Dublin Core
Title
Rogers Hall (Courtview)
Subject
National Register of Historic Places; University of North Alabama; Governor Emmett O'Neil; Civil War; Architecture
Description
Courtview was built as the two story brick townhouse of successful planter and businessman George Washington Foster. The 1854-55 Greek Revival house faces the Tennessee River (southwest) down the length of Court Street in Florence. According to the NR nomination Foster had to get a special act of the Alabama State Legislature to block the street.
The NR nomination lists multiple areas of significance for this prominent house. It is significant for architecture, of particular note and in keeping with the buildings Greek Revival style are the 4 full height fluted Ionic columns, the broad entablature and low hipped roof along with the symmetry of both the house and the landscape.
The house is also significant for its ties to political and military history. The grounds were used by both Federal and Confederate troops during the Civil War and the house itself briefly served as headquarters for General Sherman’s officers. After the war and the death of owner George Washington Foster the house was inherited by his daughter Sarah Independence Foster and her husband Capt. Sterling Payne McDonald. In 1900 the house was sold to Emmett O’Neil who was elected governor in 1910.
Thomas Rogers obtained the house in 1922 and extensively restored the property. The Rogers family sold the house in 1948 to Florence State Teachers College which later became the University of North Alabama. The house continues to be an important part of the University.
The property was documented by the Works Progress Administration in 1935 and is part of the Historic American Building Survey that can be found in the Library of Congress. The property was also listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974. The nomination could use additional research.
The NR nomination lists multiple areas of significance for this prominent house. It is significant for architecture, of particular note and in keeping with the buildings Greek Revival style are the 4 full height fluted Ionic columns, the broad entablature and low hipped roof along with the symmetry of both the house and the landscape.
The house is also significant for its ties to political and military history. The grounds were used by both Federal and Confederate troops during the Civil War and the house itself briefly served as headquarters for General Sherman’s officers. After the war and the death of owner George Washington Foster the house was inherited by his daughter Sarah Independence Foster and her husband Capt. Sterling Payne McDonald. In 1900 the house was sold to Emmett O’Neil who was elected governor in 1910.
Thomas Rogers obtained the house in 1922 and extensively restored the property. The Rogers family sold the house in 1948 to Florence State Teachers College which later became the University of North Alabama. The house continues to be an important part of the University.
The property was documented by the Works Progress Administration in 1935 and is part of the Historic American Building Survey that can be found in the Library of Congress. The property was also listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974. The nomination could use additional research.
Creator
Missy Brown, University of North Alabama
Source
Floyd, W. Warner. National Register Nomination. “Courtview : Rogers Hall”(#74000415) (6/13/74).
Publisher
Alabama Cultural Resource Survey
Date
1854-1855
Format
image
Still Image Item Type Metadata
Original Format
Photo