Athens, Tuscumbia, Fort Payne among most historic small towns in Alabama

ATHENS — Three small towns in North Alabama have been recognized as some of the most historic in the state, according to a national publication.

Athens, Tuscumbia, and Fort Payne all ranked within WorldAtlas’ recently released Top Nine Most Historic Small Towns in Alabama category.

According to WorldAtlas’ website, those interested in touring the towns will experience an “immersive journey” into their history and tradition. It also offered the following descriptions of the municipalities.

Athens

“Tracing its incorporation to 1818, Athens is one of the most historic small towns in Alabama. The town has a lovely downtown region hosting a selection of sites and landmarks to show for its storied heritage. The Alabama Veteran’s Museum exposes visitors to the United States military history with a collection of archives and artifacts. Visitors can get a vivid look into Athen’s history by touring Robert Donnell House, a historic home constructed in 1840, hosting several period artifacts and furnishings.”

Holly Hollman, communications specialist for the city of Athens, elaborated on some of the historically related events available in the city.

“The city is host to many events that celebrate its extensive history including the Athens Cemetery Stroll (spring and fall, when weather permits), weekly Haunts Walks in October which includes visits to historic sites, including the Historic City Cemetery, and the April Walking Tours held in a different historic area each Saturday in the month,” said Hollman. “There are also summer programs for children at the Trinity-Fort Henderson site, and an American Farm Heritage Days event in August that brings a tractor parade through part of Athens and its downtown area.”

She provided additional information on various landmarks in Athens including:

• Athens State University’s Founders Hall, which was built in 1842-43. Athens State’s beginning dates to 1822.
• Fort Henderson – A portion of this Civil War fort remains at the Trinity-Fort Henderson historic site. At this fort, former slaves fought for the Union against Confederate Gen. Nathan Bedford Forrest. 
• Many historic homes and churches throughout the Athens Courthouse Square Commercial Historic District, Beaty Historic District, Houston Historic District, and Athens State University campus area.
• Gov. George S. Houston’s home, built in 1835 and purchased by him in 1845. He lived here when he was elected governor. It now serves as an old time lending library.
• Scout House, a Boy and Girl Scouts house, WPA project, built in the 1930s for Scout Troops. Under renovation as a music venue, it will also share Limestone County’s musical heritage from Patti Malone, born a slave and went on to perform before royalty with the Fisk Jubilee Singers, to the Delmore Brothers, who performed in the 1930s and have been hailed by Country Music Hall of Fame as “perhaps the most musically sophisticated, most creative, and most technically proficient of all the duo acts, to Grammy-award winning performer Brittany Howard (formerly of Alabama Shakes).

Tuscumbia

“Tuscumbia’s claim to fame is the birthplace of Helen Keller, who resided at Ivy Green. The town immortalizes its famous daughter at the Helen Keller Birthplace Museum, an 1820s structure and childhood home of the iconic figure. Touring the venue reveals rare artifacts that tell the inspiring story of Helen Keller.

“Tuscumbia is notably home to the Alabama Music Hall of Fame. This magnificent facility showcases Alabama’s rich historical heritage and honors some of the most famous names to have come out of Alabama using memorabilia and recorded studio sessions.”

Fort Payne