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 Historic
Building Tour
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Take a virtual tour of some of the beautiful homes
and historic buildings you will see when you visit Union Springs.
Note that, in the small tradition, almost everything closes early on
Thursday and Saturday afternoons so another day would be best if you
want to shop downtown businesses.
As you see the city we live in today, we hope you
will enjoy reflecting on its past and consider its promise for the
future. The Union Springs tour is divided into the four sections
described below. Click on any one to jump directly to that
section. You may want to print out a
map to guide your tour
(this map will open in a new browser window for printing.). Because
this tour contains many beautiful photos, this page may take a
moment to fully load.
 1
- Red Door Theatre (Former Trinity Episcopal Church) (1909), Corner of Prairie St. and
Blackmon Ave.
The small brick church features Gothic arches and
German art stained glass. It is built on the site of the old Eley
family cemetery. The architect, Kennon Perry, was in high school
when he designed this structure. The church is the new home of the
Red Door Theatre.
2 - Old City
Cemetery and Log Cabin Museum, Located at the rear of Trinity
Episcopal Church
 Built
in 1851, this three room cabin has been authentically refurnished
with period pieces and features a lovely stone fireplace and
chimney. Be sure to take a walk through the old City Cemetery,
where B. J. Baldwin and his wife, Nancy, some of the original Union
Springs settlers, are buried. A monument honors the Confederate
dead, although both Union and Confederate soldiers share a final
resting place in the shade of oaks and pine trees. Open by
appointment. Call (334) 738-TOUR (8687) or email tourbc@ustconline.net.
3 - Carnegie Library (1911-1912), 103 N. Prairie St.
 A
rustic landmark, the 1911 library features original antique
furniture, lighting fixtures, and mahogany woodwork, as well as a
stage, dressing rooms and movie projection room situated on the
lower level.
4 - First Baptist Church, 105 N. Prairie St.
 Established
in 1849. The church's 1859 wood frame structure remains in
place beneath the 1903 brick facade. The church served as a
meeting place for many Civil Rights meetings during the 1960s.
Visible from the street are the building's many large original
stained glass windows. The church still has a slave gallery in
the sanctuary.
5 - Josephine Hotel (1880), 130 N. Prairie St.
Across from the Baptist church is the hotel.
Built by R. A. Fleming and named for his wife Josephine. Later known
as Drummers Hotel and Commercial Hotel.
6 - Bird Dog Field Trial Monument, Intersection
of Prairie St. and E. Hardaway Ave.
 The
Bird Dog Field Trial Monument
(select the link for more information) pays tribute to Bullock
County's unexcelled upland game country, bird dogs, and the men and
women who participate in the sport of field trialing. It was erected
in 1996 on the 75th anniversary of the annual National Amateur
Free-for-All Shooting Dog Championship. On February 21, 1996, Union
Springs and the Tourism Council dedicated this life-size bronze
statue of the Pointer. Sculpted by Bob Wehle, the monument pays
tribute to the 11 men honored by the Bird Dog Field Trial Hall of
Fame. The names of the honorees are engraved on the south side of
the monument.
7 - Blues Grocery Building, 103 E. Hardaway Ave.
Distinctive concrete block construction with a
rustic texture. It is enhanced by a stepped parapet that is flat at
the highest point.
8 - United States Post Office (1930's), 108 E.
Hardaway
 A
well-kept example of the public buildings of that era. Has original
fixtures and woodwork. The newer construction methods of the 1930's,
still required the use of the mule and wagon. Largely
preserved as it originally appeared in the 1930s, a visit to the
post office gives a simple but authentic look into the past.
9 - Union Springs Pharmacy (1871), 204 N.
Prairie St.
Window cornices are still intact. The Stewart
family offers tourist a free cup of coffee and looks forward to
friendly conversation.
The Bullock County Courthouse was built in the
Second Empire style. It sits adjacent to a beautiful landscaped park
and gazebo. The designers of the Courthouse patterned the building
after an executive building located in Washington, D.C.
