Crocheron Columns - Old Cahawba, Alabama
Posted by: 
xptwo
N 32° 19.165 W 087° 05.703
16S E 491053 N 3575845
Some columns are all that remain of the Crocheron Mansion built in 1843 in the town of Cahawba, Alabama.
Waymark Code: WMEFB1
Location: Alabama, United States
Date Posted: 05/21/2012
Views: 2
Cahawba (also spelled Cahaba) was the first capital of Alabama from 1820 to 1825, when the government moved to Tuscaloosa after severe flooding. The town survived as the Dallas County seat and as a place for commerce such as the shipping of cotton on the Alabama River. It was during this period, in 1837, that Richard Crocheron came to Cahawba to help run a family retail business established by his uncles. He built this mansion beside the store and brought his wife here. After her death in 1850, he sold his property and moved back north with his children.
During the Civil War, the house was the place where Confederate General Nathan Bedford Forrest met with Union General James Wilson after the Battle of Selma. They discussed prisoner exchanges and went their separate ways.
In 1865, another flood led to the move of the county seat to Selma, and the area began its decline. By the late 1800s to early 1900s, many of the brick houses were dismantled to get the brick so for shipment to other places. At that time, used brick was much cheaper than new. By the 1930s, few structures remained. The area is now maintained by the Alabama Historical Association, which continues to purchase land to preserve the site. Information about the Old Cahawba Archaeological Park can be found at the Park Visitor Center. They have information and advice for those who wish to explore the area. There is no admission charge. The park is open daily from 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.. The Visitor Center is open daily from noon to 5:00 P.M. More information can be found at their web site at (
visit link)
The Cocheran Mansion burned around the turn of the century, and the brick was used for other purposes. It is probable that the columns survived as the curved brick was not considered useful. They were part of a side porch.