Shirley Place

James Shirley built this raised cottage in 1838 with Federal and Greek Revival detailing, using local handmade brick, and it was home to him, his wife Mary Ann Christian Shirley, and his mother Elizabeth Shirley. James served as town surveyor in the 1830s, built the first bridge over the Sipsey River in West Tuscaloosa County, and erected Northport’s first brick commercial buildings in the 1850s. The house later became the home of William L. Christian, a Confederate veteran and Northport merchant, and afterwards of George and Grace Christian. In 1979 Marvin Harper, a Shirley descendant, acquired the house and gave it to the City of Northport in 1997. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places on March 24, 1972.

Northport, Alabama · United States