonville.
A civilian community grew up beside the army supply depot, providing goods and services to soldiers and civilian workers. After the Civil War, Johnsonville's economy revolved around the river and the railroad. Johnsonville ceased to exist in the early 1940s, when the rising waters of newly-created Kentucky Lake covered the town.
Before you is the old railbed of the Nashville and Northwestern Railroad. In 1863, the Union army extended the railroad to the Tennessee River, creating a reliable and secure supply line between the Ohio River and Nashville.
After Civil War, two attempts of Irish patriots to invade Canada and set up a free Irish republic were repulsed between Franklin and Cook's Corners. Fenians gathered in St. Albans, marched via Sheldon to the border but were stopped by Canadian arms and U.S. authorities.
Benjamin H. and Thomas J. Bassett opened their newly-created bank and located their law office in this building soon after its completion in 1873. Built with bricks manufactured by the local Wild & Co. Brickyard, the Italianate structure housed the bank until it closed in 1884. An important Brenham landmark, the building features round arches and stucco hood moldings at door and window openings. The third story was added in the early 1900s.
Swiss immigrant Josef Schmid began a mercantile business in Brenham in 1880. He was joined by his brothers Benjamin and Sigmund to form Schmid Bros. in 1889, and in 1899-1900 they erected this building to house their business enterprises. Built in the Renaissance revival style, it features multi-bay configurations on both floors and round-arched windows with hood moldings. Sold by Schmid Bros. in 1934, it has remained a vital part of Brenham's business district.
Established in 1896 by Professor J.F. Duggar, the Old Rotation at Auburn University is: (1) the oldest, continuous cotton experiment in the U.S.; and (2) the 3rd oldest continuous field crop experiment in the U.S.; and (3) the 1st experiment to demonstrate the benefits of rotating cotton with other crops to improve yields & utilize nitrogen-restoring legumes in a cotton-production system. It continues to document the long-term effect of these rotations in the same soil.
This post oak started growth in 1850 and was 6 years old when East Alabama Male College was established. It was 33 years old when the Alabama Agricultural Station was established, 91 when the nation entered World War II, and over 100 when this site was made an arboretum. In 1975, Hurricane Eloise wreaked havoc in the arboretum but the Founders’ Oak withstood the storm. It was 150 years old at the start of the twenty-first century and is expected to be here at the start of the next century.
