Battles Wharf Historic District facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Battles Wharf Historic District
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| Location | US 98, Eastern Shore Blvd. roughly between Woolworth Ave. and Buerger La., Battles Wharf, Alabama |
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| Area | 34 acres (14 ha) |
| Architectural style | Late Victorian |
| NRHP reference No. | 88000107 |
| Added to NRHP | April 28, 1988 |
The Battles Wharf Historic District is a special historical area in Battles Wharf, Alabama. It sits right between Mobile Bay and U.S. Route 98. This area, sometimes just called Battles, is a narrow strip of land along the bay.
It's known for its unique old houses. These homes were built from about 1842 onwards. They are usually made of wood and have a special cottage style. You'll notice their tall windows and wide porches. Many even have "rain porches," which are deep, screened porches with sloped roofs. These porches are raised on short stone supports. The district was mainly a summer vacation spot for people from Mobile, Alabama.
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A Look at the Historic Homes
The houses in Battles Wharf are quite special. They show a style popular in the late 1800s. Imagine a cozy wooden cottage with lots of windows to let in the light.
The broad porches were perfect for relaxing on warm summer days. The "rain porches" offered a cool, breezy spot, even when it was raining. These homes are connected by a public walking path. This path makes it easy to explore the area on foot.
How Battles Wharf Got Its Name
This area wasn't always called Battles Wharf. It was first known as Dadeville. This name came from the Robert Dade family, who settled there in 1849.
Even before that, in 1822, a resort hotel opened nearby at Point Clear. This made the high shoreline overlooking Mobile Bay a popular place for people to escape the heat. Over time, more hotels were built in the 1800s.
By the early 1900s, the community had grown. It had a school, a post office, an orphanage, and several churches. There were also two hotels. Around this time, the Battles family bought a lot of land here. That's how the area became known as Battles.
A Change in Traffic
The popularity of Battles Wharf changed after 1927. A new causeway (a raised road) was built across Mobile Bay to Mobile. This new road made it easier for people to travel directly to Mobile. As a result, fewer people passed through Battles Wharf. This caused the community to become quieter.
Becoming a National Historic Place
The Battles Wharf Historic District was recognized for its historical importance. It was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places on April 28, 1988. This listing helps protect the area's unique history and architecture for future generations.
