Courtland in Lawrence County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)
Courtland's Early Architecture
(circa 1820-1940)
Side 1
Structures within the Courtland historic district represent over 150 years of changing tastes in building design. Although only a few of Courtland’s earliest buildings survive, the Federal~style architecture of the oldest houses suggest the community’s strong original links with Virginia and other states of the upper South. Typical early residences of frame and brick feature a gable roof with tall chimneys at each end. Sometimes weatherboarding conceals log walls underneath. Many buildings dating from the 1850s through the 1930s reflect Italianate, Victorian and neoclassical architectural influences. There are also early 20th-century “bungalows”, some built of native sandstone. Courtland still counts about twenty buildings predating the Civil War (1861).
Side 1
During the early 1800s, an assortment of wooden, brick and log business structures surrounded the town square. Most of the old buildings on the square today (north and east sides) date from the late 1800s and early 1900s. The fronts of some of them feature characteristic Victorian detailing. At the northeast corner of the square are four 19th-century stone mounting blocks placed for the convenience of horseback riders. The tall red cedars seen throughout Courtland and along the streets radiating from the square have been a feature of the landscape since early days.
Erected 1994 by the Courtland Historical Foundation and the Town of Courtland.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Architecture.
Location. 34° 39.992′ N, 87° 18.625′ W. Marker is in Courtland, Alabama, in Lawrence County. Marker is on College Street. Located in Courtland Park Square on College Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 284 College St, Courtland AL 35618, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Early Roads / One of the South's First Railroads 1832 (within shouting distance of this marker); The Red Rovers / Red Rovers Roster (within shouting distance of this marker); The Town of Courtland / Early Settlers (within shouting distance of this marker); The African ~ American Experience (within shouting distance of this marker); American Legion - Post 58 (within shouting distance of this marker); A Cotton Kingdom (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Courtland Presbyterian Church (approx. 0.2 miles away); Harris-Simpson Home (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Courtland.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 29, 2020. It was originally submitted on March 23, 2010, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. This page has been viewed 1,635 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on March 23, 2010, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. 6, 7. submitted on August 29, 2020, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.