Beckner House
a.k.a. Baker House
63 S. Church St., Fairhope, ALIn March of 1905 the Fairhope Single-Tax Corporation purchased the De La Mare Tract, approximately five acres between Church Street and Section Street in the heart of town. In November of 1905 the Fairhope Courier noted that J. M. Beckner, his wife and daughter were planning to "get up a cottage on a lot" in the new tract. J. M. Beckner was a 63-year old Single-Taxer born in Indiana who came South to participate in the Fairhope experiment. He chose E. D. Brann, a contractor from Minneapolis, to build his new home. Brann served as local fire chief and had a good reputation in the community. By late January of 1906 the foundation had been laid and by April the house was finished. The Courier noted, "This is one of the most attractive and comfortable homes in Fairhope...and an ornament to the town." The Beckner's were in their new house only five months when the hurricane of 1906 struck, heavily damaging Fairhope. "Mr. Beckner's nice new home looks all serene from the outside..." reported the Courier in an assessment of damage to the town. Nonetheless, some $200-$300 damage to the interior resulted from lashing rains penetrating through to the plaster walls. Since the 1906 storm, there have been no serious threats to the integrity of the house.
Local significance of the building:
Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1988.
About National Register Listings
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
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The first European settlement in Alabama was established in 1702 by the French at Fort Louis de la Mobile, which is now the city of Mobile. It was named after Louis XIV of France and was the capital of French Louisiana until 1711.
About Baldwin County
Baldwin County Timeline
Baldwin County, AL, located on the Gulf Coast, has a rich and diverse history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, such as the Creek, Choctaw, and Chickasaw, who relied on the abundant natural resources of the region for their livelihoods.
In the 16th century, Spanish explorers arrived in the area and claimed it as part of their territory. They established settlements and missions, but their presence was short-lived as the French, British, and eventually the United States asserted control over the region. The county is named after Abraham Baldwin, a delegate from Georgia who signed the U.S. Constitution.
During the 19th century, Baldwin County became an important hub for shipping and commerce due to its strategic location and access to waterways. The towns of Daphne, Fairhope, and Bay Minette thrived as trading centers, attracting settlers from various backgrounds and cultures. The county also played a significant role in the Civil War, with some areas supporting the Confederacy and others remaining Unionist.
In the early 20th century, Baldwin County experienced a period of economic growth and development. The discovery of oil and natural gas reserves in the region brought new opportunities, and agriculture, particularly the growth of timber and citrus, continued to be important industries. The county also became a popular tourist destination, known for its pristine beaches and charming towns.
Today, Baldwin County remains a vibrant and growing community. It is one of the fastest-growing counties in Alabama, experiencing a boom in residential and commercial development. The county's rich history and natural beauty continue to attract visitors and residents alike, making it a desirable place to live, work, and play.
In the 16th century, Spanish explorers arrived in the area and claimed it as part of their territory. They established settlements and missions, but their presence was short-lived as the French, British, and eventually the United States asserted control over the region. The county is named after Abraham Baldwin, a delegate from Georgia who signed the U.S. Constitution.
During the 19th century, Baldwin County became an important hub for shipping and commerce due to its strategic location and access to waterways. The towns of Daphne, Fairhope, and Bay Minette thrived as trading centers, attracting settlers from various backgrounds and cultures. The county also played a significant role in the Civil War, with some areas supporting the Confederacy and others remaining Unionist.
In the early 20th century, Baldwin County experienced a period of economic growth and development. The discovery of oil and natural gas reserves in the region brought new opportunities, and agriculture, particularly the growth of timber and citrus, continued to be important industries. The county also became a popular tourist destination, known for its pristine beaches and charming towns.
Today, Baldwin County remains a vibrant and growing community. It is one of the fastest-growing counties in Alabama, experiencing a boom in residential and commercial development. The county's rich history and natural beauty continue to attract visitors and residents alike, making it a desirable place to live, work, and play.
Baldwin County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Baldwin County, Alabama.
- 1800 - Baldwin County was established on December 21.
- 1809 - The county seat was established in Blakeley.
- 1868 - The county seat was moved to Daphne.
- 1901 - The county seat was moved to Bay Minette.
- 1907 - The first Baldwin County Courthouse was built in Bay Minette.
- 2005 - Hurricane Katrina caused significant damage in the county.
- 2010 - The population of Baldwin County exceeded 180,000 residents.