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Oak Hill Historic District: A Step Back in Time

Discover Alabama's past in Oak Hill: A historic district showcasing 19th & 20th-century architecture and rural Southern charm.

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The Oak Hill Historic District in Alabama offers a glimpse into 19th and early 20th-century life. With well-preserved homes, churches, and commercial buildings, the district showcases architectural styles from mid-19th century revival to Victorian. It provides a unique look at a rural Southern community's evolution.

A brief summary to Oak Hill Historic District (Oak Hill, Alabama)

  • 5843 AL-21, Pine Apple, Alabama, 36768, US

Local tips

  • Take a leisurely drive or walk through the district to fully appreciate the architectural details of the historic buildings.
  • Visit during the annual Wilcox Historical Society Tour of Homes to see the interiors of some of the private residences.
  • Check out the Bethel Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church, one of the most ornamented structures in the area.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Pine Apple, Alabama, head north on AL-21. Continue for approximately 6 miles. The Oak Hill Historic District is centered around the intersection of AL-21 and AL-10. As you approach the intersection, you'll see historic homes and the Bethel Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. There is no dedicated parking, but you can park on the shoulder of the road. Be mindful of local traffic. No tolls or parking fees are applicable.

Unlock the Best of Oak Hill Historic District (Oak Hill, Alabama)

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Discover more about Oak Hill Historic District (Oak Hill, Alabama)

The Oak Hill Historic District, roughly centered on the intersection of AL-10 and AL-21 in Wilcox County, Alabama, is a treasure trove of architectural history. Settled in the 1830s and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1998, the district spans 6,750 acres and includes 56 buildings and 7 structures that exemplify the rural vernacular architecture of the 19th and early 20th centuries. Originally known as "The Ridge," Oak Hill was primarily settled by South Carolinians. The community grew around the Ebenezer Methodist Campground and later saw an influx of residents from nearby Hamburg due to a malaria outbreak. Bethel Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church, established in 1856, stands as a testament to the community's early religious life. The district's architecture includes a variety of styles, from mid-19th century revival to Victorian. A notable feature is the concentration of "coastal cottage" building types, characterized by their double-pile, one-and-a-half-story central passage structure with an integral recessed porch under an unbroken roof line. Later buildings, dating from 1920-1940, showcase front-gabled bungalows and hipped-roof houses with Craftsman influences. Oak Hill's commercial buildings reflect its history as a self-sufficient community. The one-story frame, front-gabled buildings evoke the image of the classic Deep South country store. The district also contains contributing outbuildings like barns, sheds, and well structures, which highlight the area's agricultural past. While the Oak Hill Academy, a boarding school for girls that operated from 1849-1869, no longer stands, its memory adds to the rich tapestry of the district's history.

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