St. Paul's Episcopal Church
N side Oak Ave., Magnolia Springs, ALMagnolia Springs was founded in 1871 by winter-weary mid-westerners. Attracted by the natural springs and salubrious climate, these people constructed hotels and vacation cottages along the banks of the Magnolia River. The community was officially named Magnolia Springs in 1885; it had been known as Magnolia Plantation. Though there had been an active turpentining operation in the area before the Civil War, it was the mid-westerners who
fashioned and built the community.
There was no church of any denomination in .Magnolia Springs for many years. Devout residents held services in each others homes and invited preachers from nearby communities. In the 1890s land was donated for a church
and a community hall with the latter soon completed. Construction of an Episcopal Church lagged until sufficient funds had been raised. Building began in 1901 and the church was consecrated in 1902 by Bishop Robert W. Barnwell. St. Paul's Episcopal Church survived the 1916 hurricane, though it was blown off its foundations. St. Paul's remained the only church in town for nearly fifty years and continues services to this day.
Local significance of the building:
fashioned and built the community.
There was no church of any denomination in .Magnolia Springs for many years. Devout residents held services in each others homes and invited preachers from nearby communities. In the 1890s land was donated for a church
and a community hall with the latter soon completed. Construction of an Episcopal Church lagged until sufficient funds had been raised. Building began in 1901 and the church was consecrated in 1902 by Bishop Robert W. Barnwell. St. Paul's Episcopal Church survived the 1916 hurricane, though it was blown off its foundations. St. Paul's remained the only church in town for nearly fifty years and continues services to this day.
Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1988.
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 birthplace of some of the most famous musicians in history, including Hank Williams, Nat King Cole, and W.C. Handy, who is often referred to as the "Father of the Blues."
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 condensed summary of the historical journey 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.