Perdue Hill’s history is closely tied to nearby Claiborne which was a once-thriving river port on the Alabama River that reached a peak population of nearly 5000 residents. The town eventually declined into a ghost town primarily due to devastating yellow fever and cholera epidemics, severe looting during the Civil War, and the rise of railroads that bypassed the town, ruining its river-based economy. Families moved from Claiborne to higher ground at what would become Perdue Hill to escape the diseases and flooding of the Alabama River. Also, two of the oldest most historic buildings at Claiborne were relocated to Perdue Hill Perdue Hill to prevent them from being lost. Perdue Hill is one of the most scenic towns in southwest Alabama. The pristine nature of the community is the result of dedicated, long-term local stewardship rather than luck. Following are examples of this local stewardship.
- The Perdue Hill-Claiborne Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that was established in 1982 specifically to relocate the circa 1824 Mason Lodge from Claiborne and restore it. The Foundation now manages several historic building including the circa 1820 William Travis Cottage that was moved from Claiborne and restored.
- The Perdue Hill Women's Club is a group that played a vital role in protecting the Masonic Lodge and other local landmarks long before formal Foundation was established.
- The Perdue Hill community keeps its history alive through events like the Lafayette Bicentennial, which raises funds and awareness for continued restoration efforts.
- Private stewardship has also played a big part in preserving the historic buildings in the community. Several structures, such as the W.S. Moore Store, were donated to the foundation by local families specifically to ensure they would be professionally maintained for future generations.
This is the oldest building in Monroe County. It was erected circa 1824 on a bluff high above the Alabama River in Claiborne using funds from a publi …
The history of the school is pieced together from several bulletins published in the 1880s and 1890s. The original structure consisted of two main roo …
This modest home is a 600 square-foot cottage with a 300 square-foot porch. It evolved from a small dogtrot that was built in the 1850s. The dogtrot w …
The Union Church is located on its original site and was built prior to 1878. The church was initially used by the Methodist, Baptist and Presbyterian …
This building is located on its original site at Perdue Hill and was built in 1895 as a doctor’s office. William S. Moore, a local landowner and busin …
This small 2-room cottage was built circa 1820 at Claiborne, AL. It was the home of William B. Travis while he resided at Claiborne and practiced law …