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Joel Eddins House: Alabama's Oldest Log Cabin

Discover Alabama's oldest documented log cabin at Burritt on the Mountain, offering a glimpse into 19th-century settler life and architecture.

Step back in time at the Joel Eddins House, a humble yet historically significant structure located within Burritt on the Mountain in Huntsville, Alabama. Built in 1810, it's the oldest documented building in Alabama, showcasing the lives of early settlers with its unique hall-and-parlor design [3, 6, 7].

A brief summary to Joel Eddins House

  • 3101 Burritt Dr SE, Huntsville, Alabama, 35801, US

Local tips

  • Visit during Burritt on the Mountain's living history events for an immersive experience of 19th-century life [3, 6].
  • Combine your visit to the Joel Eddins House with a tour of the Burritt Mansion and other historic structures on the grounds [3, 6].
  • Check the Burritt on the Mountain website for seasonal hours and special programs before planning your visit [3, 6].
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Getting There

  • Driving

    The Joel Eddins House is located within Burritt on the Mountain at 3101 Burritt Dr SE, Huntsville, AL 35801 [3, 6]. From downtown Huntsville, take Governors Drive SE up Monte Sano Mountain [3, 6, 9]. Follow Governors Drive until you see signs for Burritt on the Mountain [3, 6]. Turn left onto Burritt Drive and follow it to the entrance [3, 6]. Parking is free at Burritt on the Mountain's main parking lot [3, 6]. From the parking lot, follow the signs to the Historic Park area, where the Joel Eddins House is located [6].

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    From anywhere in Huntsville, a taxi or ride-share service (Uber/Lyft) can take you directly to Burritt on the Mountain [3, 9]. Simply provide the destination as 'Burritt on the Mountain' or the address '3101 Burritt Dr SE, Huntsville, AL 35801' [9]. Expect a fare between $15 and $30 from central locations in Huntsville, depending on demand and distance [3, 9].

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Discover more about Joel Eddins House

The Joel Eddins House, residing within Burritt on the Mountain in Huntsville, is a testament to Alabama's early settlers [3, 6]. Constructed in 1810 by Joel Eddins, who came from Abbeville County, South Carolina, the house was originally located near Ardmore in Limestone County [3, 6, 7]. Eddins, seeking opportunities in the Mississippi Territory, built a one-and-a-half story log cabin in the hall-and-parlor style [3, 6]. This architectural design, featuring two asymmetrical rooms, was more common in colonial New England, making the Eddins House a unique example of transplanted vernacular architecture [3, 6]. The house remained with the Eddins family for several decades before passing through various owners [3]. Over time, modifications were made, including a 1930s addition [3, 4]. By the early 21st century, the house had fallen into disrepair [3]. Recognizing its historical importance, Glenn and Wanda Walker donated it to Burritt on the Mountain in 2007 [3]. The relocation and restoration involved carefully dismantling the house, numbering each log, and reassembling them on a new foundation [3, 6]. The 1930s addition was not retained to preserve the original character [3, 6, 7]. The restored house now represents its 1810 appearance, offering visitors a glimpse into the lives of the Eddins family and other early settlers [3, 6]. The main entry leads into the larger "hall" room, which served as the center of family life and includes a fireplace [3, 6]. A quarter-turn staircase in the northeast corner leads to the upper floor [3, 5, 6]. The eastern door leads to the "parlor," a smaller, more private room used for sleeping or entertaining guests, also featuring a fireplace and a staircase to the upper floor [3, 6]. The upper floor rooms are the same size as those below and are not connected [3, 5, 6].

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