National Register Listing

Oates House

a.k.a. Shoemaker House

402 Kirkland St., Abbeville, AL
Local significance of the building:
Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1989.

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
Audiobooks about the history of Alabama.
The first European settlement in Alabama was established in 1702 by the French at Fort Louis de la Mobile, which is now the city of Mobile. It was named after Louis XIV of France and was the capital of French Louisiana until 1711.
Alabama random facts
Henry County, Alabama is located in the southeastern part of the state. It was established on December 13, 1819, just a few months after Alabama became a state. The county was named after Patrick Henry, a prominent figure in the American Revolution and one of the Founding Fathers of the United States.

In the early years, Henry County was primarily an agricultural area dominated by cotton plantations. Slavery played a significant role in the county's economy, with enslaved people working in the fields and on the plantations. The county saw some growth and development during this period, with the establishment of small towns and the construction of railroads.

During the Civil War, Henry County became a battleground as Union and Confederate forces clashed in the area. The county saw its fair share of military action, with several skirmishes and battles taking place within its borders. The war left a lasting impact on the county, with many buildings and homes destroyed or damaged.

After the war, Henry County slowly recovered and began to diversify its economy. Industries such as timber, turpentine, and tobacco played an important role in the county's development. The arrival of the railroad also helped facilitate trade and commerce in the area.

Today, Henry County continues to be an agricultural community, with farming and forestry as major industries. The county's rich history is evident in its many historic buildings and landmarks, which serve as a reminder of the challenges and triumphs of its past.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Henry County, Alabama.

  • 1819 - Henry County is created by an act of the Alabama Territorial Legislature.
  • 1820 - The first county seat is established in Franklinville.
  • 1830 - Abbeville becomes the new county seat.
  • 1861-1865 - Henry County residents participate in the American Civil War.
  • 1880 - The Atlantic and Gulf Railroad is completed, promoting economic growth in the county.
  • 1900s - The county experiences various agricultural and industrial developments.
  • 1930s - The Great Depression brings economic hardships to Henry County.
  • 1964 - Lake Eufaula is created with the completion of the Walter F. George Dam.
  • 2000s - Henry County continues to grow and develop, offering a mix of rural and urban areas.