National Register Listing

Dowling, Samuel Lawson, House

a.k.a. Dowling--Murphree House

311 Owens St., Ozark, AL
Local significance of the building:
Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1996.

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.

architecture houses residential buildings
The city of Mobile, Alabama is home to the oldest Mardi Gras celebration in the United States. The first Mardi Gras parade in Mobile took place in 1703, just one year after the city was founded by the French.
Alabama random facts
Dale County, Alabama has a rich and diverse history that dates back thousands of years. The area was initially inhabited by indigenous groups such as the Creek and Cherokee tribes. They lived off the land and had a strong connection to the natural resources around them.

In the early 1800s, European settlers began to move into the area, attracted by the fertile land and abundant resources. In 1824, Dale County was officially established and named after Samuel Dale, a well-known frontiersman and soldier. The county quickly became a hub of agricultural activity, with cotton becoming the primary crop.

During the Civil War, Dale County saw significant military action. The Battle of Newton in 1865, one of the last battles of the war, took place in the county and resulted in a Confederate victory. The war had a profound impact on the area, leading to economic hardships and social changes.

Following the war, Dale County shifted its focus to industrial development. Railroad lines were built, connecting the county to major cities and markets. This allowed the growth of industries such as timber, manufacturing, and mining. The county's economy diversified, and communities like Ozark and Daleville thrived.

Today, Dale County continues to be a vibrant and thriving part of Alabama. Its history is celebrated through museums and historical sites, preserving the rich legacy of its indigenous peoples, settlers, and soldiers. The county remains an important agricultural and industrial region, while also embracing the natural beauty and recreational opportunities that make it a desirable place to live and visit.

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

  • 1824: Dale County is established as the 50th county in Alabama.
  • 1830s: European settlers begin to move into the area.
  • 1861-1865: Dale County residents actively participate in the American Civil War.
  • 1868: The town of Ozark is founded and becomes the county seat.
  • Late 1800s: The community experiences significant growth due to the timber and agricultural industries.
  • Early 1900s: Infrastructure development, including the establishment of railroads, further stimulates economic growth.
  • 1930s: The Great Depression negatively impacts the local economy.
  • 1940s: Dale County contributes to the war effort during World War II.
  • 1970s: The construction of the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail attracts tourists and boosts the local economy.
  • 2008: Dale County gains national attention after the hostage crisis at Midland City.