Bettie Hunter House facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Hunter House
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The Bettie Hunter House in 2008.
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 Location in Alabama
Location in the United States
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| Location | 504 St. Francis Street, Mobile, Alabama |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1878 |
| Architectural style | Italianate |
| NRHP reference No. | 85000446 |
| Added to NRHP | March 7, 1985 |
The Bettie Hunter House is a special historic home in Mobile, Alabama. It once belonged to Bettie Hunter, an amazing African American woman. She was formerly enslaved but became very successful. Bettie earned a lot of money from her own business. She ran a popular hack and carriage service in Mobile with her brother, Henry.
During the American Civil War, the city of Mobile became a very important port. This happened after New Orleans was captured. Mobile was the only major port left on the Gulf of Mexico for the South. Moving goods to and from the port needed many wagons. These wagons were pulled by horses or mules. Bettie Hunter was one of the smart African Americans who saw a great chance in the carriage business. She became a leader in this part of Mobile's transportation market.
What Makes the Bettie Hunter House Special?
The Hunter House was built in 1878. It is a fantastic example of homes built in the 1800s. It's especially important because it belonged to an African American family in the Deep South. This two-story house is built in the Italianate style. It looks just as grand and detailed as homes owned by white families in Mobile during that time.
Bettie Hunter passed away on November 2, 1879. She was only 27 years old. Her beautiful house had been finished just the year before. She was buried in Magnolia Cemetery in Mobile. Bettie did not have any children. She left her property to her family.
