What is Spring Hill and where is it located?

Spring Hill is a neighborhood situated within the city of Mobile, in Mobile County, Alabama. It is characterized by its location on a broad, elevated hill approximately six miles west of downtown Mobile, making it one of the highest points in the area.

What is the approximate elevation of Spring Hill?

Spring Hill has an average elevation of 184 feet (56 meters), with some parts of the neighborhood reaching as high as 215 feet (66 meters).

What was the original purpose of Spring Hill, and when did it become part of Mobile?

Originally, Spring Hill served as a summer retreat community for residents of Mobile. It was eventually encompassed and annexed by the City of Mobile sometime after the year 1820.

From what geographical feature does Spring Hill derive its name?

The neighborhood gets its name from the presence of several natural springs located on the hill.

When did the extensive settlement of Spring Hill begin, and who were its initial European inhabitants?

The extensive settlement of Spring Hill commenced in the first half of the 19th century. Its earliest European inhabitants were French fur traders and blacksmiths.

What land transactions occurred in Spring Hill around the time of Alabama's statehood?

Following Alabama's statehood in 1819, the city of Mobile and private developers began acquiring land in the area that would become Spring Hill. Specifically, between 1820 and 1827, the government of Mobile purchased a significant portion of section 14 from the U.S. Congress.

Describe the land acquisition and development efforts by William Robertson and Joshua Collins in Spring Hill.

In 1828, William Robertson acquired all of section 13, encompassing 640 acres, and commissioned a plat for 121 lots, each five acres in size, which were sold for $100 per acre. Concurrently, Joshua Collins obtained 120 acres in another section, subdividing 80 acres of it into ten-acre lots.

What environmental factors in Mobile prompted wealthy residents to seek summer residences in Spring Hill?

Mobile, during the warmer months, was often plagued by extreme humidity, heat, heavy rain, and outbreaks of yellow fever. In contrast, the higher elevation of Spring Hill's hills tended to remain relatively free from these diseases and discomforts, making it an attractive alternative.

What architectural styles were prevalent in the early houses of Spring Hill?

The earliest houses constructed in Spring Hill during the 1830s and 1840s were typically cottages, many built in the Gulf Coast cottage style. By the 1850s and later, larger country houses, often in the Greek Revival architectural style, became more dominant.

What role did Michael Portier play in the development of Spring Hill?

Michael Portier, who was the Roman Catholic Bishop of Mobile, purchased 300 acres in Spring Hill in 1830. His intention was to establish Spring Hill College, which initially functioned as a Jesuit seminary and boarding school.

When did construction begin on the Mobile Aqueduct, and what was its purpose?

Construction on an aqueduct, made of cast iron and wooden pipes, began in January 1832. Its purpose was to transport water from a spring on Spring Hill into the city of Mobile. This project eventually led to the formation of the Mobile Aqueduct Company, a precursor to the modern Mobile Area Water and Sewer System.

How did transportation to Spring Hill evolve in the mid-19th century?

Transportation to Spring Hill saw improvements starting in 1839 with a horse-drawn wagonette service. A significant development was the completion of a toll road in 1850, now known as Old Shell Road, which was constructed using a foundation of crushed oyster shells. The Spring Hill Railroad was established in 1860, though it sometimes required animal assistance to navigate the steep incline.

What was the function of Old Shell Road, and how was it constructed?

Old Shell Road, completed in 1850, served as a crucial transportation link to Spring Hill. Its unique construction involved laying down a bed of crushed oyster shells.

Describe the development and fate of the hotels in Spring Hill.

Spring Hill became home to summer retreat hotels due to improved transportation. The Spring Hill Inn was established by the Battle brothers, featuring a lake and bathing pavilion. The Spring Hill Hotel opened in 1886. A new, larger Spring Hill Hotel was built after the original burned down, but it too was destroyed by fire in 1918, along with the Spring Hill Inn. Neither was rebuilt, as the popularity of such retreat hotels had waned.

When was an electric trolley line established in Spring Hill, and where did it run?

An electric trolley line was completed in 1893 along Old Shell Road, extending to the intersection with what is now McGregor Avenue.

What historic sites in Spring Hill are listed on the National Register of Historic Places?

Spring Hill contains numerous historic sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places. These include the Beal-Gaillard House (1836), Carolina Hall (1832), Center-Gaillard House (1829), Collins-Marston House (1832), Collins-Robinson House (1843), James Arthur Morrison House (1926), Pfau-Crichton Cottage (1862), Saint Paul's Episcopal Chapel (1859), the Sodality Chapel (1850), the Spring Hill College Quadrangle (1869–1910), and Stewartfield (1849).

What is Stewartfield, and what is its significance regarding lot sizes?

Stewartfield, built in 1850, is one of the surviving antebellum summer houses in Spring Hill. It is notable for being one of only two early houses that still retain their original five-acre lots; the other is the Marshall-Dixon House.

What is the Marshall-Dixon House, and when was it built?

The Marshall-Dixon House, constructed in 1853, is another of the early houses in Spring Hill that has maintained its original five-acre lot. It is one of only two such properties, the other being Stewartfield.

What is the geographic location of Spring Hill within Alabama, according to the provided map data?

The map data indicates that Spring Hill is located within the state of Alabama, specifically within Mobile.

What are the geographic coordinates for Spring Hill?

