University of North Alabama Rogers Hall
Encyclopedia
Rogers Hall, also known as Courtview and Alumni House, located at 500 Court Street, Florence, Alabama
, is a three-story antebellum structure built in 1855. It is one of the oldest historic landmarks on the University of North Alabama
campus and one of the university’s most distinctive structures.
Rogers Hall was constructed by planter George Washington Foster at the summit of Court Street (hence its original name, Courtview). Because construction would result in the permanent obstruction of a major thoroughfare, the city had to secure the approval of the Alabama Legislature
before work could begin. Permission was granted with the stipulation that “the beauty of the home justify the inconvenience caused the people of the city.”
The fluted columns of Rogers Hall reflect the classical architectural influence prevalent during the era in which it was built.
Following Foster’s death, his daughter, Sallie, and her husband, a Captain in the Confederate Army, acquired the house.
In the fall of 1864, the residence served as the headquarters of Confederate Gen. Nathan Bedford Forrest
. Lower ranking officers also are known to have occupied the house at one time or another during the Civil War.
Courtview was occupied by members of the Foster family until 1900. After serving a few years as a boarding house, it was acquired by Florence attorney, Emmet O’Neal, a Wesleyan University alumnus, who later became governor of Alabama
In the 1920’s
, the residence was acquired by Thomas M. Rogers, Sr. and underwent significant remodeling. In 1948, the Rogers family sold the structure to Florence State Teachers College, as the University of North Alabama was then known.
During the 1950’s, the former residence was used as a guest house and for social events. The parlors on the first floor were used frequently for student meetings. The dining room and adjoining rooms were in great demand not only by faculty but also by members of the Florence community.
In the early 1980s, alumni, faculty and staff initiated Project Courtview, a fund drive to restore Rogers Hall. More than 700 volunteers enlisted in the effort.
Following the completion of the most recent restoration, begun in 2006, Rogers Hall will serve as the headquarters of the Flor-Ala and Diorama staffs and the Office of University Publications. Alumni Relations, University Relations, University Giving and Donor Research also will be located in Rogers Hall. The main parlor will serve as a formal receiving and dining room for the university.
Florence, Alabama
Florence is the county seat of Lauderdale County, Alabama, United States, in the northwestern corner of the state.According to the 2005 Census Bureau estimates, the city's population was 36,721....
, is a three-story antebellum structure built in 1855. It is one of the oldest historic landmarks on the University of North Alabama
University of North Alabama
The University of North Alabama is a coeducational university located in Florence, Alabama, and the state's oldest four-year public university....
campus and one of the university’s most distinctive structures.
History
Alabama Legislature
The Alabama Legislature is the legislative branch of the state government of Alabama. It is a bicameral body composed of the Alabama House of Representatives, with 105 members, and the Alabama Senate, with 35 members...
before work could begin. Permission was granted with the stipulation that “the beauty of the home justify the inconvenience caused the people of the city.”
The fluted columns of Rogers Hall reflect the classical architectural influence prevalent during the era in which it was built.
Following Foster’s death, his daughter, Sallie, and her husband, a Captain in the Confederate Army, acquired the house.
In the fall of 1864, the residence served as the headquarters of Confederate Gen. Nathan Bedford Forrest
Nathan Bedford Forrest
Nathan Bedford Forrest was a lieutenant general in the Confederate Army during the American Civil War. He is remembered both as a self-educated, innovative cavalry leader during the war and as a leading southern advocate in the postwar years...
. Lower ranking officers also are known to have occupied the house at one time or another during the Civil War.
Courtview was occupied by members of the Foster family until 1900. After serving a few years as a boarding house, it was acquired by Florence attorney, Emmet O’Neal, a Wesleyan University alumnus, who later became governor of Alabama
In the 1920’s
1920s
File:1920s decade montage.png|From left, clockwise: Third Tipperary Brigade Flying Column No. 2 under Sean Hogan during the Irish Civil War; Prohibition agents destroying barrels of alcohol in accordance to the 18th amendment, which made alcoholic beverages illegal throughout the entire decade; In...
, the residence was acquired by Thomas M. Rogers, Sr. and underwent significant remodeling. In 1948, the Rogers family sold the structure to Florence State Teachers College, as the University of North Alabama was then known.
During the 1950’s, the former residence was used as a guest house and for social events. The parlors on the first floor were used frequently for student meetings. The dining room and adjoining rooms were in great demand not only by faculty but also by members of the Florence community.
In the early 1980s, alumni, faculty and staff initiated Project Courtview, a fund drive to restore Rogers Hall. More than 700 volunteers enlisted in the effort.
Following the completion of the most recent restoration, begun in 2006, Rogers Hall will serve as the headquarters of the Flor-Ala and Diorama staffs and the Office of University Publications. Alumni Relations, University Relations, University Giving and Donor Research also will be located in Rogers Hall. The main parlor will serve as a formal receiving and dining room for the university.