Glennville was the first permanent community in what is today Russell County. It was founded in 1835, after the Muscogeeremoval, by Methodist preacher James Elizabeth Glenn. The town quickly developed into an economic and cultural center of East Alabama. In addition to the Methodist Church, the community was home to Male and Female Academies and the Weyman
School for Girls, all of which were renowned throughout the South for their classical curricula. The town also had a post office, stores, a Masonic Lodge, and an inn. The town incorporated in 1854, seeking to attract a rail line, but the line was opposed by many planters in the community. With railroad bypassing Glennville and diminished power and influence of farmers after the Civil War, the town gradually faded.[4]
Geography
Glenville is located in the rural southern portion of Russell County along U.S. Route 431, approximately 17 mi (27 km) north of Eufaula and
26 mi (42 km) southwest of Columbus, Georgia.
Glenville appeared on the U.S. Census in 1850 when it was located in Barbour County. It did not reappear again until 1880 with a much-diminished population after the borders were redrawn between Barbour and Russell Counties and it was moved into the latter. It last appeared on the 1890 census.
Architecture
The historic district consists of 32 main structures, 27 outbuildings, and 6 cemeteries. The most prominent are antebellumplantation houses, most of which exhibit Greek Revival style. The Methodist church (built circa 1850) is also Greek Revival, while the Episcopal church (1926) shows Gothic influence. Late 19th- and early 20th-century tenant farmer houses are more modest, and reflect the changing fortunes of the town.[4]
^ abMoore, Sally (May 22, 1979). "Glennville Historic District". National Register of Historic Places Inventory-Nomination Form. National Park Service. Archived(PDF) from the original on March 25, 2015. Retrieved March 25, 2015. See also:"Accompanying photos". Archived(PDF) from the original on March 25, 2015. Retrieved March 25, 2015.