Nestled in the heart of Alabama, a rare 19th-century cedarwood home, known as Cedarwood, serves as a poignant testament to the architectural and historical significance of the region. Constructed in 1818, this wooden-frame dwelling has weathered the passage of time, bearing witness to Alabama's rich and complex history. Originally commissioned by Joseph Blodget Stickney and his wife Harriet Jane Grist, Cedarwood reflects the aspirations and social milieu of its early inhabitants. With its expansion and architectural features, blending elements of Greek Revival and New England styles, Cedarwood embodies the evolution of domestic architecture in the 19th century. Despite facing relocations and changing ownership, preservation endeavors have upheld Cedarwood as a vital link to Alabama's past, documented by the Historical American Building Survey and supported by the Alabama Trust for Historic Preservation.
Key Takeaways
- Cedarwood is a rare wooden-frame home in Alabama that was constructed in 1818.
- The home was designed with a large front room and a smaller room with a hallway entrance, and it was constructed using lumber from large cedar trees and hand-hewn heart pine beams.
- Cedarwood has a historical significance as it was built on land ceded to the United States by the Choctaw Indians and was owned by Joseph Blodget Stickney and his wife Harriet Jane Grist, who became plantation owners in the Black Belt area.
- The home has undergone expansions and additions over the years, including the addition of two wings in the early 1840s, and it currently features solid hardwood mantels, wooden chair rails, and two steep and narrow stairways.
Cedarwood: Rare 19th Century Architecture
Cedarwood, a rare 19th-century architectural gem, is a significant example of historic wooden-frame construction in Alabama. Its unique features include hand-hewn heart pine beams and lumber from large cedar trees. The cultural impact of Cedarwood is profound, as it represents the lifestyle of plantation owners in the fertile Black Belt area. The home's design, with a large front room, smaller room, and hallway entrance, showcases the architectural preferences of the early 19th century. The expansion of Cedarwood, including the addition of two wings and an upstairs, reflects the evolving tastes and needs of its inhabitants. Its sturdy construction allowed it to remain intact during two relocations, demonstrating the craftsmanship and durability of 19th-century wooden-frame homes. Cedarwood's cultural significance and architectural uniqueness make it a valuable piece of Alabama's history.
Historical Significance of Cedarwood
With its ties to early plantation ownership and unique wooden-frame construction, the historical significance of Cedarwood is undeniable. This historical significance is evident through its cultural impact on Alabama's history, as seen in the following ways:
- Symbol of Plantation Ownership: Cedarwood stands as a symbol of early plantation ownership in the Black Belt region, reflecting the historical context of the 19th century South.
- Architectural Representation: The wooden-frame construction and design of Cedarwood serve as an architectural representation of the territorial period, showcasing the craftsmanship and building techniques of that era.
- Historical Documentation: The documentation and preservation efforts surrounding Cedarwood, including its listing in the Historical American Building Survey and restoration funding by the Alabama Trust for Historic Preservation, highlight its importance in preserving Alabama's historical and cultural heritage.
Architectural Evolution of Cedarwood
The architectural evolution of Cedarwood's design and structure reflects the transitions and expansions that occurred throughout its history, showcasing the home's adaptability and historical significance. Influenced by various architectural styles, Cedarwood underwent notable expansions. In 1823, it grew from two to four rooms, with later additions including an upstairs and two wings reminiscent of Greek Revival and New England styles. The home eventually expanded to 3,000 square feet with eight rooms and six fireplaces. The interior features solid hardwood mantels, wooden chair rails, and two steep and narrow stairways, reflecting the interior design trends of its time. Cedarwood's architectural influences and interior design not only highlight its adaptability but also offer insight into the historical context and societal influences that shaped its evolution.
Ownership and Legacy of Cedarwood
The ownership and legacy of Cedarwood encompass its historical significance and preservation efforts, culminating in its acquisition by the UWA and the Sumter County Historical Society in 2010. The impact of Cedarwood on the local community is profound, as it stands as a living testament to the rich history of Alabama. The ownership and preservation of Cedarwood have been pivotal in ensuring that this historical treasure remains accessible for future generations. The legacy of Cedarwood extends beyond its physical structure, serving as a symbol of resilience and preservation of heritage. The acquisition by the UWA and the Sumter County Historical Society signifies a commitment to safeguarding and promoting the historical significance of Cedarwood for the benefit of the local community and beyond.
- Acquisition by UWA and Sumter County Historical Society
- Preservation of historical significance
- Symbol of resilience and heritage preservation
Preservation Efforts for Cedarwood
Preservation efforts for Cedarwood have involved extensive documentation and restoration initiatives to safeguard its historical significance and architectural integrity. The process has faced several preservation challenges, including the need for meticulous restoration to maintain the home's original construction and design. Community involvement has been instrumental in raising awareness and funds for the preservation project, ensuring that Cedarwood's legacy is preserved for future generations. The table below provides an overview of the preservation efforts and community involvement for Cedarwood:
| Preservation Efforts | Community Involvement | Funding Sources |
|---|---|---|
| Restoration initiatives | Awareness campaigns | Endangered Properties Trust |
| Documentation efforts | Fundraising events | Alabama Trust for Historic Preservation |
| Addressing preservation challenges | Volunteer programs | Private donations |
| Historical significance | Educational workshops | Grants from historical societies |
| Architectural integrity | Local historical societies | University partnerships |
These preservation initiatives and community involvement demonstrate a concerted effort to protect and celebrate the historical and architectural significance of Cedarwood.
