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Brownville-Summerville Historic District: A Step Back in Time

Explore Phenix City, Alabama's Brownville-Summerville Historic District: a captivating journey through architectural styles and historical narratives.

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The Brownville-Summerville Historic District in Phenix City, Alabama, is an 87-acre area listed on the National Register of Historic Places [6, 9]. It showcases residential and commercial architecture from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, reflecting the city's development during that era [6].

A brief summary to Brownville-Summerville Historic District

  • Phenix City, Alabama, 36867, US

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes, as the best way to experience the district is on foot [6, 7].
  • Bring a camera to capture the unique architectural details of the historic buildings [6, 7].
  • Check local event listings, as the district occasionally hosts historical tours or community events [6].
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Phenix City - Russell County Public Library, head west on 14th Street toward 6th Avenue [6]. Turn left onto 6th Avenue and walk for approximately three blocks; the historic district will be on your left [6]. This walk is roughly 0.3 miles and should take about 5-10 minutes. There are no costs associated with walking [6].

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in Phenix City [6, 10, 13]. A short ride from a central location like the Phenix City - Russell County Public Library to the Brownville-Summerville Historic District will likely cost between $6 and $10, depending on demand and distance [6, 12].

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Discover more about Brownville-Summerville Historic District

The Brownville-Summerville Historic District, located in Phenix City, Alabama, offers a glimpse into the past with its well-preserved architecture and rich history [6, 7]. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983, the district spans approximately 87 acres and features a variety of architectural styles from the late 19th and early 20th centuries [6, 9]. The district is composed of two historic areas: Brownville, which began around the 14th Street Bridge, and Summerville, located on a hill above Brownville [6, 8, 20]. Summerville was initially settled by wealthy individuals seeking refuge from the lowlands [6]. The district includes intact streets of residential housing, schools, churches, and small commercial areas [6, 8]. Architectural styles range from Greek Revival and Saddlebag cottages dating back to circa 1870, to Victorian cottages built in the 1880s, and bungalows from the 1920s and 1930s [6, 9]. Commercial buildings, mostly brick and dating from the 1920s, are scattered throughout the district, including two corner gas stations and a Masonic Hall [6, 9]. Visitors can explore the district by walking along Broad Street and Summerville Road, admiring the diverse architectural details and imagining life in Phenix City during the late 19th and early 20th centuries [6]. Notable landmarks include the Masonic Hall, a three-story brick building [6]. The Chattahoochee River, which borders the district, played a vital role in the development of Phenix City, serving as a transportation route for goods and people [6].

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