National Register Listing

Bankhead, James Greer, House

a.k.a. Forrest Home

Wolf Rd., Sulligent, AL
Local significance of the building:
Politics/government; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1975.

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.

politics government architecture houses residential buildings
The city of Tuskegee, Alabama is the birthplace of the Tuskegee Airmen, the first African American military pilots. During World War II, the Tuskegee Airmen were trained at the Tuskegee Institute and went on to fly over 1,500 missions in the war.
Alabama random facts
Lamar County, Alabama, is situated in the northwest part of the state. It was established on February 4, 1867, and was named after Lucius Quintus Cincinnatus Lamar, a senator from Mississippi. Prior to its establishment, the area was mainly inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Choctaw and Chickasaw.

In the early years of Lamar County's history, agriculture played a significant role in its economy. The fertile soil and favorable climate made it suitable for cultivating crops like cotton, corn, and peanuts. Consequently, many farmers settled in the area, leading to the growth of small towns and communities.

During the Civil War, Lamar County, like other parts of Alabama, was greatly impacted. Many men from the county enlisted in the Confederate Army, and the area saw its fair share of battles and skirmishes. The post-war period brought challenges and hardships for the county, but the resilience and determination of the residents helped rebuild the area's economy and infrastructure.

Throughout the 20th century, Lamar County continued to develop and grow. The discovery of natural resources like coal and natural gas brought new opportunities for economic expansion. The county also saw advancements in education, healthcare, and infrastructure, improving the quality of life for its residents. Today, Lamar County embraces its rich history while looking towards the future, with a diverse economy that includes agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Lamar County, Alabama.

  • 1867: Lamar County is established on February 4, from portions of Marion, Fayette, and Pickens Counties.
  • 1870: The first courthouse is built in Vernon.
  • 1886: The town of Sulligent is incorporated.
  • 1896: A tornado destroys the courthouse in Vernon.
  • 1900: A new courthouse is built in Vernon.
  • 1974: A dam is constructed on the Buttahatchee River, creating the Lamar County Lake.
  • 1990: The population reaches its highest point at 16,830.
  • 2011: The town of Millport is hit by an EF3 tornado, causing significant damage.
  • 2020: Lamar County celebrates its sesquicentennial anniversary.