Kenworthy Hall: A Glimpse into Antebellum South

Kenworthy Hall, also known as the Carlisle-Martin House, stands as a testament to the opulence and ambition of the antebellum South [5, 6]. Built between 1858 and 1860 for Edward Kenworthy Carlisle, a successful cotton factor, this plantation house represents a distinctive blend of Italian Villa architecture adapted for the Southern climate and lifestyle [3, 5, 6]. Designed by the renowned New York architect Richard Upjohn, Kenworthy Hall is the only surviving residential example of Upjohn's Italian villa style that was specifically tailored for the region [5]. The house is located two miles west of the Marion courthouse square on Alabama Highway 14 [5, 6]. Its design showcases a massive four-story tower, windows of varying sizes and shapes adorned with brownstone trim, and a layout that distinctly separates family and public spaces [5, 6]. Upjohn incorporated features like a wide cross hall, a detached kitchen, and a full-width rear porch to accommodate the hot, humid climate [4, 5]. The interior boasts intricate details, including soaring ceilings, ornate chandeliers, and period furnishings [12]. Throughout its history, Kenworthy Hall has been owned by several families and has undergone periods of both prosperity and neglect [3, 5]. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1990 and declared a National Historic Landmark in 2004 [6, 7]. Today, Kenworthy Hall stands as a reminder of a bygone era, offering visitors a glimpse into the complex social and economic structures of the Old South [5, 12].