Russellville Commercial Historic District
Along sections of Jackson & Coffee Aves., Lawrence, Lauderdale & Madison Sts., Russellville, AL Local significance of the district: Architecture; Commerce; Politics/government; Religion; Entertainment/recreation
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2019.
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 is home to the largest cast iron statue in the world. The Vulcan statue, located in Birmingham, stands 56 feet tall and weighs over 100,000 pounds. It was built in 1904 for the St. Louis World's Fair and was later brought to Birmingham as a symbol of the city's industrial might.
About Franklin County
Franklin County Timeline
Franklin County, Alabama has a rich history that dates back to its establishment in 1818. Named after Benjamin Franklin, one of America's Founding Fathers, the county has played a significant role in the development of the state. Initially inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Cherokee and Chickasaw, European settlers began arriving in the area in the early 19th century.
The county's early economy relied heavily on agriculture, with cotton becoming a major cash crop. Small communities grew, and the county seat was established in Russellville. The region's growth was temporarily hampered by the difficulties of the Civil War, with many men from Franklin County enlisting in Confederate regiments. However, the area rebounded after the war, and agriculture continued to thrive well into the 20th century.
In addition to agriculture, Franklin County experienced significant industrial growth in the early 20th century. The discovery of coal and the establishment of numerous coal mines attracted a large number of workers to the county, leading to the development of mining towns such as Brilliant and Spruce Pine. The growth of the coal industry brought about infrastructure improvements, including the introduction of railroads, which further drove economic development in the county.
Over the years, Franklin County has continued to evolve, with a shift away from agriculture and mining towards a more diversified economy. Today, the county is home to a range of industries, including manufacturing, retail, and healthcare. It also boasts natural beauty, such as the scenic Bankhead National Forest, which attracts outdoor enthusiasts and tourists alike. With its deep roots in history and its ongoing development, Franklin County remains an important part of Alabama's heritage and economy.
The county's early economy relied heavily on agriculture, with cotton becoming a major cash crop. Small communities grew, and the county seat was established in Russellville. The region's growth was temporarily hampered by the difficulties of the Civil War, with many men from Franklin County enlisting in Confederate regiments. However, the area rebounded after the war, and agriculture continued to thrive well into the 20th century.
In addition to agriculture, Franklin County experienced significant industrial growth in the early 20th century. The discovery of coal and the establishment of numerous coal mines attracted a large number of workers to the county, leading to the development of mining towns such as Brilliant and Spruce Pine. The growth of the coal industry brought about infrastructure improvements, including the introduction of railroads, which further drove economic development in the county.
Over the years, Franklin County has continued to evolve, with a shift away from agriculture and mining towards a more diversified economy. Today, the county is home to a range of industries, including manufacturing, retail, and healthcare. It also boasts natural beauty, such as the scenic Bankhead National Forest, which attracts outdoor enthusiasts and tourists alike. With its deep roots in history and its ongoing development, Franklin County remains an important part of Alabama's heritage and economy.
Franklin County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Franklin County, Alabama.
- 1818 - Franklin County is established as one of the original counties of the Alabama Territory.
- Early 1800s - European settlers began to move into the area, primarily from Tennessee and Georgia.
- 1820s - The county's economy starts to develop with the cultivation of cotton and the establishment of grist mills.
- 1830 - The county seat is moved from Franklin to Russellville.
- Late 1800s - Franklin County experiences a period of growth and industrialization, with the establishment of textile mills and sawmills.
- 1861-1865 - Franklin County residents participate in the American Civil War, with many serving in the Confederate Army.
- 1930s - The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) begins construction of dams in the region, bringing electricity and economic development.
- 1960s - Franklin County becomes a focal point of the Civil Rights Movement, with local activists participating in protests and boycotts.
- 2000s - The county continues to develop its economy, focusing on agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism.