Owen Plantation House: A Step Back in Time

The Owen Plantation House, dating back to 1838, stands as a testament to Alabama's rich history. Located in Bessemer, it provides visitors with an immersive experience of 19th-century plantation life. Thomas Hennington Owen began construction in 1833 with a two-room structure, later expanding it into a two-story dog-trot style house by 1838. The house is constructed with hand-hewn logs and lumber sourced from the Owen's extensive 1,000-acre plantation. Inside, elegant details such as wainscotting painted to resemble marble, shiplapped wall treatments, and paneled box columns reflect the refined tastes of the era. The house museum displays period furnishings and artifacts, offering insights into the lives of the Owen family and those who lived and worked on the plantation. During the Civil War, the plantation faced hardships, including a raid by Union General James Wilson in 1865. Despite wartime struggles, the Owen family persevered, and in the 1970s, descendants donated the house to the West Jefferson County Historical Society. Today, the historical society maintains the house as a museum, preserving its legacy for future generations.