Cedarwood's Relocations and Restoration
Efforts to relocate and restore Cedarwood have been ongoing, reflecting a commitment to safeguarding its historical and architectural significance. The process of relocation and restoration has been marked by several key developments:
- Preservation Challenges: Cedarwood's relocations have presented significant preservation challenges, including the careful dismantling and reconstruction of the historic structure to ensure its integrity and authenticity.
- Historical Context: The relocations of Cedarwood have allowed for a deeper exploration of its historical context, shedding light on the architectural techniques and materials used in its construction, as well as the social and economic dynamics of the period in which it was built.
- Restoration Initiatives: Ongoing restoration initiatives aim to meticulously preserve Cedarwood's original features while ensuring its long-term structural stability, allowing future generations to appreciate its rich historical significance.
Cedarwood's Design and Construction
Reflecting a commitment to safeguarding its historical and architectural significance, ongoing efforts have meticulously documented the design and construction of Cedarwood, a rare 19th-century wooden-frame home in Alabama. Cedarwood's unique features include a large front room, smaller rooms, hand-hewn heart pine beams, and lumber from large cedar trees. The building techniques used for Cedarwood encompass sturdy construction that allowed the home to remain intact during two relocations. The home was enlarged from two to four rooms in 1823, with later additions including an upstairs, steeply gabled roofs, and two wings reminiscent of Greek Revival and New England styles. It eventually grew to 3,000 square feet with eight rooms and six fireplaces, featuring solid hardwood mantels, wooden chair rails, and two steep and narrow stairways. These distinctive features showcase the architectural prowess and historical significance of Cedarwood.
Documentation of Cedarwood's History
- The documentation of Cedarwood's history reveals its unique place in Alabama's architectural and cultural heritage. The preservation efforts for Cedarwood encompass a comprehensive approach to safeguarding its historical significance, including:
- Historical American Building Survey: In 1974, the Joseph Blodgett Stickney house was meticulously documented, contributing to the understanding of its architectural and historical importance.
- Restoration Funding: The Alabama Trust for Historic Preservation has played a pivotal role in financing the restoration of Cedarwood, ensuring that the home's unique features and historical significance are preserved for future generations.
- Relocation and Restoration: Following its acquisition by the University of West Alabama and the Sumter County Historical Society, Cedarwood was moved to the UWA campus in 2012, where it awaits meticulous restoration to ensure its enduring legacy.
These efforts underscore the commitment to conserving Cedarwood's rich history and architectural heritage.
Resources for Learning About Cedarwood
A comprehensive collection of resources is available for learning about the historical significance and architectural heritage of Cedarwood. To understand Cedarwood's cultural impact, interested individuals can explore the extensive documentation by the Historical American Building Survey, which provides detailed insights into the construction, design, and historical background of this rare 19th-century home. Furthermore, the Alabama Trust for Historic Preservation has funded the restoration of Cedarwood, ensuring its architectural significance is preserved for future generations. Additional resources, such as articles and publications, offer further information on Cedarwood's expansion, architectural features, ownership, and preservation efforts. These resources collectively provide a comprehensive understanding of Cedarwood's historical and architectural significance, making it an invaluable source for those seeking mastery in the study of historical homes and cultural heritage.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Many Acres of Land Did Joseph Blodget Stickney Purchase From Charles Lefebvre-Desnouettes?
Joseph Blodgett Stickney purchased 840 acres of land from Charles Lefebvre-Desnouettes. This historical significance is crucial for understanding the property boundaries and architectural preservation of the rare 19th-century Cedarwood home in Alabama.
What Materials Were Used in the Construction of Cedarwood?
The construction of Cedarwood, a rare 19th-century home in Alabama, utilized lumber from large cedar trees and hand-hewn heart pine beams. These materials contributed to its sturdy construction, preserving its historical significance and unique architectural features.
What Additions Were Made to Cedarwood in the Early 1840s?
In the early 1840s, Cedarwood underwent significant additions, including two wings reminiscent of Greek Revival and New England styles. These changes expanded the historical significance of the home and are crucial to its ongoing preservation.
When Was Cedarwood Documented by the Historical American Building Survey?
Documented by the Historical American Building Survey in 1974, Cedarwood's preservation techniques underscore its historical significance. Its architectural features and restoration process reflect a commitment to safeguarding a rare 19th-century architectural gem.
How Many Wooden Frame Homes From the Territorial Period Are Known to Exist, and Where Does Cedarwood Stand Among Them?
Among the limited collection of wooden frame homes from the territorial period, only seven are known to exist. Cedarwood stands as a rare gem within this exclusive group, offering a unique blend of historical significance, architectural charm, and ongoing preservation efforts.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Cedarwood stands as a remarkable testament to Alabama's architectural and historical heritage. Despite facing challenges and changes over the years, preservation efforts have ensured that Cedarwood remains a vital link to the state's past. While some may argue that the relocation and restoration of Cedarwood have altered its original character, it is important to recognize the significance of preserving this rare 19th-century home as a valuable resource for understanding Alabama's history.
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