The Camellias is a beautiful antebellum home located just south of Marion, AL. It gets its name from the many camellia bushes located on the front lawn. The house was built in the early 1830s by Joseph Crenshaw as a gift for his daughter, Mary Crenshaw Reese, wife of Carlos Reese. Joseph Crenshaw was owner and operator of a large plantation located south of Marion.
This house has a classic two-story Greek Revival style construction with exterior end chimneys. The front of the house has full height square columns and a pedimented portico with balcony. The entrance has full transom and side lights around double doors that open into the front hall. The hallway has a plaster centerpiece that decorates the ceiling and a staircase that leads to the second floor.
Located behind this home is a log dogtrot cabin which probably predates the main house.
The Camellias is located beside CR 45 approximately 3.5 miles south of downtown Marion, AL (32°35’10.1″N 87°18’28.6″W – Google Maps).
This is a private residence – drive by only.
Source: Perry County Heritage, Volume II, prepared by the Book Committee of the Perry County Historical and Preservation Society.