John McMahon House facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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John McMahon House
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The McMahon House in 2013
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 Location in Alabama
Location in the United States
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| Location | Jct. South Lane and Jefferson Street Courtland, Alabama |
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| Built | 1828 |
| Architectural style | Federal, I-house |
| NRHP reference No. | 87001454 |
| Added to NRHP | December 11, 1987 |
The John McMahon House is a beautiful old home located in Courtland, Alabama. It was built a very long time ago, in 1828. This special house is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's recognized as an important historical building in the United States. It's a two-story house made of brick, built in a style called "Federal." It's also known as an "I-house" because of its shape.
A Look Back in Time
The John McMahon House is named after its first known owner, John McMahon. He moved to Lawrence County from Virginia. John McMahon came to manage a business branch in Courtland. This business was a "mercantile firm," which was like a general store that sold many different goods. It was part of a bigger company from Huntsville. In 1835, John McMahon married Harriet Shackelford. She was the daughter of a local doctor, Dr. Jack Shackelford.
The House During the Civil War
During the American Civil War, the John McMahon House played a small role. Soldiers from the Union army, sometimes called "Federal raiding parties," used the house. They stayed there for short periods as a temporary headquarters. One evening, some troops even fired their guns into the ceiling! This left a hole that was visible for many years. You can still see signs of the war today. There are bullet holes around the front door. Someone tried to patch them up, but they are still there as a reminder of the past.
Preserving History
In 1987, the John McMahon House was given to the Alabama Historical Commission. This group works to protect and share Alabama's history. In the same year, the house was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places. This listing helps to make sure that important places like the McMahon House are preserved for future generations to learn from and enjoy.
