Street House

Wood Acres Rd. off CR 3, Point Clear, AL
In September of 1906 the Mobile Bay area was devastated by a hurricane. Damage to the communities along the Eastern Shore and the bays and bayous of Baldwin County was extensive. Among the many displaced families was that of William Street, a farmer whose residence on Weeks Bay was destroyed. William moved his wife and children into a new residence less than a mile from Mobile Bay in Point Clear. Most of the residents of Point Clear lived immediately on the shore line or very near it. The land to the east was suitable for agriculture, resulting in the establishment of farms in this location, particularly after the turn of the century. Street's sons Charles, 19 and Luther, 16, helped their father farm the land until his death shortly after 1906. The family continued to reside in the house and in the late 1920s Charles married. Though the house was vacant from 1960 to 1985, it remained in the family and was renovated by the present owner, H. Vaughn Street, III in 1984.
Local significance of the building:
Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1988.

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 is home to the largest cast iron statue in the world. The Vulcan statue, located in Birmingham, stands 56 feet tall and weighs over 100,000 pounds. It was built in 1904 for the St. Louis World's Fair and was later brought to Birmingham as a symbol of the city's industrial might.
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.

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.