Date of Award
2024
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Department
History
First Advisor
Carolyn Crawford
Second Advisor
Brian Dempsey
Third Advisor
Sean Jacobson
Abstract
LaGrange Mountain is located in Colbert County, Alabama, approximately sixteen miles from the University of North Alabama. The mountain is the site of a prehistoric bluff shelter used by Native Americans, Alabama’s first chartered college-- LaGrange College--as well as a nineteenth century village that included a school for women, and, today is the location of a distillery that is owned by the Dawson family. The LaGrange Living History Association currently manages the college site, which includes an open-air museum that explores early pioneer life and Civil War history as it connects to LaGrange College. The current interpretation of the site leaves out many important elements of the mountain’s story and does not leverage all available resources to benefit the site. This thesis provides an overview of the mountain’s history, an inventory of assets, and an analysis of how current resources are being used. It also provides suggestions for updating the current interpretation. “Revitalizing LaGrange” is meant to be a resource to be used by current and future stewards of the LaGrange College Site to begin the strategic plan process to ensure the long-term viability and success of this significant historic location.
Recommended Citation
Johnson, Jessie, "Revitalizing LaGrange" (2024). Theses. 28.
https://roar.una.edu/theses/28
