Historical Treasures
Danielle Gibson • March 25, 2022
STEP INTO THE PAST WITH THESE HISTORICAL ATTRACTIONS
Day 1
- Begin the day with a stop at the Decatur Morgan County Tourism and pick up walking guides.
- Start with a cup of coffee at Java Jaay’s (1713 6th Ave SE Decatur).
- Take a tour of Historic Old Decatur with your first stop at the Old State Bank. Take the free guided tour through the building’s vault and replicated period teller’s cage. Learn about the life of Washington Keyes, the bank’s first cashier, while viewing his second floor apartment. See if you can find the marks from Civil War-era musketfire and miniballs.
- Continue walking through Old Decatur Historic District following the walking guide. Many of the houses were built in the early 1900s and represent a wide-range of architectural styles. Also included in the walking tour is Decatur’s first courthouse, Fort Nash, the Carnegie Library, and the Old Cemetery.
- After lunch, begin the walking tour for New Albany. Start on Second Avenue and travel south to St. John’s Episcopal Church. Follow the walking guide to see Victorian, Colonial Revival and other historic homes.
- Finish the New Albany walking tour and roam through the historic shopping districts to find treasures from the area’s many antique stores.
- Return to the hotel to rest.
- End your evening with a quiet dinner at Mellow Mushrrom (202 Moulton St SE).
Day 2
- Begin in historic downtown Decatur and take the Civil War Walking Tour. Visit the sites where Confederate and Union soldiers fought, including Rhodes Ferry Park the location for the Charge of the 14th Colored Infantry.
- Next, visit the Morgan County Archives, genealogical materials, an extensive photograph collection, and other archival and manuscript materials dating from the early 1800s. The archives also contain rare photographs from the infamous “Scottsboro Boys” case.
- Have lunch at The RailYard
- Head south to Hartselle’s Historic District. Make your first stop Hartselle’s Depot Station before wandering through the historic shopping district.
- Return to Decatur for dinner at B B Perrins (608 Holly Street NE) or Simp McGhee’s (725 Bank Street NW).
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In the heart of Old Town Decatur, Alabama, First Missionary Baptist Church stands as a beacon of resilience, faith, and history. Established in 1866 by 21 formerly enslaved individuals, the church has not only served as a spiritual home for its congregation but also as a significant symbol of African American perseverance and architectural heritage. The church's beginnings trace back to the home of Jane Young, where its founding members gathered under the leadership of Rev. Alfred Peters, the first pastor. Initially, services were held in a modest storefront along the Tennessee River, embodying the dedication and commitment of its members despite limited resources. In 1873, the congregation took a significant step forward by purchasing a building from a white Methodist congregation, establishing a more permanent place of worship.First Missionary Baptist Church's current home, constructed in 1921, is a masterpiece of Neoclassical Romanesque architecture, designed by the renowned Wallace Augustus Rayfield. Rayfield, a trailblazing African American architect, is best known for designing the historic 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, which became a tragic yet powerful symbol of the Civil Rights Movement following the 1963 bombing. His influence is evident in the thick brick walls, rounded arches, towering structures, and striking stained-glass windows of First Missionary Baptist Church, which shares design elements with its Birmingham counterpart. Throughout its history, First Missionary Baptist Church has been more than a place of worship; it has been a pillar of the African American community in Decatur. During the era of segregation and Jim Crow laws, the church became a hub of resistance and advocacy. Notably, during the infamous Scottsboro Boys trials of the 1930s, the church provided a safe space for meetings between defense attorneys and prospective jurors, demonstrating its commitment to justice and equality. While the church remains a cornerstone of Decatur's African American community, it has faced its share of struggles as years have gone by. Despite these challenges, the congregation remains steadfast in preserving this historic landmark. Efforts are underway to restore and maintain the building, with hopes of transforming it into a destination for Civil Rights education, historical tours, architectural enthusiasts and more. First Missionary Baptist Church is more than just a structure; it is a living testament to faith, endurance, and cultural heritage. Its story, interwoven with the broader narrative of African American history in the South, deserves recognition and preservation for future generations. With ongoing community support, this historic church can continue to serve as an enduring symbol of resilience and progress.
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Friday Night Lights in MoCo Pictured: Danielle Gibson, DMCT President/CEO and her oldest son Noah Gibson who is a Senior this year
