Sunday, July 3, 2011

Downtown Florence, Alabama - July 1, 2011

The city of Florence was surveyed for the Cypress Land Company in 1818 and named for the famous capital of Tuscany. Florence is a beautiful city that takes pride in its cultural and historical roots. Surrounded by majestic homes, whimsical art, and numerous tourist attractions Florence is a great place for families to explore.



This fountain is located in beautiful Wilson Park. Surrounding the park are the Forks of Cypress replica (Regions Bank), the public library, Lauderdale County Court House, and many beautiful homes.
The fountain is surrounded by benches and shade trees making it the perfect reading spot after a trip to the library, or a place to rest after a bike ride around the city.

Florence is the birthplace of The Father of the Blues, W. C. Handy.

 The court house is a beautiful stone building with a Spanish tile roof and columns topped with the "cypress capitals" similar to the columns on the colonnade of The Forks of Cypress.

Florence has several storefronts like the Shoals Theatre and the iconic Southall Drugs building. The Southall Drugs building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
 The 43-foot high "Prehistoric Mound" is located near the Port of Florence. The information on the historical marker says that the mound was probably built by the ancient people of the Woodland Culture. This mound was not used for burials but for ceremonial temples or chief's houses. The mound is a great place to sit in the shade and relax - if you are up for the 72-step climb.

Located on Riverview Drive, the Rosenbaum house, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, is a museum showcasing the work of this brilliant architect. This is the only house in Alabama designed by Wright and the only such house in the Southeast that is open to the public.



1 comment:

  1. I have enjoyed discovering your blog this afternoon! I hit this post and it reminded me of a co-worker who talked of this area (many years ago) Thanks for the tour of Alabama!

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