South Street Historic District

Roughly bounded by South, Oliver, and McKenzie Sts., Greenville, AL
The South Street Historic District is a good example of an early 20th-century residential neighborhood with predominantly moderate-income housing ranging from c 1910 to 1936. The district is primarily comprised of good examples of the 1920s and early 30's cottages with Arts and Crafts, Bungalow, and Colonial Revival detailing. A few larger houses with late Victorian Queen Anne elements are also included.

The South Street Historic District is located on the north side of W. Commerce Street around the intersection of South and McKenzie Streets. All of the houses (c 1910-1936) are modest middle-income residences positioned close to the narrow streets on small lots. Architectural styles exhibited are Queen Anne, Colonial Revival, Arts and Crafts, and Bungalow. The one to two-story frame houses is closely spaced adding to the overall neighborhood feeling.

The first house built in this section was constructed on the corner of South and Oliver Streets around 1910 by Amos Newton. The large number of bungalows found in the district were constructed between 1915 and the mid-1920s. The lots in the district were sold to individuals who then had their houses constructed on them. The only two-story house in the district, located on McKenzie Street, was constructed around 1917 by David Kern. The bungalow on the east corner of McKenzie Street and South Street was erected around 1918 by Harris Johnson.
Local significance of the district:
Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1986.

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 first state in the United States to declare Christmas a legal holiday, in 1836.
Butler County, located in the southern part of Alabama, has a rich and diverse history that dates back thousands of years. The region was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, particularly the Creek and Choctaw nations. These tribes thrived in the area due to its fertile soil and abundant natural resources.

The first European settlers arrived in Butler County during the early 1800s, primarily from Georgia and South Carolina. They were attracted to the region's potential for agriculture, as the fertile soil was perfect for cultivating crops like cotton and corn. The influx of settlers led to the establishment of towns and communities such as Greenville, the county seat.

Butler County played a significant role in the Civil War, with many young men from the area enlisting in the Confederate Army. The county was occupied by Union troops for a significant portion of the war, causing disruptions to the agricultural economy and the local population.

In the years following the Civil War, Butler County experienced a period of reconstruction and recovery. The economy slowly rebounded, and the introduction of the railroad in the late 19th century played a significant role in the county's growth. With the arrival of the railroad, industries such as timber, turpentine, and livestock thrived in the area.

Today, Butler County continues to be a hub of agriculture and industry in Alabama. Its rich history is evident in the numerous historic sites and landmarks that can be found throughout the county, serving as a reminder of the resilience and determination of its people throughout the years.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Butler County, Alabama.

  • 1819: Butler County is established as a county in the state of Alabama.
  • 1820: The town of Greenville is established as the county seat of Butler County.
  • 1821: The first courthouse in Butler County is constructed in Greenville.
  • 1832: The first post office is established in Greenville.
  • 1850: The population of Butler County reaches 7,745 residents.
  • 1861-1865: During the American Civil War, Butler County supports the Confederacy.
  • 1879: The first railroad is built in Butler County, connecting Greenville to Montgomery.
  • 1899: The Boll Weevil, an agricultural pest, arrives in Butler County, causing significant damage to the cotton industry.
  • 1919: The first paved road is constructed in Butler County, connecting Greenville to Georgiana.
  • 1939-1945: Butler County contributes to the war effort during World War II, with many residents serving in the armed forces.
  • 1965: Butler County participates in the Civil Rights Movement, including the Selma to Montgomery marches.
  • 2000: The population of Butler County is 21,399 residents.
  • 2010: The population of Butler County decreases to 20,947 residents.