During the Civil War, prosperity across Alabama decreased. Although Macon County was not directly involved in any military action until the latter part of the war, the loss of local manpower, the blockade of southern ports, the disruption of transportation and the general economic collapse of the South had serious economic and social repercussions in the county. However, after the war, a degree of prosperity returned to the area. As the railroads were being rebuilt, more successful businessmen began to emerge.
In 1870, the East Alabama Female College burned and the college was closed. The property was sold to the son of the county’s oldest and most successful merchant. He built this highly ornamental home on the site of the former college as a gift for his new bride. Completed in 1892, the house has an eclectic late Victorian-era design that features an asymmetrical facade, a dominant front-facing gable, overhanging eaves, and polygonal towers.
Constructed in the 1890s, the eclectic style is typical of the late Victorian period. Certain elements of the home, for example, the main entry transom and sidelights suggest a much earlier Greek Revival style.
An upstairs bathroom
All renovations have ceased and the property is currently owned by the city. A local university occasionally holds a class on historic preservation in the home.Over the years, several additions were made to the home including the second-story screened in porch and this solarium on the first floor.Added to the National Register of Historic Places as a historic district, these old homes paved the way for subsequent development.
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My obsession with abandoned places has inspired me to create this blog.
My goal is to showcase the obscure, historic often forgotten places I have visited across the Southeast. I hope to preserve the past through documentation and photographs. You can reach me at AbandonedSoutheast@gmail.com
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15 Replies to “Banker’s House”
What bank? Is this on the market? Thank you, Karen
Since a local school sometimes tours for a preservation class, you might attach to them and monitor the class if they are willing. The government owns it now (for taxes probably), and you might arrange a solitary tour for research and publishing purposes. Hey, a paragraph in a blog is still publishing 😬
Hello, I have a weird hobby of learning about the past through abandoned buildings. I particularly enjoy abandoned mental hospitals and asylums. I absolutely love your site, I’ve been binge reading lol. Would there be any chance you would explore Selma, Alabama? My family is from there and the city has been on a rapid decline and there’s tons of abandoned buildings and even an abandoned Air Force base.
I’ve photographed the Mishkan Temple in downtown Selma but I haven’t had a chance to really explore much of the city. I plan to go back soon and see more. That Air Force base sounds really interesting.
I spent the last 4 years renovating/refurbishing a 1924 craftsman in Birmingham Al. i’m putting it on the market Jan1 and am looking for another project. Do you come across homes that have ocean access that are for sale? i’m looking for something around Jacksonville Florida area.
What bank? Is this on the market? Thank you, Karen
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It’s not on the market. It was owned by the president of a local bank in the early 20th century, that’s why it is named the Banker’s House.
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Since a local school sometimes tours for a preservation class, you might attach to them and monitor the class if they are willing. The government owns it now (for taxes probably), and you might arrange a solitary tour for research and publishing purposes. Hey, a paragraph in a blog is still publishing 😬
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That’s a good idea. Thanks!
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Thank you so much for theses posts. I look forward to receiving them.
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Thank you, Shannon! I really appreciate the support.
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Oh, what a great explore!
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What a structure! I like the architectural choices that were made, well maybe not the bath colors.
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Why were the renovations halted? This place is worth it!
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A lack of funds.
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May I visit the site? I would feel so honored just to see it. Thank you.
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Hello, I have a weird hobby of learning about the past through abandoned buildings. I particularly enjoy abandoned mental hospitals and asylums. I absolutely love your site, I’ve been binge reading lol. Would there be any chance you would explore Selma, Alabama? My family is from there and the city has been on a rapid decline and there’s tons of abandoned buildings and even an abandoned Air Force base.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve photographed the Mishkan Temple in downtown Selma but I haven’t had a chance to really explore much of the city. I plan to go back soon and see more. That Air Force base sounds really interesting.
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I spent the last 4 years renovating/refurbishing a 1924 craftsman in Birmingham Al. i’m putting it on the market Jan1 and am looking for another project. Do you come across homes that have ocean access that are for sale? i’m looking for something around Jacksonville Florida area.
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Elise, check out American Beach a little north of Jacksonville.
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