Kirkpatrick House
a.k.a. Bradley House
W of Highland Home on U.S. 331, Highland Home, AL Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1975.
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 several important civil rights landmarks, including the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, which was the site of a deadly bombing in 1963, and the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, which was the site of the "Bloody Sunday" confrontation between civil rights marchers and state troopers in 1965.
In its early years, Crenshaw County relied heavily on agriculture, with cotton being the main cash crop. The fertile soil and favorable climate made it ideal for farming, attracting many settlers to the area. Over time, industries such as timber, turpentine, and peanuts also played a significant role in the county's economic growth.
During the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s, Crenshaw County, like many other parts of the South, experienced racial tensions and struggles. Civil rights activists, including Martin Luther King Jr., spoke out against racial discrimination and advocated for equal rights. While there were instances of violence and resistance, efforts were made to promote integration and equality in the county.
Today, Crenshaw County continues to be primarily an agricultural community, with farming and ranching as major industries. The county is also home to several natural attractions, including the Conecuh National Forest and the picturesque Gantt Lake. The community takes pride in its heritage and celebrates its history through various events and festivals, showcasing the county's unique culture and traditions.
Crenshaw County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Crenshaw County, Alabama.
- 1819 - Crenshaw County is established as an Alabama county
- 1821 - First settlers arrive in the area
- 1830s - County experiences rapid growth due to the arrival of more settlers
- 1833 - Luverne, the county seat, is founded
- 1850s - The construction of the Montgomery and West Point Railroad boosts the local economy
- 1861-1865 - Crenshaw County residents participate in the American Civil War
- 1870 - Population reaches its peak at around 18,000 residents
- 1894 - Crenshaw County courthouse is built
- 1930s - Great Depression brings economic hardship to the county
- 1950s-1970s - Civil rights movement impacts the county, leading to desegregation and social change
- 2005 - Hurricane Ivan causes significant damage to the area