For Immediate Release
May 7, 2018
Alabama Historical Commission, Marketing & Public Relations Manager: Jacqulyn Kirkland, 334-230-2690 or jacqulyn.kirkland@ahc.alabama.gov
BUCK CREEK JAIL & WATER TOWER ADDED TO ALABAMA REGISTER
Located in Alabaster, in Shelby County, Alabama, the Buck Creek Jail & Water Tower were listed to the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage for their association with industry and architecture.
The jail and water tower are the last remaining structures of the Siluria Mill Village.
The mill was established in 1903, while the main section was not built until 1911. A surrounding community developed to attract and keep workers. The 305-acre Mill Village was occupied by the mill, stores, grocery store, hotel, ballpark, community center clubhouse, medical dispensary, doctor and dentist offices, churches, band hall, movie theater, and a school.
In 2003 the city of Alabaster purchased 22-acres of the Buck Creek Cotton Mills site. In August 2007 most of the buildings were destroyed. In January 2008 only the old jail, the water tower, and the office building remained. However, in early 2009 the office building was demolished due to structural damage caused by an earlier demolition. On September 19, 2010 the City of Alabaster held the grand-opening of the new Senior Center, which is located on a portion of the site where the Buck Creek Cotton Mills once stood.
About the Program: The Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage is a listing of buildings, sites, structures, objects, and districts worthy of preservation. These properties may be of national, state, and local significance. The designation is honorary and carries no restrictions or financial incentives. The Alabama Historical Commission created the Alabama Register to provide the public with a quick and easy way to document and recognize historic places, such as houses, schools, churches, and commercial buildings that are at least 40 years old.
About the Alabama Historical Commission
Located in historic downtown Montgomery at 468 S. Perry Street, the Alabama Historical Commission is the state historic preservation agency for Alabama. The agency was created by an act of the state legislature in 1966 with a mission to protect, preserve and interpret Alabama’s historic places. AHC works to accomplish its mission through two fields of endeavor: Preservation and promotion of state-owned historic sites as public attractions; and, statewide programs to assist people, groups, towns, and cities with local preservation activities. For a complete list of programs and properties owned and operated by the AHC, hours of operation, and admission fees please visit ahc.alabama.gov
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