The courthouse underwent a multi-million dollar
renovation in 1992 that updated systems and restored many fine
features. A unique collection of historic photos of Union Springs
hangs on the walls of the courthouse.
 11
- 1897 Pauly Jail Museum, Behind the 200 block of Prairie St.
The oldest surviving jail in the state, the Pauly
Jail Museum contains a gallows and trap door still visible on the
third floor. The museum which sits behind the 1871 Second Empire
Style Courthouse, is adjacent to a beautiful landscape park and
gazebo. The designers of the Courthouse patterned the building
after an executive building that is located in Washington, D.C. The
jail is open for tours by appointment. Call (334) 738-TOUR (8687) or
email tourbc@ustconline.net.
Follow this link for more information on the
Pauly Jail Museum.
12 - Jinks, Daniel & Crow Law Offices (1887),
219 N. Prairie St.
 Outstanding
restoration of the former First National Bank building. The Western
Union offices were upstairs. Today the wooden doors and
windows have been carefully restored to show the original look of
the building.
13 - Anderson Hardware Store, 227 N. Prairie St.
An old-fashioned hardware, it's the oldest
continuously operating business in town (150 years).
14 - Bullock County Heritage Museum, 230 N.
Prairie St.
Once was used as a grocery store, cafe, pool room
and hardware store. Also, many "five and dime" stores occupied the
building. Houses moonshine stills, country store memorabilia and a
tribute to the eleven men from Bullock County who are in the Bird
Dog Hall of Fame. Open by appointment. Call (334) 738-TOUR (8687) or
email tourbc@ustconline.net.
15 - Main Drug & Gifts, 302 N. Prairie St.
First brick building on Prairie St., it was built by
Cpt. W.C. Wilson in 1867 as a mercantile store with a saloon in the
basement. Free cup of coffee for tourist. Visit the Gift Shop.
 16
- Former City Hall, 303 N. Prairie St.
The 1888 City hall may be toured. The third floor
housed the Masonic Lodge. Notice the Masonic emblem above the front
entrance. The bottom floor was originally used to house fire
engines. In 2003 City Hall officially moved to 212 Prairie Street
North.
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16b - Bonus - Foster-Chapman House, Kennon Avenue.
 Built
in 1843 by Sterling Foster. Ancestral home of Virginia Foster Durr.
The house is perhaps Alabama's finest surviving example of the
Moorish Revival style, also variously grouped under the designation
Gothic Revival or Oriental Revival. The four square, columned, two
story frame house with striking ogee arches contained within the
composition of the portico offers a rare representation of the
imposition of the Moorish Revival style upon the sober, symmetrical
Greek Revival form.
17 - Pierce-Chancy-Jinks House, 329 N. Prairie
St.
 Originally
referred to as "Piercliff", the house has a Classic revival look,
and was built in 1931. An elaborate staircase was built for a
daughters wedding, but she eloped instead.
18 - Mabson-Jinks/Crow House (1885), 402 N.
Prairie St.
Italianate town house style with bracketed eaves.
19 - Blount-Black House (1940), 401 N. Prairie St.
Known as "The Cedas", this home was built in the
style of a Georgian Manor home. The architect was Kennon Perry, and
the home was originally built for the family of Winton Blount,
philanthropist and former U.S. Postmaster General.
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- Singleton-Jones House (The
Victoria) (1895), 403 N. Prairie St.
Delicate gingerbread, spindle work and ornate
windows. Bay window and hexagonal roof are traits of Queen Anne
style. Built by Judge A. E. Singleton. Has original wood shingles on
the turret.
Greek Revival home with Victorian
characteristics. Tall, boxed columns.
22 - Stakely-Smithart House, 504 N. Prairie St.
Original structure dates from 1873; the second
floor was added in 1913.
23 - Moore-Parker House, 103 Miles Ave.
One story gabled cottage, built in the early
1900's.
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- Edwards-Smoker House (1911), 101 Miles Ave.
