National Register Listing

Southern Railway Depot

200 N. Center Ave., Piedmont, AL
Local significance of the building:
Transportation; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1984.

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.

transportation architecture
Alabama was the first state in the United States to declare Christmas a legal holiday, in 1836.
Alabama random facts
Calhoun County, Alabama, is located in the northeastern part of the state. The region that now encompasses Calhoun County was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Creek and Cherokee. In the early 1800s, European settlers began to put down roots in the area, attracted by the fertile land and abundant natural resources such as timber and minerals.

The county was established in 1832 and named after John C. Calhoun, a prominent South Carolina statesman and Vice President of the United States. During the 19th century, Calhoun County experienced rapid growth and development, thanks in large part to the growth of the textile industry. Textile mills sprang up across the county, creating jobs and transforming the county's economy.

Calhoun County played a significant role in the Civil War. As part of the Confederacy, the county saw several battles and skirmishes, including the Battle of Morton's Ford and the Battle of Blue Mountain. After the war, the county worked to rebuild and diversify its economy, with the textile industry remaining an important sector.

In the 20th century, Calhoun County continued to evolve. The county saw the rise of the automobile industry, with several manufacturing plants opening up in the area. Additionally, the expansion of education and healthcare institutions, including Jacksonville State University and Anniston Regional Medical Center, further contributed to the county's growth and development. Today, Calhoun County is known for its thriving manufacturing sector, educational opportunities, and natural beauty, making it a desirable place to live and work.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Calhoun County, Alabama.

  • 1832 - Calhoun County is established, named after John C. Calhoun, the seventh Vice President of the United States.
  • 1834 - Jacksonville is chosen as the county seat.
  • 1836 - The county experiences rapid growth due to the Creek War and the removal of Native American tribes.
  • 1861-1865 - Calhoun County strongly supports the Confederacy during the American Civil War.
  • 1867 - Anniston is founded as a planned industrial city.
  • 1872 - The first railroad is completed in the county, connecting Anniston to Atlanta, Georgia.
  • 1887 - Oxford is incorporated as a city.
  • 1929 - Fort McClellan is established as an Army infantry training center.
  • 1936 - The Talladega National Forest is declared, encompassing parts of Calhoun County.
  • 1961 - The Anniston Army Depot is established, becoming an important military installation.
  • 1992 - Jacksonville State University wins the NCAA Division II Football Championship.
  • 2001 - The former Fort McClellan is decommissioned and becomes the Center for Domestic Preparedness.