Henry House (Marion, Alabama) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Henry House
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The house as it appeared in 1935, when recorded by the Historic American Buildings Survey.
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 Location in Alabama
Location in the United States
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| Location | S. Washington St., Marion, Alabama |
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| Area | 5.5 acres (2.2 ha) |
| Built | 1840s |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 86002744 |
| Added to NRHP | September 25, 1986 |
The Henry House, also known as the Lowry-Ford-Henry House, is a very old and important home in Marion, Alabama, in Perry County, Alabama. It's called a historic "antebellum" house, which means it was built before the American Civil War (which happened from 1861 to 1865). This house was once part of a large farm, often called a plantation.
Experts believe the Henry House was built in the 1840s. It was first built for a rich farmer named Squire Lowry, who came from North Carolina. Over the years, the house has had a few different owners. The Bert Ford family bought it from the Lowrys, and then it went to the Henry family, who were related to the Fords. The last person to own the house was Mary Katherine Blount from Montgomery, Alabama. She bought the house and then gave it to the Perry County Historical and Preservation Society, a group that helps protect old buildings and history. Because of its history and special design, the Henry House was added to the National Register of Historic Places on September 25, 1986. This means it's recognized as a very important historical site.
What Makes the Henry House Special?
The Henry House is a great example of Greek Revival architecture, a popular style in the 1800s. This style often looks like ancient Greek temples, with tall columns and grand entrances.
Design and Look
The house has two stories and is shaped like the letter "L." It's made of wood, but it sits on a strong foundation of brick. You'll notice big, tall columns at the front. These columns support a large porch called a "portico." This portico has six columns across the front, which is why it's sometimes called a "hexastyle" portico (hexa means six).
The front of the house has three main sections, called "bays." A bay is like a division or section of a building, often marked by windows or doors. There's also another two-story, L-shaped porch at the back of the house and along one side of a back wing. This design made the house look very grand and impressive in its time.
A Glimpse into the Past
The Henry House helps us understand what life was like in Alabama before the Civil War. It shows the kind of homes wealthy families lived in and the architectural styles they preferred. By preserving places like the Henry House, we can learn more about history and how people lived long ago.
