Opelika in Lee County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)
Railroad Avenue Historic District
Opelika, Alabama
The Railroad Avenue Historic District was the downtown nucleus of Opelika when the city was incorporated as part of Russell County, Alabama in February, 1854. The city limits extended a mile in every direction from the Montgomery and West Point Railway Station. In 1864 another railroad was built from Opelika to Columbus, thus establishing the city as a transportation center. During 1864 and 1865, Opelika's government supply warehouses, its depot, rolling stock and railroad were a target of Federal raiders Rousseau and Wilson. Train service from Atlanta to Montgomery was re-established in 1865.
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When Lee County was established on December 5, 1866, Opelika became its county seat. The commercial district, a collection of wooden buildings, was destroyed by fire in 1868. The physical rebuilding of the district began during the 1870's. The Railroad Avenue Historic District is composed of 105 buildings which date primarily from the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. It contains the major commercial and political structures in the city. The District was accepted for placement on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984.
Erected 1985 by the Historic Chattahoochee Commission and the Opelika Historic Preservation Society.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Railroads & Streetcars • Settlements & Settlers • War, US Civil. A significant historical month for this entry is February 1854.
Location. 32° 38.821′ N, 85° 22.81′ W. Marker is in Opelika, Alabama, in Lee County. Marker is at the intersection of South Railroad Avenue and South 9th Street, on the right when traveling north on South Railroad Avenue. Located in the Bill Roberts Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 905 South Railroad Avenue, Opelika AL 36801, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. South Railroad Avenue (within shouting distance of this marker); Lee County World War II Honor Roll (within shouting distance of this marker); Pepperell Manufacturing Company (within shouting distance of this marker); Opelika A Railroad Town/Opelika An Industrial City (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Lynching in America / Lynching in Lee County (about 400 feet away); Rosseau's Raid to East Alabama (about 500 feet away); Lee County Courthouse / Lee County Probate Judges (about 500 feet away); Killgore Scholarships / Some Terms of Scholarships (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Opelika.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 5, 2016. It was originally submitted on July 6, 2014, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 856 times since then and 18 times this year. Last updated on July 12, 2015, by J. Makali Bruton of Accra, Ghana. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on July 6, 2014, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.