The Edwards-Smoker House boasts a pyramidal roof, multiple gables and 10 large boxed columns
spanning the wrap-around porch. Here at the end of the road it's
easy to see how the Prairie Street houses are built along
Chunnenuggee Ridge. The house was built by Thomas Edwards, who
founded the First National Bank in Union Springs in 1904.
The historically measured highest point
in Union Springs is at 105 Miles St., the Miles-Cochran home. A
bronze marker in the yard marks the spot. Turn and retrace one
block of Prairie St., then turn left on Hunter Ave.
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- Caldwell-Merriott House (1903) (The Merriott), 108 Hunter Ave.
Color scheme is reminiscent of the "Painted
Ladies" Victorian homes in San Francisco, California. Site of the
first "bed & breakfast" in Union Springs. Not currently open for
visitors.
The oldest house in Union Springs; original two
rooms and hall date from 1843.
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Heading south on Martin Luther King, Jr.
Blvd., (Highway 29), turn left on Chunnenuggee Ave. Down the hill
past several small houses is St. Paul's Church. Turn around here and
return to find a parking spot so you can walk and get a feel for the
historic neighborhood.
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- Saint Paul's United Methodist Church
(1903), Chunnenuggee Ave.
Beautiful white wood frame building. Steeple
tower above entrance.
28 - Smith-lkenberry House (1842-43), 201
Chunnenuggee Ave.
One story Greek Revival style. Built by H. H.
Smith, one of the most prominent pioneers of Union Springs.
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- Norman-Dean House (1909-1910), 210 Chunnenuggee Ave.
The Norman-Dean House (1909-1910) exemplifies the
turn-of-the-century classic revival style.
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- McCaslan-Garner House (1858), 204 Chunnenuggee Ave.
The McCaslan-Garner House (1858) was added to the
Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage in 1996.
31 - Moseley-Blue House (1897), 116 Chunnenuggee
Ave.
Built by F.M. Moseley; the iron fence was added the
following year. Notice the stables in back. The house has
recently been undergoing a restoration by its current owner.
32 - Culver-Holmes-Damron House, 111 Chunnenuggee
Ave.
 Huge
columns and stained glass make this classical revival residence a
showplace. Remodeled in 1892 by Maj. Issac F. Culver, state
commissioner of agriculture. Later owned and remodeled by John W.
Wright, builder of Union Springs and Northern Railroad.
33 - Riley-Hitchcock-Bickerstaff House (1897), 110
Chunnenuggee Ave.
Former home of Jimmy Hitchcock, Auburn University
All-American football star.
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Execute a U-turn at the end of the
street and head back to Martin Luther Jr. Blvd. (Highway 29). Head
south to E. Hardaway Ave.
~
 34
- Union Springs Presbyterian Church (1883), 203 E. Hardaway Ave.
Majestic lines, steeply pitched roof and
beautiful stained glass. Folding seats came from one of the local
opera houses.
35 - Turnipseed-Anderson-McLaurine House
(The Columns) (1908), 301 E. Hardaway Ave.
 This
impressive Neo-classical Revival home has 29 6-foot columns and six
25-foot columns. It was also designed by architect Kennon Perry.
The picture to the right shows The Columns during a rare Alabama
snow.
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From E. Hardaway
turn right on Cooper St.
and after viewing Wayman Chapel turn right on Blackmon Ave.
~
 36
- Wayman Chapel African Methodist Episcopal (1882), 107 Cooper St.
The Wayman Chapel African Methodist Espicopal Church
is a Gothic Revival house of worship. It was modeled after the
mother church in Pennsylvania, therefore, it has a balcony that was
known as a slave gallery.
37 - Miles Warehouse, 102 Abercrombie St.
Around the comer from Wayman Chapel, you can see the
cotton warehouse and across the street, remains of the old cotton
weighing station and gin.
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Methodist congregation built the First United Methodist Church on
this site in 1861. The present building showcases the finest example
of German art glass windows in the South. The interior of the
sanctuary is largely preserved as it appeared over 100 years ago,
including the wood floors, banisters, exposed, solid wood ceiling
beams, and plaster walls.
