The Green Street District
Take a walk through Marion’s history. The accompanying map (see below) and details guide you through the West Marion Historic District. Be sure to explore all the historic districts in Marion: Marion Courthouse Square, Green Street, West Marion, and Judson College. Each district includes unique examples of Marion’s historic architecture—from our old city hall, built in 1832, to beautiful antebellum homes and education institutions. Be sure to visit the Perry County Chamber website to listen to the stories of Marion and Perry County, as told by residents through an outstanding audio tour of the area.We invite you to explore them all!
The Green Street District
One of Marion’s earliest traffic arteries, Green Street includes thirty-three historic structures. Among them are homes of such antebellum community members as Governor Andrew Moore, artist Nicola Marschall, and the Myatt brothers, as well as the Whitman-Lee Gothic Revival home.
Marion Female Seminary (Audio Tour #6) – (West Monroe Street) Founded in 1836 as a school for girls. It was here that Nicola Marschall, an art teacher and native of St. Windel, Prussia, designed the first Confederate flag and the Confederate uniform.
Moore-Lee House (Audio Tour #45) – (West Green Street) Built during the 1840s, this is the only Gothic-style home in Marion. Constructed in the cruciform pattern.
Governor’s House (Audio Tour #32) – (West Green Street) Built in the 1830s, it was the home of Alabama’s First Civil War Governor, Andrew Barry Moore.
Lea House (Audio Tour #36) – (West Green Street) Home of Henry C. Lea, brother of Margaret Moffett Lea. The house was the site of Margaret’s marriage to General Sam Houston, President of the Republic of Texas in 1840.
A Brief History of Marion
In 1817, when the US government officially incorporated Alabama Territory, settlers flooded into this region, drawn by its forested hills, prairie grasslands, and rich Black Belt soil. They brought with them skills, values, and cultural institutions—including slavery—that shaped community life here. You’ll find a helpful brochure with a map of Marion and great information here: Marion Walking Tour Brochure.
Originally called Muckle’s Ridge when established in 1819, the city of Marion grew over the coming decades as settlers built homes, businesses, churches, schools, and other community facilities—many of which continue to grace our city.
During the Civil War, Marion’s Howard College served as a hospital for both Confederate and Union Soldiers. In the nearby cemetery of St. Wilfrid’s, soldiers from both armies rest side by side. More recently, during the Civil Rights era of the late 1950s and ‘60s, events in Marion helped prompt changes that led to passage of the Civil Rights Bill.
