National Register of Historic Places listings in Coffee County, Alabama facts for kids
Welcome to Coffee County, Alabama! This article will tell you about some special places here that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This is like a special list of buildings, monuments, and other spots that are important because of their history, architecture, or what happened there. When a place is on this list, it means people want to protect it for future generations.
In Coffee County, there are five places that have earned a spot on this important list. Let's explore them!
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Famous Historic Places in Coffee County
Boll Weevil Monument
The Boll Weevil Monument is a very unique statue located in Enterprise, Alabama. It stands at the intersection of Main and College Streets. This monument was put on the National Register of Historic Places on April 26, 1973.
Why is it Special?
This monument might seem a bit strange because it honors an insect! The boll weevil is a tiny beetle that eats cotton plants. In the early 1900s, these insects destroyed many cotton crops in the South, including Coffee County. Farmers lost a lot of money.
But instead of giving up, the farmers in Enterprise decided to try growing different crops, like peanuts. This helped them earn money again and even made their economy stronger. The Boll Weevil Monument was built to thank the boll weevil for forcing the farmers to change and become more successful. It's a symbol of how people can overcome challenges.
Coffee County Courthouse
The Coffee County Courthouse is an important building in Elba, Alabama. It's located on Courthouse Square and was added to the National Register of Historic Places on May 8, 1973.
What is a Courthouse?
A courthouse is where important government and legal activities happen for a county. People go there for trials, to register to vote, or to get marriage licenses. The Coffee County Courthouse has been a central part of the community in Elba for many years. It's a place where local laws are made and justice is served.
Pea River Power Company Hydroelectric Facility
The Pea River Power Company Hydroelectric Facility is located south of Elba, Alabama. This facility was recognized for its historical importance on August 1, 1984.
How it Makes Power
A hydroelectric facility uses the power of moving water to create electricity. Imagine a big river with a dam. The water flows through turbines, which are like giant spinning wheels. These spinning wheels then power generators that make electricity. This facility played a role in bringing electricity to the area, which was a big step forward for homes and businesses.
Rawls Hotel
The Rawls Hotel is a historic building located at 116 South Main Street in Enterprise, Alabama. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on September 17, 1980.
A Place to Stay
Hotels are places where travelers can stay overnight. The Rawls Hotel was once a very important hotel in Enterprise. It offered a comfortable place for visitors and business people to rest. Historic hotels like this often have beautiful architecture and tell stories of the past, showing how people lived and traveled many years ago.
Seaboard Coastline Depot
The Seaboard Coastline Depot is found at the corner of Railroad and West College Streets in Enterprise, Alabama. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on August 7, 1974.
Train Station History
A train depot, also called a train station, is where trains stop to pick up and drop off passengers and goods. This depot was originally built by the Alabama Midland Railway. In the past, trains were a main way for people and products to travel across the country.
Today, this historic building has a new purpose. It now houses the Enterprise Depot Museum. This museum helps people learn about the history of the area, including its connection to the railroad and how trains helped the community grow.
