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Tuscumbia Historic District: A Journey Through Time

Discover Tuscumbia's history through its architecture, from antebellum homes to early commercial buildings, in this charming historic district.

Explore the Tuscumbia Historic District, a 232-acre area listed on the National Register of Historic Places with over 460 contributing properties. Discover architectural styles from the 19th and early 20th centuries, reflecting Tuscumbia's rich history and evolution.

A brief summary to Tuscumbia Historic District

  • Tuscumbia, Alabama, 35674, US

Local tips

  • Visit during the Helen Keller Festival in June for a city-wide celebration of her life and legacy.
  • Take a guided walking tour to fully appreciate the history and architecture of the district.
  • Explore Spring Park in the evening to witness the stunning fountain and light shows.
  • Check out the local shops and restaurants on Main Street for a taste of Tuscumbia's unique flavor.
  • Visit Ivy Green, Helen Keller's birthplace, to learn about her inspiring life and achievements.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Spring Park, head north on Main Street. The historic district encompasses the area around Main Street, with many points of interest within a few blocks. Look for historical markers and signage to guide your exploration. The Colbert County Courthouse is a central landmark within the district. No cost for walking.

  • Driving

    If arriving from outside downtown Tuscumbia, navigate towards Main Street (Highway 43). Parking is available on the streets, but note the two-hour parking limit between 8 AM and 6 PM, Monday through Saturday. Parking is free on Sundays and public holidays. Several parking lots are also available near the Colbert County Courthouse. Expect to pay around $5.50 per hour, $28 per day, $165 per week, and $495 per month.

  • Public Transport

    While Tuscumbia doesn't have a fixed-route public bus system, NACOLG's Dial-a-Ride service provides demand-responsive transport within the Shoals area. Call (256) 314-0047 or toll-free (833) 314-0047 to schedule a ride. Fares within Tuscumbia are $3.00 per one-way trip.

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Discover more about Tuscumbia Historic District

The Tuscumbia Historic District invites travelers to explore its charming streets and delve into the captivating stories of Tuscumbia's past. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1985, this district encompasses 232 acres and boasts over 460 contributing properties. These properties showcase a diverse collection of residential, commercial, and institutional buildings that reflect the town's evolution over more than 150 years. Founded in 1817 near the Big Spring, the area was initially inhabited by prehistoric Native Americans as early as 10,000 years ago. The first permanent white settlers, led by Michael Dickson, arrived around 1817, followed by others who established a village next to the spring, which is now Spring Park. The town was incorporated in 1820 as Ococoposa, a Chickasaw term for Cold Water, later renamed Tuscumbia in 1822 to honor a local Chickasaw chief. The district's architectural landscape is a testament to its rich history, featuring a variety of styles that span the 19th and early 20th centuries. The oldest houses in the district are Tidewater-type cottages, a style native to the Middle Atlantic, reflecting the origins of many early settlers from Virginia and Maryland. Commercial Row, a block of seven buildings constructed in the mid-1830s, stands as one of Alabama's earliest commercial centers. Recovery came in the 1880s and 1890s, driven by industrial development in neighboring Sheffield. The majority of commercial buildings date from the 1880s through the 1930s, while residential buildings of the period display styles such as Queen Anne, Folk Victorian, Bungalow, and Tudor Revival. Dominating the district is the Colbert County Courthouse, built in 1881 and rebuilt in 1909 after a fire. Its imposing presence serves as a focal point, surrounded by other notable structures such as St. John's Episcopal Church, an early Carpenter Gothic church dating back to 1852. The Tuscumbia Depot, built in 1888, stands as a reminder of the town's importance as a transportation hub, being the site of the first railroad west of the Allegheny Mountains.

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