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Joel Eddins House: Alabama's Oldest Log Cabin

Discover Alabama's oldest documented building, the Joel Eddins House, a window into the lives of 19th-century settlers, located at Burritt on the Mountain.

The Joel Eddins House, nestled within Burritt on the Mountain in Huntsville, Alabama, stands as the state's oldest documented building. Built in 1810, this hall-and-parlor style log house offers a glimpse into the lives of Alabama's early settlers and their unique architectural traditions.

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.
  • Combine your visit to the Joel Eddins House with a tour of the Burritt Mansion and other historic structures on the grounds.
  • Check the Burritt on the Mountain website for seasonal hours and special programs before planning your visit.
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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. From downtown Huntsville, take Governors Drive SE up Monte Sano Mountain. Follow Governors Drive until you see signs for Burritt on the Mountain. Turn left onto Burritt Drive and follow it to the entrance. Parking is free at Burritt on the Mountain.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

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

  • Public Transport

    Huntsville's public transportation system, Orbit, operates Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Check Huntsville Transit for routes and schedules to reach Burritt on the Mountain. From the nearest bus stop, you may need to take a taxi or ride-share to complete the journey to Burritt on the Mountain. A single fare for Orbit is around $1.50.

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Discover more about Joel Eddins House

Step back in time at the Joel Eddins House, a hall-and-parlor log house located on the grounds of Burritt on the Mountain in Huntsville. Constructed in 1810 by Joel Eddins, an early settler from South Carolina, it is the oldest documented building in Alabama. Originally located near Ardmore in Limestone County, the house was moved to Burritt on the Mountain in 2007 to preserve its historical significance. The house exemplifies a hall-and-parlor design, featuring two asymmetrical rooms, a style more common in colonial New England than in early 19th-century Alabama. The main entry leads into the larger "hall" room, which served as the center of family life, complete with a fireplace. A quarter-turn staircase in the northeast corner provides access to the upper floor. The eastern door leads to the "parlor," a smaller, more private room with its own fireplace and staircase. The upper floor rooms remain separate and unconnected. Visiting the Joel Eddins House offers a unique opportunity to experience the world of Alabama's early settlers. Imagine life in the early 19th century as you explore the simple yet functional design of the cabin. The Joel Eddins House is not just an old building; it is a tangible link to Alabama's past.

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