Alabama Plantations

Alabama has many old plantations with a rich history, going back to the early 19th century. Most of those places lost their original purpose a long time ago - the vast fields where people used to grow cotton were transformed into destinations of leisure and tourism. Many of those plantations are very well preserved and some in fact were turned into museums. Visiting such places can be a really original way to spend your weekend away.

Belvoir / Saffold Plantation

Belvoir (Saffold Plantation)

Belvoir was established in 1825 as a large cotton plantation. The house, as it is seen on the plantation grounds at present, was built around 1850. After the Civil War the property changed hands several times and in the second half of the 20th century it was in a state of disrepair. In 1990 it was added to the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage and has since been repaired and renovated. "Belvoir" translates from French to English as "beautiful to see" - and so it is now.

Faunsdale Plantation

This plantation was set up in 1843 and named after a Roman god of forests and fields. Shortly after Faunsdale's founding, a wooden church was built on its grounds. A burial site was also opened near the church and survived to this day. The main house on this plantation is a fine example of the Greek Revival style and is located behind a peaceful grove of trees, along with some other historical buildings.

Montgomery Janes Whittaker House

The plantation boasts a historic Federal style house, currently turned into a museum. The construction of this house was started in 1822 and took 20 years to finish. The building is a fine display of various, inter-crossing styles of architecture, including Colonial and Greek Revival. In 1974 the house was listed on the National Register of Historic Places; since 2007 the Autauga County Heritage Association has owned it and now the Montgomery Janes Whittaker House welcomes guests from all over the country.

Woodlands (Gosport, Alabama)

The Woodlands Plantation is also known as the Frederick Blount Plantation. It was set up in the 1840s. The house on the plantation grounds is a good example of a 'Carolina Cottage' style. The tranquil location and quaint surroundings are one of the greatest assets of this place. The Woodlands Plantation was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.

Joseph Wheeler Plantation

This plantation is one of the oldest in Alabama, dating back its origin to year 1818. There are twelve historical structures on the plantation grounds, all built between 1818 and 1880. After the Civil War the plantation belonged to a former Confederate general, Joseph Wheeler, who built his house there, adjacent to the other buildings. The plantation belonged to the Wheeler family until 1993, when it was donated to the state of Alabama.

Alpine Plantation

Alpine plantation contains a historical house, built in 1858. Surrounded by mature oaks and other trees, the plantation house boasts some fine ornaments of the Greek Revival style and contains more interesting architectonic features inside. The area surrounding the house emanates tranquillity and peace.
As you can see the Alabama plantations hold a special part of U. S. history. These plantation homes represent not only life in the South during simpler times but a culture that needs to be remembered for many generations to come.