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- Methodist Parsonage, Eley House
(1905) 102 Powell St.
Queen Anne design. Turret with conical roof;
encircling veranda has spindle-type balustrade.
Continue on Blackmon Ave. Turn left
at the intersection of S. Prairie St.
40 - Gachet-Branch-Bufford House (1871), 104 S.
Prairie St.
Typical Greek Revival. The first shot of the Civil
War was fired on the U.S. ship "Star of the West" by order of Col.
John Luther Branch in command of the Confederate forces on Morris
Island, Charleston Harbor on January 8, 1861. Branch is buried in
Oak Hill Cemetery.
41 - Frazer-King House (1892), 108 S. Prairie St.
This typical Gay 90's house has lots of varied trim,
decorative glass, windows and lattice.
42 - Frazer-Hall House (1870's), 109 S. Prairie St.
Boyhood home of Gov. Jelks who served from
1901-1907. The second story mansard roof was added in 1885.
43 - Rainer-Muhammad House (1874), 201 S. Prairie
St.
Built by William Rainer for his bride, Celia
Baldwin. Italianate influence and rough stucco exterior finish.
44 - Mclnnish House (1890), 206 S. Prairie St.
Note the interesting side porch and lookout on top.
Turn left on
Holcombe Ave.
 45
- First Missionary Baptist Church (1891), 108 Holcombe Ave.
The old frame building on this site was destroyed by
a storm. The brick building that replaced it retains the style of
the original. Recently an addition was built onto the rear
side of the building. The coal chute located at the rear was
built in 1925 and served the two railways traveling through the
town.
Turn left onto
Powell Street.
 46
- Keller-Williams House (1903-1904), 204 S. Powell St.
The most active ghost in town occupies the
Keller-Williams House at 204 S. Powell St. It is a one-and-a-half
story Queen Anne home.
The Rainer-Lewis House (1904) is an impressive
neo-classical revival with an ample portico, romantic second story
balcony and a stained glass window on interior stairway.
Turn right on
Seale Ave., then take a left on MLK, Jr. (Highway 29).
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- Rosenstihl-Reid House (1906) (Rosedale), 107 S. MLK, Jr. Blvd.
Gracious Queen Anne structure. Large veranda,
Palladian touches and etched, glass windows. Home of Helen Claire
Smith, famous stage star.
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The tour ends here, but you may want
to visit other interesting sites in the county, such as
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Old Merritt School, Midway. Just
down the road in Midway, you will find this two-room white frame
building. It was built for black elementary school children on
two acres sold for $5 by Midway resident, Elizabeth Merritt.
Frank and Mable Merritt later deeded property for the expansion
of the Midway Colored Public School. The school was built in
1922 with matching Rosenwald funds. Today it is used as a
community center.
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Chunnenuggee Garden, one of the first
public gardens in the United States. This five-acre plot was
Alabama's first public garden. Developed by one of the earliest
horticultural societies in the South, its cash crops, which
included strawberries and cotton, helped pay for prizes that
were awarded to the winners during the
annual fair
that is held each May. The Chunnenuggee Garden Club is the
oldest charter garden club in the United States.
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First Baptist Church. One of the
main headquarters for voter registration and the site of many
mass meetings during the '60's. The church is more than 120
years old.
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Laurel Hill, an antebellum home
built on the plantation of Dr. Foster. He was one of the
founding fathers of Union Springs.
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Tourists are welcomed to the
National Amateur Free-for-All Field Trials
held in February. One must follow on horse. The trials are
conducted at the 14,000 acre Sedgefield Plantation. Lewis B.
Maytag, known for his patented washing machine, developed
Sedgefield Plantation in the 1930?s and established the National
Amateur Shooting Dog Championship. The present owner is Paul
Broadhead, Sr.
Printable map
to guide your tour.
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Hosted by the
Tourism Council of Bullock County :: PO Box 5236, Union Springs, Alabama
36089
Questions and comments: 334.738.TOUR (8687) or tour1@ustconline.net
All contents copyright 1999-2006.
Read our copyright notice.
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