Dublin Core
Title
Courtland Historic District
Subject
Historic Districts; Courtland, AL; Lawrence County, AL
Description
Courtland Historic District is located in the center of Courtland, Alabama, in Lawrence County. The town was founded in 1818 and was established the following year. The citizens chose the site due to the close proximity to the Tennessee River to help with the transportation of cottons and other goods. The Lawrence County seat was originally going to be located in Courtland, but was moved to Decatur instead. The development of Courtland was hindered until residents received help from the Tuscumbia, Courtland and Decatur Railroad.
Most of the earlier structures in the town were constructed of logs, and later replaced with frame and brick buildings. The oldest houses in the district include a few I-houses and the 1828 Federal-style John McMahon House. The town began to rise after the Civil War with the construction of the Presbyterian church. In 1887, the Southern Railway built a depot to replace the previous one; it was later converted to a library in 1980. In the 1920s, Bungalows and other modern homes were constructed in the district. The Courtland Historic District was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1991.
Most of the earlier structures in the town were constructed of logs, and later replaced with frame and brick buildings. The oldest houses in the district include a few I-houses and the 1828 Federal-style John McMahon House. The town began to rise after the Civil War with the construction of the Presbyterian church. In 1887, the Southern Railway built a depot to replace the previous one; it was later converted to a library in 1980. In the 1920s, Bungalows and other modern homes were constructed in the district. The Courtland Historic District was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1991.
Creator
Dylan Tucker, University of North Alabama
Source
"National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. Accessed March, 27, 2015.
Publisher
Alabama Cultural Resource Survey
Date
1820s
Type
Document