Tag Archives: Macon County

Johnston-Curtright House-Tuskegee, Alabama

Built around 1850 in the heart of Tuskegee for Burr Johnston, a local lawyer and a delegate to the Alabama Constitutional Convention, the home has fallen into significant disrepair. At the time of construction, Johnston held 67 men, women, and children in bondage, so some likely helped build this Greek Revival.

The faded sign in the center indicates that the house was in the process of restoration, but it was never completed. The back side of the house has completely caved in, and the entire house is now open to the elements.

John Drakeford House-Tuskegee, Alabama

Built in 1892 for John Drakeford and his family, this is one of a handful of grand Victorian homes in Tuskegee in a dilapidated condition. Fortunately, the home was purchased, and there are plans to restore it. In partnership with Tuskegee University, this home will be beautiful again.

Callaway-Vernon House-Tuskegee, Alabama

The Greek Revival Callaway-Vernon Home was built in 1842. It is a contributing property to other North Main Historic District.

This is a photo from the 1985 National Register of Historic Places application. The home was built by Dr. James Wesley Hunter in 1842. Based on the map from the application, and the yard in the current photo, I am positive this house was moved to make way for a new school.

Sadler House-Tuskegee, Alabama

This home was built in 1895. It is a contributing property to the North Main Historic District.

Judge William Varner House-Tuskegee, Alabama

This Greek Revival cottage was built in 1853. Oddly, the information on this house is remarkably scant. The last homeowner seems to be Judge William Varner. He is the grandson of William Varner, the founder and first owner of Grey Columns.

In 2005, it was placed on Alabama’s Places in Peril.

George Washington Carver-Tuskegee, Alabama

This is the final resting place of George Washington Carver (1864-1943) in the Tuskegee University cemetery. Carver was the first Black graduate of Iowa State University, earning a bachelor’s and master’s degree in agriculture. He became a noted botanist. His stature as a scientist was noticed by Booker T. Washington, who invited him to be a professor at Tuskegee in 1896. He served as a faculty member there for 47 years.

He was known for his technique that focused on crop rotation to prevent soil depletion that often occurred in crop farming, namely cotton. He also focused on providing practical advice to farmers, which he published in regular bulletins.

His grave is within view of Booker T. Washington’s grave. Rocks and a bench surround it. Coins are often left on graves to show someone stopped by to pay respects.