Opelika in Lee County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)
George W. Andrews Federal Building and United States Courthouse
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, October 4, 2025
1. George W. Andrews Federal Building and United States Courthouse Marker
Entered on the National Register of Historic Places November 18, 1976
U. S. Courthouse
Opelika, Alabama
James A. Wetmore
Architect 1915
This property significantly contributes to the nations cultural heritage
Gerald R. Ford
President of the United States
Jack Eckerd
Administrator of General Services
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Law Enforcement • Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1915.
Location. 32° 38.88′ N, 85° 22.641′ W. Marker is in Opelika, Alabama, in Lee County. It is on Avenue A just south of South 7th Street, on the left when traveling south. The marker is mounted at eye level, directly on the subject building, between the two main entrance doorways. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 701 Avenue A, Opelika AL 36801, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in East Alabama and in Greater Columbus. It is also in the American South and specifically in the Deep South. Globally, it is in North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: First United Methodist Church (within shouting distance of this marker); Rosseau's Raid to East Alabama (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); First Baptist Church
this page online
Regarding George W. Andrews Federal Building and United States Courthouse. National Register of Historic Places № 76000339. Also a contributing property in Railroad Avenue Historic District, NRHP № 84000640.
From the National Register Nomination prepared by General Services Administration, Washington, D.C., 11/9/1976:
The George W. Andrews Federal Building was built in 1915 from designs of the office of James A. Wetmore, Acting Supervising Architect of the Treasury, 1915-1933. The building measures 90 feet along the principal (Avenue A) faηade, which has seven bays. The side facades measure 57 feet, 6 inches and have four bays. The building has three stories above grade over a full basement, a balustraded parapet, and a flat roof.The building is constructed of wall-bearing masonry, with concrete and slab construction, and is faced with red brick. Ornamentation is of granite and terra cotta. The former post office lobby and workspace have been remodeled as office space, but the courthouse and its lobby are substantially unchanged. The floors of the public spaces are terrazzo with marble borders.Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, October 4, 20252. George W. Andrews Federal Building EntranceThe marker is mounted between the two main entrance doorways.The Federal Building is one of the larger and most distinguished buildings in this small town. Though part of the Colonial Revival, the building incorporates details of the Renaissance Revival as well. Its eclecticism reflects the effort undertaken by the architect to make a significant statement of the Federal Governments presence in Opelika. The building occupies a prominent site opposite one of the old churches of Opelika and across from the Municipal Building and Library. It thus serves as a focus to the cultural and civic center of town. Technologically, the building is an interesting example of the development of reinforced concrete construction; drawings for the building indicate the Kahn system of reinforced concrete was employed.
The building was occupied for over fifty years as a post office. In 1968 it was converted to a federal office building, and given the name, The George W. Andrews Federal Building and United States Courthouse. Andrews was a member of the House of Representatives representing
the third Alabama District from 1944 to 1961 and served as Representative-at-large from 1961 to 1963.Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, October 4, 20253. George W. Andrews Federal BuildingThe principal facade fronts on Avenue A.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker.
Also see . . . George W. Andrews Federal Building and United States Courthouse (Wikipedia).
Excerpt: It was originally built in 1915 as the U.S. Post Office. It reflects a Renaissance Revival exterior and Colonial Revival interior. It is named for George W. Andrews, a pro-racial segregation politician from Alabama. The Opelika Post Office was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. It currently serves as a courthouse for the United States District Court for the Middle District of Alabama.(Submitted on April 4, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, October 4, 2025
4. George W. Andrews Federal Building (cornerstone)
Secretary of the Treasury
James A. Wetmore
Acting Supervising Architect
1915
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, October 4, 2025
5. George W. Andrews Federal Building and United States Courthouse (north elevation)
Credits. This page was last revised on April 4, 2026. It was originally submitted on April 4, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 15 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on April 4, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
