Selma in Dallas County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)
White - Force Cottage
Photographed By Tim & Renda Carr, November 6, 2010
1. White - Force Cottage Marker
This Italianate style cottage was built in 1859 by C. B. and Martha Todd White. Mrs. White, half sister of Mrs. Abraham Lincoln, was an outspoken Southern patriot, who subjected the Lincolns to severe criticism, when the Northern press accused her of using a Presidential pass to smuggle medicine and other needed supplies “through the lines” to the Confederacy. Another sister, Elodie Todd, met her future husband, Col. N. H. R. Dawson, while visiting here.
Dr. Charles F. Force, son of the noted archivist and historian Peter Force, purchased the home in 1869. His widow Mary Matthews Force, one of the first postmistresses and their daughter, Miss Mary Force, a beloved teacher in the Selma schools lived out their lives here.
Purchased 1972 by the Sturdivant Museum Association
National Register of Historic Places Old Town Historic District 5-3-1978
Erected by Alabama Historical Commission.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Notable Buildings • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Alabama Historical Commission, and the Former U.S. Presidents: #16 Abraham Lincoln series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1859.
Location. 32° 24.828′ N, 87°
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Sturdivant Hall (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); John Tyler Morgan House (about 400 feet away); Mabry - Jones Home (about 700 feet away); Fairoaks Square (about 700 feet away); “Fairoaks” (approx. 0.2 miles away); Ware - Baker - Jones House (approx. 0.3 miles away); Lee - Bender - Butler House (approx. 0.4 miles away); Temple Mishkan Israel (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Selma.
Also see . . . White-Force Cottage at Selma, AL. Rural SW Alabama website entry (Submitted on September 25, 2023, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Photographed By Tim & Renda Carr, November 6, 2010
2. White - Force Cottage Marker on Mabry Street
Photographed By Tim & Renda Carr, November 6, 2010
3. White - Force Cottage and Marker
At the time this photo was made the house was undergoing renovations.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 25, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 7, 2010, by Timothy Carr of Birmingham, Alabama. This page has been viewed 1,568 times since then and 48 times this year. Last updated on November 21, 2010, by Timothy Carr of Birmingham, Alabama. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 7, 2010, by Timothy Carr of Birmingham, Alabama. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
