Autauga County: History, Golf, and Rolling Hills

Autauga County lies in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains; gently rolling terrain with mountain and valley formations gives the landscape its contours. Alongside this is a distinct architectural history: In Prattville, you can distinguish a historic downtown, individual homes, and a school building from different eras. Together with golf, art, and nature, these offer a range of reasons to explore the region.

Downtown, Homes, and Local Art

The Daniel Pratt Historic District encompasses Prattville’s 19th-century downtown and spans about 15 city blocks. More than 200 buildings and properties bring together commercial, industrial, residential, and institutional architecture. This range shows the many functions served by the district’s historic buildings.

Bell House offers a specific example that adds to the picture of the district: The two-and-a-half-story timber-frame home has a round tower and a wraparound porch. Architecturally, it is considered an outstanding example of the Queen Anne style and its Free Classic variant. Its design and stylistic classification offer architecture enthusiasts two different aspects to look for in the house.

Mount Sinai School offers another way to explore the area’s history. The single-story Rosenwald school building has two classrooms and was dedicated in October 1919. It was built to Plan No. 20 by W. A. Hazel of Tuskegee Institute. The school is the last surviving example of the six Rosenwald schools originally built in Autauga County.

Lassiter Homeplace is an I-house built around 1825, with front and rear shed-roof additions. It is located in the Mulberry Community near old Statesville, west of Autaugaville in Autauga County. Buena Vista is an antebellum home dating to around the 1840s. Their approximate dates of construction also distinguish the two homes chronologically: Lassiter Homeplace dates from an earlier period than Buena Vista.

The Prattaugan Museum houses a diverse collection of artifacts and objects related to Autauga County. The permanent collection at the Creative Arts Center in Prattville includes several works by Charlie “Tin Man” Lucas and local artists; its contents may change. At Old Prattvillage, converted 19th-century buildings are used by shops and businesses. The commercial use of individual buildings may change.

Golf and Outdoor Activities

Capitol Hill in Prattville has three 18-hole championship golf courses across more than 1,500 acres of golf and nature areas. As a result, several golf courses and a large natural area are both central to the site. For travelers interested in golf, this is a clearly defined aspect of the destination alongside its historic sites.

Prattville’s parks offer other ways to spend time outdoors. Pratt Park includes a splash pad, a pond, a walking trail, an amphitheater, picnic tables, and a playground. Overlook Memorial Park’s amenities include a fragrance garden, a walking trail, and a playground. If you’re planning to visit a park for a particular amenity, check before your visit whether it is available there.

The Autauga Creek Canoe Trail is recognized as a National Recreation Trail. Its length is listed as either 13 or 14 miles. If you’re planning a canoe trip, verify the distance in advance. While the parks can be distinguished by their individual amenities, the differing length listed for the Canoe Trail is important for planning your trip.

Festivals and Local Culture

The annual Pickett Fest is a music and arts festival held at Cooters Pond Park in Prattville. The annual Celebration of the Arts in Prattville also showcases local art and artists. Both events put art at the center, but with different emphases: Pickett Fest combines music and art, while the Celebration of the Arts focuses on local artists.

The annual Farm City Banquet celebrates Autauga County’s agricultural heritage with awards and social gatherings. If you’d like to plan your trip around one of the festivals, check the current dates.

Discover more destinations: Prattville, Pike, Etowah, Cullman County, Pickens County, Tuscaloosa, Colbert County, Marion County.

For the main travel overview: Alabama.