Rhea-McEntire House, Greek Revival mansion in Decatur, Alabama
The Rhea-McEntire House is a Greek Revival mansion in Decatur, Alabama, positioned along Wheeler Lake where the Tennessee River flows. It displays classical columns and balanced proportions typical of pre-Civil War plantation homes in the region.
This house was built before 1836 and later served as a strategic location during the American Civil War. Both Union and Confederate forces used it as headquarters and constructed defensive earthworks around the structure.
The Historic American Buildings Survey documented this mansion through large-format photography in 1937, preserving its architectural details for future generations.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this property receives legal protection and is maintained as an important historic site. Visitors can observe its exterior architecture and learn about its role during the Civil War era.
For a period, the building served as Decatur's temporary courthouse while a permanent judicial building was under construction nearby. This role reflects how important local structures were adapted for public functions during the town's development.
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