National Register of Historic Places listings in Morgan County, Alabama facts for kids

Morgan County, Alabama, is a place filled with amazing history! Did you know that many buildings, areas, and even old homes in the county are so special that they are listed on something called the National Register of Historic Places? This is like a special list kept by the United States government to protect and celebrate important historical sites across the country.

When a place is on this list, it means it has a unique story to tell about the past. It could be a building where important events happened, a house that shows how people lived long ago, or even a whole neighborhood that looks much like it did many years ago. In Morgan County, there are 17 such places that are officially recognized for their historical value. Let's explore some of them!

Morgan County, Alabama, is highlighted on this map.

Historic Places in Morgan County

Here are some of the cool historic spots you can find in Morgan County:

Decatur's Historic Districts

Decatur has several areas that are recognized as historic districts. This means that a whole section of the city, not just one building, is important because of its history and how it looks.

• Bank Street-Old Decatur Historic District: This area in Decatur is one of the oldest parts of the city. It includes Bank Street and nearby streets, showing off buildings that have been around for a long time. It was first listed in 1980, and then a larger part of it was added in 1985.
• East Old Town Historic District: Another historic area in Decatur, this district includes streets like NW Church Street and NW Wilson Street. It was added to the list in 2012.
• New Decatur-Albany Historic District: This district covers parts of NE 2nd Avenue and other streets in Decatur. It was recognized in 1995, with more areas added in 1999.
• New Decatur-Albany Residential Historic District: This is a neighborhood in Decatur with many historic homes. It was listed in 1983, and more homes were included in 2004.
• West Old Town Historic District: This district in Decatur, stretching from NW Alma Street to NW Vine Street, was added to the list in 2012.

Notable Buildings in Decatur

Decatur is home to several individual buildings that are also on the National Register.

• Cotaco Opera House: Located at 115 Johnson Street SE, this beautiful building in Decatur was once a place for performances and shows. It was listed in 1986.

The Cotaco Opera House in Decatur.

• Col. Francis Dancy House: You can find this historic house at 901 Railroad Street NW in Decatur. It was added to the list in 1980.

The historic Dancy-Polk House.

• Rhea-McEntire House: This house at 1105 Sycamore Street in Decatur has a long history and was listed in 1984.

The Rhea-McEntire House.

• Southern Railway Depot: Located at 701 Railroad Street NW, this old train station in Decatur was an important hub for travel and trade. It was listed in 1980.

The Southern Railway Depot in Decatur.

• State Bank Building, Decatur Branch: Also known as the Old State Bank, this building at 925 Bank Street NE in Decatur was built a very long time ago and was listed in 1972.

The Old State Bank building.

Historic Places in Other Morgan County Towns

Morgan County has historic sites beyond Decatur too!

• Forest Home: This historic property is located east of Trinity. It was added to the list in 1980.
• Dr. William E. Murphey House: This house near Trinity was one of the oldest wooden houses in Alabama, built around 1818. Sadly, it was destroyed by a tornado in 2011. It was listed in 1986.
• Hartselle Downtown Commercial Historic District: In Hartselle, the downtown area, including Main, Railroad, Hickory, and Sparkman Streets, is recognized for its historic commercial buildings. It was listed in 1999.

Main Street in the Hartselle Downtown Commercial Historic District.

• Green Pryor Rice House: This historic house is located at the junction of Madison and Monroe Streets in Somerville. It was listed in 1986.

The Green Pryor Rice House in Somerville.

• Somerville Courthouse: Built in 1837, this courthouse on State Route 36 in Somerville is a great example of the Federal style of architecture. It served as the county courthouse until 1891 when the county seat moved to Decatur. It was listed in 1972.

The historic Somerville Courthouse.

• Westview Plantation: This historic plantation is located south of Decatur and was listed in 1982.

These places help us remember and learn about the rich history of Morgan County and the people who lived there before us!