Davidson-Smitherman House
167 Third Ave., Centreville, ALThe Davidson-Smitherman House is significant as one of the remaining two out-standing pre-Civil War residences in Bibb County and as one of the two earliest and least altered extant residences constructed by Centreville' s premiere building partnership. Built in 1837, the Davidson-Smitherman and Henry-Kennedy. Houses illustrate the first wave of substantial home building in Centreville and are among the earliest domestic buildings attributed to George Howard (1802-67) and Enoch Carson (1797-1846). Only two other local houses document the work of Howard and/or Carson — the 1834 Howard House (which has suffered substantial cosmetic alterations)and the 1846 Mayberry-Moren House (locally believed to have been completed after Carson's death). The 2 1/2-story Davidson-Smitherman House has a full brick basement and an abundance of Federal Period detailing best exemplified in the window treatments(12/12 downstairs and 12/8 upstairs), the center hall floor plan, exterior end-wing chimneys, continuous reverse flight stairs to the 3rd floor and the Federal Period wainscotting, trims and mantels.
Local significance of the building:
Military; Exploration/settlement; 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.
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Alabama was the first state in the United States to declare Christmas a legal holiday, in 1836.
About Bibb County
Bibb County Timeline
Bibb County, Alabama has a rich history dating back to its establishment in 1818. The county was named after William W. Bibb, the first governor of Alabama. Originally, the area was inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Choctaw and Creek tribes. However, European settlers began to move into the area in the early 19th century.
The county experienced significant growth during the 19th century, largely due to the construction of the Alabama and Tennessee River Railroad in the 1850s. This railroad brought economic opportunities and allowed for the transportation of goods and people. The county became known for its iron and coal mining industries, attracting workers from different parts of the country.
During the American Civil War, Bibb County was divided in its loyalties, with some residents supporting the Union and others supporting the Confederacy. The county witnessed several skirmishes and battles between the two sides, including the Battle of Ebenezer Church. Following the war, the county faced economic challenges as a result of the destruction caused by the conflict.
In the 20th century, Bibb County experienced further growth and development. Many schools, churches, and businesses were established, contributing to the county's prosperity. Today, Bibb County continues to be an important center for agriculture, with cotton, soybeans, and cattle being major industries in the region. The county also offers beautiful natural scenery, with attractions such as the Bibb County Glades Preserve and the Cahaba River.
The county experienced significant growth during the 19th century, largely due to the construction of the Alabama and Tennessee River Railroad in the 1850s. This railroad brought economic opportunities and allowed for the transportation of goods and people. The county became known for its iron and coal mining industries, attracting workers from different parts of the country.
During the American Civil War, Bibb County was divided in its loyalties, with some residents supporting the Union and others supporting the Confederacy. The county witnessed several skirmishes and battles between the two sides, including the Battle of Ebenezer Church. Following the war, the county faced economic challenges as a result of the destruction caused by the conflict.
In the 20th century, Bibb County experienced further growth and development. Many schools, churches, and businesses were established, contributing to the county's prosperity. Today, Bibb County continues to be an important center for agriculture, with cotton, soybeans, and cattle being major industries in the region. The county also offers beautiful natural scenery, with attractions such as the Bibb County Glades Preserve and the Cahaba River.
Bibb County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Bibb County, Alabama.
- 1818: Bibb County is established on February 7, 1818, as a county in the state of Alabama.
- 1820: The first census is taken and shows a population of 1,104 residents in Bibb County.
- 1839: The town of Bibbville becomes the county seat.
- 1861: Bibb County and Alabama join the Confederacy during the American Civil War.
- 1870: The population of Bibb County reaches 11,069 after the war.
- 1899: The Wilsonville Coal Company is established, leading to increased industrialization in the county.
- 1974: Bibb County celebrates its bicentennial anniversary.
- 1996: The Talladega National Forest is established, including parts of Bibb County.
- 2005: Bibb County is severely affected by Hurricane Katrina, causing extensive damage and loss.
- 2019: The population of Bibb County stands at approximately 22,915 residents.