Jenkins Farm and House
29040 Jenkins Farm Rd., Loxley, ALThe Jenkins Family Farm House (c. 1935) is significant as extant example of an American Craftsman style Bungalow in Baldwin County, Alabama. As described in detail below, the simple and utilitarian interior layout and exterior detailing combines into an exemplary example of the period and style in terms of a single-family residence. The house was occupied by Amelia Jenkins after construction and her children during various periods over the next twenty years. Two silos and a barn were constructed on site as part of the farm in c. 1960 and the structures
remain as historically contributing elements on the farm/site today. During the period the house was occupied by Amelia and her children, the farm became a model for success and flourished into the largest grossing African-American farms in Alabama and one of the highest grossing family farms in the United States. The financial success of the Jenkins family, predicated on the success of their farm, is significant for the period of significance, covering the 1950’s and 1960’s. The farm and the Jenkins family garnered national recognition during the period, celebrating the success of an African-American family overcoming pre-Civil Rights conditions in Alabama. The house is currently unoccupied and much of the original Jenkins Farm property has been subdivided amongst descendants.
Local significance of the building:
remain as historically contributing elements on the farm/site today. During the period the house was occupied by Amelia and her children, the farm became a model for success and flourished into the largest grossing African-American farms in Alabama and one of the highest grossing family farms in the United States. The financial success of the Jenkins family, predicated on the success of their farm, is significant for the period of significance, covering the 1950’s and 1960’s. The farm and the Jenkins family garnered national recognition during the period, celebrating the success of an African-American family overcoming pre-Civil Rights conditions in Alabama. The house is currently unoccupied and much of the original Jenkins Farm property has been subdivided amongst descendants.
Agriculture; Architecture; Black; Social History
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2016.
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.
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The Confederate submarine H.L. Hunley, which was the first submarine to sink an enemy ship in combat, was built in Mobile, Alabama in 1863.
About Baldwin County
Baldwin County Timeline
Baldwin County, AL, located on the Gulf Coast, has a rich and diverse history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, such as the Creek, Choctaw, and Chickasaw, who relied on the abundant natural resources of the region for their livelihoods.
In the 16th century, Spanish explorers arrived in the area and claimed it as part of their territory. They established settlements and missions, but their presence was short-lived as the French, British, and eventually the United States asserted control over the region. The county is named after Abraham Baldwin, a delegate from Georgia who signed the U.S. Constitution.
During the 19th century, Baldwin County became an important hub for shipping and commerce due to its strategic location and access to waterways. The towns of Daphne, Fairhope, and Bay Minette thrived as trading centers, attracting settlers from various backgrounds and cultures. The county also played a significant role in the Civil War, with some areas supporting the Confederacy and others remaining Unionist.
In the early 20th century, Baldwin County experienced a period of economic growth and development. The discovery of oil and natural gas reserves in the region brought new opportunities, and agriculture, particularly the growth of timber and citrus, continued to be important industries. The county also became a popular tourist destination, known for its pristine beaches and charming towns.
Today, Baldwin County remains a vibrant and growing community. It is one of the fastest-growing counties in Alabama, experiencing a boom in residential and commercial development. The county's rich history and natural beauty continue to attract visitors and residents alike, making it a desirable place to live, work, and play.
In the 16th century, Spanish explorers arrived in the area and claimed it as part of their territory. They established settlements and missions, but their presence was short-lived as the French, British, and eventually the United States asserted control over the region. The county is named after Abraham Baldwin, a delegate from Georgia who signed the U.S. Constitution.
During the 19th century, Baldwin County became an important hub for shipping and commerce due to its strategic location and access to waterways. The towns of Daphne, Fairhope, and Bay Minette thrived as trading centers, attracting settlers from various backgrounds and cultures. The county also played a significant role in the Civil War, with some areas supporting the Confederacy and others remaining Unionist.
In the early 20th century, Baldwin County experienced a period of economic growth and development. The discovery of oil and natural gas reserves in the region brought new opportunities, and agriculture, particularly the growth of timber and citrus, continued to be important industries. The county also became a popular tourist destination, known for its pristine beaches and charming towns.
Today, Baldwin County remains a vibrant and growing community. It is one of the fastest-growing counties in Alabama, experiencing a boom in residential and commercial development. The county's rich history and natural beauty continue to attract visitors and residents alike, making it a desirable place to live, work, and play.
Baldwin County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Baldwin County, Alabama.
- 1800 - Baldwin County was established on December 21.
- 1809 - The county seat was established in Blakeley.
- 1868 - The county seat was moved to Daphne.
- 1901 - The county seat was moved to Bay Minette.
- 1907 - The first Baldwin County Courthouse was built in Bay Minette.
- 2005 - Hurricane Katrina caused significant damage in the county.
- 2010 - The population of Baldwin County exceeded 180,000 residents.