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Thornhill Plantation: A Glimpse into Antebellum Alabama

Experience the grandeur and complex history of an Alabama cotton plantation at Thornhill, a preserved example of Greek Revival architecture.

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Thornhill Plantation, near Forkland, Alabama, is a historic site showcasing Greek Revival architecture. Built in 1833 by James Innes Thornton, it offers a glimpse into the lives of a prominent planter family and the enslaved people who worked the land. While the main house is not regularly open for tours, its exterior can be viewed from the road.

A brief summary to Thornhill Plantation

  • Co Rd 20, Forkland, Alabama, 36740, US

Local tips

  • Respect that Thornhill is privately owned; viewing is limited to the exterior from the road.
  • Combine your visit with nearby historical sites like Rosemount Plantation and Gaineswood for a broader perspective.
  • Consider visiting during the spring or fall for pleasant weather and optimal viewing conditions.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Demopolis, AL, take US-80 W/AL-8 W towards Forkland. Continue for approximately 10 miles. Turn left onto Co Rd 19. Thornhill Plantation will be on your right. Note that parking is extremely limited, and visitors can only view the house from the road.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    From Demopolis, a taxi or ride-share to Thornhill Plantation is a viable option. The ride is approximately 11 miles and takes about 15 minutes. Expect to pay between $30-$45 for a one-way trip. Be sure to arrange for a return trip, as ride-share availability in Forkland is limited.

  • Public Transport

    While public transportation options directly to Thornhill Plantation are limited, Greene County Transit Authority provides bus services throughout Forkland and its surrounding areas, connecting it to nearby towns such as Greensboro. From Greensboro, you may need to take a taxi to the Plantation. A one-way trip costs $4.00.

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Discover more about Thornhill Plantation

Thornhill Plantation, located near Forkland, Alabama, provides a compelling look into the antebellum South. Constructed in 1833 by James Innes Thornton, who served as Alabama's Secretary of State, the plantation exemplifies Greek Revival architecture. Thornton, originally from Virginia, established Thornhill as a cotton plantation, which grew to over 5,000 acres. The centerpiece of Thornhill is the main house, featuring a two-story frame structure with a hexastyle Ionic portico. The design is attributed to Allen Glover, who also designed the nearby Rosemount Plantation. Inside, the house boasts spacious rooms, intricate plasterwork, and a spiral staircase. Beyond the main house, Thornhill included essential supporting structures. A schoolhouse, built around 1845, provided education for the Thornton children and those of neighboring planters. A church was erected for the enslaved people to worship. Other dependencies included a carriage house, barn, and a family cemetery. The history of Thornhill is intertwined with slavery. The plantation's success relied on the forced labor of enslaved people. While their stories are often untold, they are an integral part of Thornhill's legacy. After the Civil War, the Thornton family adapted to the changing economic landscape and retained ownership of the plantation. Today, Thornhill remains in the hands of Thornton's descendants.

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