Birmingham in Jefferson County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)
Morris Avenue Historic District / Elyton Land Company (Successor, Birmingham Realty Co.)
Photographed By Tim Carr, December 21, 2009
1. Side A: Morris Avenue Historic District / Elyton Land Company Marker
Created 1972 by the Jefferson County Historical Commission, the district is based on this avenue. Morris Avenue was named for one of the founders of Birmingham, Josiah Morris, who paid $100,000 for 4,157 acres of the original site of the city in 1870. At the suggestion of Mr. Morris the city was named for England's industrial district. This avenue was the principal wholesale trade district of the city and enjoyed it's greatest popularity from 1880 to 1900. Some of the city's most prominent families owned business firms here. This Historic District is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
(Reverse):
Birmingham was founded in 1871 by the Elyton Land Company whose offices were located on Morris Avenue and Twentieth Street.
The company was composed principally of Montgomery citizens, James R. Powell was the first president and Captain William P. Barker was chief engineer and surveyor. Due to his foresight Birmingham was designed with broad streets and avenues. Dr. Henry M. Caldwell was the second president of the company and Willis J. Milner was Secretary.
Elyton Land Company office
this page online
Erected 1974 by Jefferson County Historical Commission.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Railroads & Streetcars • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1972.
Location. 33° 30.834′ N, 86° 48.312′ W. Marker is in Birmingham, Alabama, in Jefferson County. Marker is at the intersection of Morris Avenue, on the right when traveling east on Morris Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 20th Street North, Birmingham AL 35203, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Heaviest Corner On Earth (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Rainbow Viaduct (about 500 feet away); Steiner Bank Building (about 500 feet away); The Berry Project (about 600 feet away); Dewberry Drugs and Phenix Insurance Company Buildings (about 700 feet away); Celebrity Star Power (approx. 0.2 miles away); Newberry's Department Store/IMAX Dome Theater (approx. 0.2 miles away); Integration Corner (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Birmingham.
Photographed By Tim Carr, December 21, 2009
2. Side B: Morris Avenue Historic District / Elyton Land Company Marker
Photographed By Tim Carr, December 21, 2009
3. Morris Avenue Historic District / Elyton Land Company Marker
Photographed By Tim Carr, May 4, 2008
4. Morris Avenue Looking East
Photographed By Tim Carr, May 4, 2008
5. Morris Avenue Looking West
Photographed By Tim Carr, May 4, 2008
6. The Peanut Depot on Morris Avenue, Established 1907
Photographed By Tim Carr, May 4, 2008
7. Morris Avenue
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on February 3, 2010, by Timothy Carr of Birmingham, Alabama. This page has been viewed 2,386 times since then and 148 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on February 3, 2010, by Timothy Carr of Birmingham, Alabama. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.
