National Register Listing

Boxwood Plantation Slave Quarter

a.k.a. The Little Brick

20416 AL 20, Courtland, AL
Local significance of the building:
Architecture; Black; Historic - Non-aboriginal

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2013.

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.

architecture ethnic heritage black non-aboriginal
The state of Alabama played a significant role in the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 60s. The Montgomery Bus Boycott, which was sparked by Rosa Parks' refusal to give up her seat on a bus, took place in Montgomery, Alabama in 1955. The city was also the site of the Selma to Montgomery marches in 1965, which were a key event in the struggle for voting rights for African Americans.
Alabama random facts
Lawrence County, Alabama, located in the northern part of the state, has a rich and diverse history. The region was first inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Chickasaw and Creek. In the 19th century, European settlers arrived, with the county being named after James Lawrence, an American naval officer. Lawrence County quickly developed as an agricultural center, with cotton becoming the primary crop.

During the American Civil War, Lawrence County played a significant role. It was occupied by both Union and Confederate forces at different times. In 1864, the area experienced the Battle of Day's Gap, a key engagement in the Union Army's efforts to destroy the Confederate supply line. Over time, the county's economy shifted away from agriculture, and industries such as coal mining and textile production began to emerge.

In the 20th century, Lawrence County continued to progress and face challenges. The Great Depression in the 1930s had a profound impact on the local economy, leading to increased poverty and unemployment rates. However, the introduction of the Tennessee Valley Authority's Wheeler Dam in the 1930s brought much-needed infrastructure and electricity to the region, stimulating economic growth.

Today, Lawrence County is known for its rich natural resources, including the William B. Bankhead National Forest and the Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge. The county is also home to Moulton, the county seat, which hosts the annual Cotton Festival. With its diverse history and natural beauty, Lawrence County remains an important part of Alabama's cultural and economic landscape.

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

  • 1818 - Lawrence County is created as a part of the Alabama Territory
  • 1830 - The county seat is established in Moulton
  • 1840s - Lawrence County becomes a major center for cotton farming
  • 1862 - During the American Civil War, the county is occupied by Union forces
  • 1873 - The county courthouse in Moulton is destroyed by fire
  • 1891 - The Alabama Girls' Industrial School, now known as the University of North Alabama, is established in Florence
  • 1933 - The Bankhead National Forest is established, covering parts of Lawrence County
  • 1974 - The Oakville Indian Mounds Archaeological Park is opened, showcasing ancient Native American mounds
  • 1992 - The town of Hillsboro is added to Lawrence County
  • 2011 - The Willie Mays Boyhood Home and Museum is opened in Westfield, honoring the baseball legend's childhood