Montgomery-Janes-Whittaker House
a.k.a. Buena Vista
S of Prattville off AL 14, Prattville, ALThe Montgomery-Janes-Whittaker Home is Federal in design. It is significant in the cultural development of the Central Alabama Region as one of the very earliest examples of the elegant plantation homes which incorporated European fashions and materials into an essentially pioneer pattern of life and resulted in the indigenous "Deep Southern" architecture. The most interesting features of the structure are the delicately Grafted fanlights over the front entrances and in the gable ends.
William Montgomery, who built the home about 1822, was a close friend of Alabama's first great industrialist, Daniel Pratt and, according to the family story, of General Andrew Jackson, both of whom visited in the home. It is said Jackson so highly regarded the staircase that he had it copied for the Hermitage in Nashville. A comparison of the two staircases shows them to be almost identical and the Hermitage staircase was constructed in 1834, twelve years after the Montgomery house was built; the staircase in the Dr. Edgar Pope home in Prattville is also very similar.
According to the family history by Mrs. Annie Mae Montgomery Martin, many materials for the house were prepared in Birmingham, England and shipped to Washington Landing on the Alabama River, where they were transferred to wagons and drawn by six mule teams to the site. Hardware bears a Birmingham hallmark. The craftsmen that executed the elaborate plaster cornice mouldings and ceiling medallions reportedly came from England to complete the on-site construction and finishings.
"Buena Vista" as the home was called by the Montgomerys, remained in their possession until 1910 when it was purchased by Mary Emma Scott Stewarl:, who held title to the house until 1932 when the Federal Land Bank foreclosed a mortgage. The Stewarts added the present portico and a balcony as well as three gables. In 1936 the home was purchased by Mr. and Mrs. Fred Whittaker. Over a period of years the latter owners removed the
gables added by the Stewarts. The house has been restored and furnished with appropriate period pieces. Jack Whittaker is the present owner.
William Montgomery, who built the home about 1822, was a close friend of Alabama's first great industrialist, Daniel Pratt and, according to the family story, of General Andrew Jackson, both of whom visited in the home. It is said Jackson so highly regarded the staircase that he had it copied for the Hermitage in Nashville. A comparison of the two staircases shows them to be almost identical and the Hermitage staircase was constructed in 1834, twelve years after the Montgomery house was built; the staircase in the Dr. Edgar Pope home in Prattville is also very similar.
According to the family history by Mrs. Annie Mae Montgomery Martin, many materials for the house were prepared in Birmingham, England and shipped to Washington Landing on the Alabama River, where they were transferred to wagons and drawn by six mule teams to the site. Hardware bears a Birmingham hallmark. The craftsmen that executed the elaborate plaster cornice mouldings and ceiling medallions reportedly came from England to complete the on-site construction and finishings.
"Buena Vista" as the home was called by the Montgomerys, remained in their possession until 1910 when it was purchased by Mary Emma Scott Stewarl:, who held title to the house until 1932 when the Federal Land Bank foreclosed a mortgage. The Stewarts added the present portico and a balcony as well as three gables. In 1936 the home was purchased by Mr. and Mrs. Fred Whittaker. Over a period of years the latter owners removed the
gables added by the Stewarts. The house has been restored and furnished with appropriate period pieces. Jack Whittaker is the present owner.
Bibliography
Historic American Buildings Survey, 1934.
Martin, Annie Mae M. "History of the Montgomery Family" (Unpublished manuscript, 1940)
Martin, Annie Mae M. "History of the Montgomery Family" (Unpublished manuscript, 1940)
Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1974.
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 was the first state in the United States to declare Christmas a legal holiday, in 1836.
About Autauga County
Autauga County Timeline
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.
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.
Autauga County Timeline
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.