Greenville Public School Complex
101 Butler Circle, Greenville, ALButler County High School (now an elementary school) was constructed in 1925. An addition was made to the building in 1927. This addition was to the east wing and consisted of a hall and two classrooms. This made the U-shaped building more symmetrical because the west wing was longer than the east wing prior to construction. During 1937 and 1938 the P.W.A. constructed a large auditorium, cafeteria, and manual arts training building at the cost of $75,000 to the high school.
The elementary school was named in honor of Walter 0. Parmer a Greenville native who lived in Nashville, Tennessee, and donated $500,000 to a trust fund for Butler County Schools. The plans for the building were submitted to the Greenville School Board in 1925 by J. W. Cooper of the Okel and Cooper architectural firm in Montgomery. Construction on the school, using Cooper's plans under the direction of Dolph Owens, did not begin, however, until 1927. The completed building had nine large classrooms, a library, and a large auditorium as well as office spaces. The auditorium occupies the central part of the building and has a twenty-foot high ceiling that gives the central portion of the building a two-story appearance. In 1936, the Public Works Administration constructed a $9,000 classroom addition to the structure.
Local significance of the building:
The elementary school was named in honor of Walter 0. Parmer a Greenville native who lived in Nashville, Tennessee, and donated $500,000 to a trust fund for Butler County Schools. The plans for the building were submitted to the Greenville School Board in 1925 by J. W. Cooper of the Okel and Cooper architectural firm in Montgomery. Construction on the school, using Cooper's plans under the direction of Dolph Owens, did not begin, however, until 1927. The completed building had nine large classrooms, a library, and a large auditorium as well as office spaces. The auditorium occupies the central part of the building and has a twenty-foot high ceiling that gives the central portion of the building a two-story appearance. In 1936, the Public Works Administration constructed a $9,000 classroom addition to the structure.
Education; Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1986.
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.
Alabama was the first state in the United States to declare Christmas a legal holiday, in 1836.
About Butler County
Butler County Timeline
Butler County, located in the southern part of Alabama, has a rich and diverse history that dates back thousands of years. The region was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, particularly the Creek and Choctaw nations. These tribes thrived in the area due to its fertile soil and abundant natural resources.
The first European settlers arrived in Butler County during the early 1800s, primarily from Georgia and South Carolina. They were attracted to the region's potential for agriculture, as the fertile soil was perfect for cultivating crops like cotton and corn. The influx of settlers led to the establishment of towns and communities such as Greenville, the county seat.
Butler County played a significant role in the Civil War, with many young men from the area enlisting in the Confederate Army. The county was occupied by Union troops for a significant portion of the war, causing disruptions to the agricultural economy and the local population.
In the years following the Civil War, Butler County experienced a period of reconstruction and recovery. The economy slowly rebounded, and the introduction of the railroad in the late 19th century played a significant role in the county's growth. With the arrival of the railroad, industries such as timber, turpentine, and livestock thrived in the area.
Today, Butler County continues to be a hub of agriculture and industry in Alabama. Its rich history is evident in the numerous historic sites and landmarks that can be found throughout the county, serving as a reminder of the resilience and determination of its people throughout the years.
The first European settlers arrived in Butler County during the early 1800s, primarily from Georgia and South Carolina. They were attracted to the region's potential for agriculture, as the fertile soil was perfect for cultivating crops like cotton and corn. The influx of settlers led to the establishment of towns and communities such as Greenville, the county seat.
Butler County played a significant role in the Civil War, with many young men from the area enlisting in the Confederate Army. The county was occupied by Union troops for a significant portion of the war, causing disruptions to the agricultural economy and the local population.
In the years following the Civil War, Butler County experienced a period of reconstruction and recovery. The economy slowly rebounded, and the introduction of the railroad in the late 19th century played a significant role in the county's growth. With the arrival of the railroad, industries such as timber, turpentine, and livestock thrived in the area.
Today, Butler County continues to be a hub of agriculture and industry in Alabama. Its rich history is evident in the numerous historic sites and landmarks that can be found throughout the county, serving as a reminder of the resilience and determination of its people throughout the years.
Butler County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Butler County, Alabama.
- 1819: Butler County is established as a county in the state of Alabama.
- 1820: The town of Greenville is established as the county seat of Butler County.
- 1821: The first courthouse in Butler County is constructed in Greenville.
- 1832: The first post office is established in Greenville.
- 1850: The population of Butler County reaches 7,745 residents.
- 1861-1865: During the American Civil War, Butler County supports the Confederacy.
- 1879: The first railroad is built in Butler County, connecting Greenville to Montgomery.
- 1899: The Boll Weevil, an agricultural pest, arrives in Butler County, causing significant damage to the cotton industry.
- 1919: The first paved road is constructed in Butler County, connecting Greenville to Georgiana.
- 1939-1945: Butler County contributes to the war effort during World War II, with many residents serving in the armed forces.
- 1965: Butler County participates in the Civil Rights Movement, including the Selma to Montgomery marches.
- 2000: The population of Butler County is 21,399 residents.
- 2010: The population of Butler County decreases to 20,947 residents.