National Register Listing

Bell House

a.k.a. Biggs House

550 Upper Kingston Rd., Prattville, AL

The Bell House is eligible for listing in the National Register under Criteria C, Architecture. The Bell House is significant as an outstanding example of the Queen Anne style of architecture, a Victorian house form that reached its zenith in Alabama at the turn of the 20th century.

The Bell House is eligible for listing in the National Register under Criterion C, Architecture. The Bell House is significant as an outstanding example of the Queen Anne style of architecture, a Victorian house form that reached its zenith in Alabama at the turn of the 20th century but persisted locally as late as 1920. With its classical order columnar porch supports and detailing, the Bell House is an example of the "Free Classic" variant of the Queen Anne style, identified by architectural historians as a close relative of the first generation of Colonial Revival homes.) Most often constructed in urban areas, Queen Anne houses were usually large in scale and most often built of wood. Demonstrative of a high level of craftsmanship, and resplendent in the eclecticism and sophistication of its interior, the Bell House is an important representation of the aesthetics of the urban upper class during the late 19th century. The eclectic stylistic details of the interior reflect a wide range of historicist design, giving evidence to the broad education of the house's architect and to the voluminous breadth of Victorian tastes. The home, which is the most elaborate and high-styled example of Queen Anne architecture remaining in Prattville, was constructed in 1893 for Joseph Bennett Bell, a merchant who was a son-in-law of prominent local industrialist Merrill Pratt. The Bell House is also significant as its design has been attributed to prominent architect Frank Lockwood (1869-1936,) a native of New Jersey who had established a practice in Columbus, Georgia by the time of the home's construction.
Local significance of the building:
Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1999.

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.

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The University of Alabama was the site of one of the most dramatic moments in college football history. In 1970, legendary Alabama head coach Bear Bryant walked onto the field during a game against Southern California and ordered his team to remove their helmets as a sign of respect for the recent passing of USC's coach.
Alabama random facts
Autauga County, located in central Alabama, has a rich and diverse history. The area was inhabited by Native American tribes for thousands of years before the arrival of European settlers. The region's first major European settlement was established in 1817 when Benjamin Fitzpatrick and his brother-in-law, William Wythe, built several cabins along the Autauga Creek. The county was named in honor of the Autauga Tribe, who once lived in the area.

During the early 19th century, Autauga County witnessed rapid growth and development. The arrival of the railroad in the 1830s led to increased agricultural production, particularly in cotton. The county quickly became a hub for cotton plantations, attracting settlers and enslaved African Americans who worked in the cotton fields. In 1860, Autauga County was one of the top cotton-producing counties in Alabama.

The Civil War had a profound impact on Autauga County, as it did on the rest of the South. Many men from the county enlisted in the Confederate Army, with some joining famous units like the 20th Alabama Infantry Regiment. The war resulted in significant loss of life and property damage, disrupting the region's socio-economic fabric.

After the war, Autauga County faced the challenges of Reconstruction. The county's economy gradually shifted from agriculture to industry, with the establishment of mills and factories. The arrival of the timber industry in the late 19th century also contributed to the county's economic growth. However, it wasn't until the 20th century that Autauga County experienced significant industrial and population growth. Today, it is a thriving county with a blend of historical charm and modern amenities.

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

  • 1818: Autauga County was established on November 21, 1818, as a county in the Alabama Territory.
  • 1820: The county seat was established in the town of Washington.
  • 1830: Autauga County experienced significant population growth with an increase in cotton production.
  • 1861-1865: Autauga County residents participated in the American Civil War, with many serving in the Confederate Army.
  • 1866: The county seat was moved to Prattville, which became a thriving industrial town.
  • 1930s: Autauga County faced economic challenges during the Great Depression.
  • 1950s-1960s: The Civil Rights Movement brought significant changes and challenges to Autauga County.
  • 1970s-1990s: The county experienced steady growth and development in various sectors, including industry and education.
  • 2000s: Autauga County continued to grow as a commuter community for nearby Montgomery.