Moore Store

a.k.a. Moore Brothers General Store

14770 Oak St., Magnolia Springs, AL

The Moore Store is eligible for the National Register under Criteria A for its commercial associations to the town of Magnolia Springs.

The Moore Store is eligible for the National Register under Criteria A for its commercial associations to the town of Magnolia Springs. The Moore Store is the oldest and lone survivor of a series of small general stores operated for the rural community of Magnolia Springs. Following a flood in 1914, the store was relocated from the River by the owners Arthur and George Holk. At the end of 1922, the new store was destroyed by fire and immediately rebuilt. Soon afterward, the Moore Brothers purchased it and operated the business well into the 1960s. With the spread of the automobile and the growing importance of the City of Foley, that town's supermarkets and dime stores replaced the need for the small rural general store, and it closed with the death of the last owner. The building went through a series of hands including an owner who used it as a motorcycle repair shop. The demise of that business left the building vacant and deterioration began.

Located at the main intersection before crossing the Magnolia River Bridge, the building along with the adjacent post office (closed) and the neighboring school (demolished) served as the nexus for the community. With the nearby churches and Community Center that have survived, the Moore Store has been, and is the most identifiable resource in Magnolia Springs. Its strategic location and importance in daily life were major factors in the development of the area away from the residences on the River, and contributed to the expansion of the community.
Local significance of the building:
Commerce

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2001.

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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Alabama was the birthplace of some of the most famous musicians in history, including Hank Williams, Nat King Cole, and W.C. Handy, who is often referred to as the "Father of the Blues."
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.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey 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.