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Gainesville Historic District: A Journey Back in Time

Discover Gainesville Historic District: A preserved Alabama town showcasing 19th-century architecture and river port history.

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Explore the Gainesville Historic District in Alabama, a preserved 19th-century river port with Federal, Greek Revival, and Victorian architecture. Once a bustling cotton-shipping hub, it offers a glimpse into the pre-Civil War South.

A brief summary to Gainesville Historic District

  • Gainesville, Alabama, 35464, US

Local tips

  • Visit Aduston Hall, owned by the Sumter County Historical Society, for information and insights into the district's history.
  • Explore the Old Cemetery to see the graves of Civil War soldiers and a unique cannon monument.
  • Take a stroll through the Main-Yankee Street Historic District to see more of Gainesville's historical homes and buildings.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    Once you're in the heart of Gainesville, the Historic District is easily walkable. Start near the intersection of State Street (AL-116) and McKee Street (AL-39), where you'll find the town's triangle park. From there, explore the surrounding streets, including North Carolina, Church, School, Lafayette, and Webster streets, to discover the historic homes and buildings. There is no cost for walking around the district.

  • Driving

    If driving, navigate to Gainesville using AL-116 or AL-39. These highways intersect within the district. Parking is generally available on the streets, but be mindful of any posted restrictions. There are no parking fees. From the main intersection, you can easily access the various points of interest within the district.

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Discover more about Gainesville Historic District

The Gainesville Historic District, nestled on the Tombigbee River's south bank in Alabama, offers a captivating journey into the past. Founded in 1832, Gainesville flourished as a vital inland port before the rise of railroads, becoming a key center for cotton trade. The district showcases a remarkable collection of Federal, Greek Revival, and Victorian architectural styles, reflecting its 19th-century prosperity. Today, the Gainesville Historic District provides a tangible connection to a bygone era. While time and a devastating fire in 1855 have altered the townscape, a significant number of buildings erected between the 1830s and 1880s still stand. These include notable structures like Aduston Hall, now a visitor center managed by the Sumter County Historical Society, and the Park and Bandstand, which served as the town's social hub in the mid-19th century. The district is bounded by North Carolina, Church, School, Lafayette, and Webster streets and bisected by McKee Street (Alabama Highway 39). Visitors can explore the area to discover historic homes, churches, and the Old Cemetery, which contains the gravesites of over 200 unknown Civil War soldiers and a cannon monument. The Main-Yankee Street Historic District is another nearby area with historical significance.

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