Courtview (also known as Rogers Hall)

Creator

Preview

Source Collection

University of North Alabama Archives and Collections, University Collection, Collier Library

Identifier

UA: CV 1

Description

Courtview was built between 1854 and 1855 by George Washington Foster. The site of the Greek Revival and Romantic Victorian style mansion was chosen by Foster because it was the highest spot of ground in Florence. To build on this particular site, Foster had to ask the Alabama Legislature for a special act, which was eventually given to him, and portions of North Court Street were permanently closed for the construction of the home. It was built of dark red bricks handmade by enslaved people and is three stories tall, with an above ground basement as the first story. The property originally consisted of 4 or more acres of land.

The home was passed down to George's daughter, Sallie Independence Foster, who married Sterling Paine McDonald. Upon their deaths, the house was purchased at public auction in 1897 by Emmet O'Neal, who would go on to serve as the 34th governor of Alabama from 1911-1915. In 1913, Courtview was rented out by State Normal School to serve as the president's home under the leadership of Dr. Henry J. Willingham. Thomas M. Rogers, Sr., a city merchant, and his family purchased the home in 1922, and the first set of renovations occurred to the home. The home was placed on the Historic American Building Survey in 1935 and became a part of the campus of Florence State Teachers College in 1948.

Date Created

12-15-2025

Date

No date

Rights

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