Monterey Place: A Step Back in Time in Mobile's Historic District

Monterey Place, located within the Old Dauphin Way Historic District, is a street and neighborhood that provides a glimpse into Mobile's captivating past. The Old Dauphin Way Historic District is Mobile's largest historic district, encompassing over 3,000 structures.The history of the area dates back to the early 1800s when it was part of Spanish land grants. Development began in the 1830s and 1840s, with residential estates emerging. The architectural styles reflect the changing tastes of the 19th and 20th centuries.At the heart of Monterey Place stands the Charles Martin Shepard House, a Queen Anne residence designed in 1897 by George Franklin Barber. Commissioned by Charles Martin Shepard, the general passenger agent for the Mobile and Ohio Railroad, the house showcases the opulence of the late Victorian era. The house features Queen Anne details, including woodwork, gables, and a turret. Inside, there are eleven fireplaces and stained-glass windows.In 1910, Shepard's daughters began using the house as a boarding school. Today, the house operates as a bed and breakfast, offering a chance to experience history firsthand. In 2008, the house was featured on Home & Garden Television's "If Walls Could Talk". Beyond the Shepard House, Monterey Place features historic homes, each with its own story.The Old Dauphin Way Historic District features architectural styles from the mid-19th to the early 20th centuries, including Greek Revival, Gothic Revival, and Colonial Revival.