Texas, The
a.k.a. Dryer House;Brunell House
306 Dryer Ave., Daphne, AL
In 1833 William L. Howard purchased over a hundred acres on the bluffs of Mobile Bay's Eastern Shore. The small community which existed there depended on the steamers to Mobile for commerce and supplies. This community, soon to be named Daphne, was then called Bell Rose. Howard realized the possibilities for a hotel and in 1835 constructed a large guest house with attendant cottages on his land overlooking the bay. The cottages were named the Texas, the California, the Long Branch and the Homestead. By 1850 Howard owned real estate worth $10,000 and the hotel enjoyed steady business. After his death, his widow sold the property to William Dryer in 1894.
Dryer continued to operate the complex as a hotel, renamed the Daphne Springs Hotel. In 1907 Dryer moved the Texas onto an adjacent lot and pulled down the other cottages. The Texas served as a residence for the Dryers and subsequent owners down through the years. The only significant changes in the building were made by the Dryers after the 1907 move.
Local significance of the building:
Dryer continued to operate the complex as a hotel, renamed the Daphne Springs Hotel. In 1907 Dryer moved the Texas onto an adjacent lot and pulled down the other cottages. The Texas served as a residence for the Dryers and subsequent owners down through the years. The only significant changes in the building were made by the Dryers after the 1907 move.
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.
The first known use of the phrase "Roll Tide" was in a 1907 Birmingham News article that referred to the University of Alabama football team. The phrase became a rallying cry for Alabama football fans and is still used today.
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 concise overview of the key events in 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.