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Thornhill Plantation: A Glimpse into Alabama's Antebellum Past

Discover Thornhill Plantation near Forkland, AL: a preserved Greek Revival home reflecting the antebellum South's legacy and architecture.

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Thornhill Plantation, near Forkland, Alabama, is a well-preserved example of Greek Revival architecture dating back to 1833. Built by James Innes Thornton, a prominent figure in Alabama's history, the plantation offers a glimpse into the lives of a wealthy 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. Respect private property.

  • 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 on the Greene County Transit Authority 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 showcases Greek Revival architecture and serves as a reminder of the region's complex history. Thornton, originally from Virginia, established Thornhill as a cotton plantation, which eventually expanded to over 5,000 acres. The main house features a two-story portico with six Ionic columns, added around 1850. Inside, a central hall with a spiral staircase reflects the elegance of the period. The plantation also included a schoolhouse, built around 1845, for the Thornton children and those of neighboring planters. A church was also built for the enslaved people to worship. Thornhill's history is intertwined with slavery, as the plantation's success depended on the forced labor of enslaved Africans and their descendants. Following the Civil War, the Thornton family adapted to the changing economic landscape but retained ownership of the plantation. Today, Thornhill remains in the hands of Thornton's descendants, a rarity among surviving plantation homes. Visitors can view the house's exterior from the road, and the nearby town of Forkland offers a glimpse into modern rural Alabama.

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