Historic Talladega's Silk Stocking District
Walking / Driving Tour
On the National Register
Talladega's recent history began in 1813 with the Battle of Talladega, the first in a series of battles waged against the Creek Indians by General Andrew Jackson. Jackson's defeat of the Creek nation paved the way for the first permanent settlement in 1832 of what is now the city of Talladega.
The city was incorporated in 1834 and public sale of lots began. Talladega rapidly became a center of political and commercial activity and by 1850 was the trading center of a five county area. As more families of means and influence arrived, the residential center of town shifted from an area west of the courthouse square to one that was south of the square along an Indian trading path that crossed a section of East Street South near the Morgan-Nicholls House (No. 15 in this brochure).
Education beyond that which could be provided within the family was an early concern for settlers. Separate schools for both boys and girls were begun in 1835 and in 1844 the Masonic - sponsored Alabama Female Institute was opened. The Presbyterian Synod followed with a girls college, which was in continuous operation from the 1850's until about 1920. The Baptists constructed a high school for boys which was subsequently acquired in 1867 by the Freedmen's Bureau and the American Missionary Association to establish Talladega College. In 1858 the Alabama School for the Deaf was moved from Tuskegee to Talladega and the Alabama Female Institute was acquired to become the school's new home.
Many influential attorneys, politicians, educators and business men became residents of Talladega. This brochure will guide you through our historic past and present a plethora of architectural styles for your enjoymnet.
Have a pleasant journey.
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