Swift-Coles House
a.k.a. Swift House; The Big House
1 Swift Coles Ln., Bon Secour, ALThe Swift-Coles historic house is a exemplary extant example of an early 20th century Gulf Coast inspired residence which has been transitioned into a public house museum. The architectural and timber building tradition of Gulf Coast residences is evidenced by the three significant periods of construction, ranging from 1882 to 1910. The residence began as a simple four-room dogtrot cabin in 1882 and was expanded in 1902 and again in 1910 to meet the residential and climatic conditions of a residence on the Alabama Gulf Coast. The interior arrangement allowing for a cross-breeze and three exte1ior double galleries indicate a strong relationship between the
functions of the built environment and realities of the comfort and climate before the installation of electricity. Exterior architectural detailing reflects a coastal combination of detailing influenced by Gulf Coast and localized vernacular arrangements, differentiating the residence from the Greek Revival, Classical Revival, and Italianate plantation residences of the period in the upstate portions of Alabama. Having survived a century of hurricanes and the aggressive population expansion and c01mnercial/residential development of Baldwin County in the 21 st
century, the residence stands as an icon representative of the architectural history of Bon Secour and south Baldwin County during the period of American settlement.
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2016.
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.