The geographic coordinates for Spring Hill are 30°41′55″N 88°08′20″W, which can also be expressed in decimal degrees as 30.69852°N 88.13889°W.

What is the ZIP code associated with Spring Hill?

The ZIP code for Spring Hill is 36608.

What telephone area code serves the Spring Hill neighborhood?

The telephone area code for Spring Hill is 251.

What is the official website listed for Spring Hill?

The official website provided for Spring Hill is The Village of Spring Hill: http://thevillageofspringhill.com/.

What was the purpose of the aqueduct constructed in Spring Hill in the 1830s?

The aqueduct, built starting in 1832 using cast iron and wooden pipes, was designed to bring water from a spring located on the hill in Spring Hill to the city of Mobile.

What architectural styles are represented by the historic sites in Spring Hill?

The historic sites in Spring Hill showcase a range of architectural styles, including Gulf Coast cottage and Greek Revival, reflecting the period from the early 19th century through the early 20th century, as seen in houses like Stewartfield (1849) and the Spring Hill College Quadrangle (1869-1910).

What is the highest recorded elevation in Spring Hill?

While the average elevation is 184 feet, portions of Spring Hill reach as high as 215 feet (66 meters).

What is the time zone for Spring Hill, including daylight saving time?

Spring Hill observes UTC-6, known as Central Standard Time (CST), during standard time. When daylight saving time is in effect, it observes UTC-5, known as Central Daylight Time (CDT).

What is the significance of the '19th Century Spring Hill Neighborhood Thematic Resource' document mentioned in the references?

The '19th Century Spring Hill Neighborhood Thematic Resource' document, referenced from the National Register Information System, likely provides a comprehensive overview and historical context for the neighborhood's development and its significant architectural and historical properties from that era.

What is the historical context for the development of summer residences in Spring Hill?

During the 19th century, Mobile experienced significant challenges with heat, humidity, and disease, particularly yellow fever, during warmer months. Spring Hill's higher elevation offered a cooler and healthier environment, leading wealthy Mobile residents to build summer homes there to escape the conditions in the city.

What is the earliest dated historic site listed for Spring Hill, and what type of structure is it?

The earliest dated historic site listed for Spring Hill is the Center-Gaillard House, built in 1829. This indicates early development and establishment of significant residences in the area.

How did the Mobile Aqueduct Company evolve into a modern utility system?

The Mobile Aqueduct Company, formed to bring water from Spring Hill to Mobile via an aqueduct constructed starting in 1832, is identified as the forerunner of the organization currently known as the Mobile Area Water and Sewer System.

What is the significance of the Spring Hill College Quadrangle's date range?

The Spring Hill College Quadrangle, listed as a historic site, has a date range of 1869–1910. This indicates that the development and construction of the college's main campus area spanned several decades, reflecting ongoing growth and architectural evolution during that period.

What is the origin of the name 'Spring Hill'?

The name 'Spring Hill' originates from the natural springs that are present at the location.

What was the role of the U.S. Congress in the early land acquisition for Spring Hill?

The U.S. Congress played a role in the early land acquisition for Spring Hill when the government of Mobile purchased a significant portion of section 14 from them between 1820 and 1827.

What were the primary modes of transportation used to access Spring Hill before the electric trolley?

Before the advent of the electric trolley, transportation to Spring Hill included a horse-drawn wagonette line established in 1839 and a toll road, Old Shell Road, completed in 1850. The Spring Hill Railroad was also in operation from 1860.

What is the meaning of 'antebellum' in the context of Stewartfield?

The term 'antebellum' refers to the period before the American Civil War. Therefore, Stewartfield being described as an 'antebellum summer house' means it was built before the Civil War, indicating its historical significance dates back to the mid-19th century.

What is the significance of Spring Hill's location on a 'tall broad hill'?

Spring Hill's location on a tall, broad hill provides it with one of the highest elevations in the Mobile area. This elevated position historically contributed to its appeal as a summer retreat, offering relief from the heat and humidity of the lower-lying city.

What does the term 'plat' refer to in the context of William Robertson's land acquisition?

In the context of William Robertson's land acquisition, a 'plat' refers to a detailed map or drawing that divides a piece of land into smaller lots, showing their boundaries and dimensions. Robertson had a plat drawn up for his 640 acres, dividing it into 121 five-acre lots for sale.

What was the nature of the Spring Hill Railroad's operation?

The Spring Hill Railroad, established in 1860, was a steam locomotive service. However, due to the steep incline leading up to Spring Hill, it sometimes required the assistance of pack animals, such as horses or mules, to help pull the train.

What is the significance of the 'National Register of Historic Places' listing for sites in Spring Hill?

Inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places signifies that these sites possess historical, architectural, or cultural significance deemed worthy of preservation by the U.S. federal government. For Spring Hill, this highlights the area's rich history and well-preserved architectural heritage.

What is the purpose of the coordinates provided for Spring Hill?

The coordinates (30.69852°N 88.13889°W) provide the precise geographical location of Spring Hill on Earth, allowing for mapping, navigation, and location-based services.

What does the inclusion of 'vcard' in the infobox table suggest about Spring Hill?

The 'vcard' designation in the infobox table is a microformat used for representing contact information, often associated with places or organizations. Its inclusion suggests that Spring Hill, as a neighborhood or entity, is being presented with structured data that could be used for directory purposes.

What is the significance of the 'fn org' tag within the infobox title?

The 'fn org' tag typically denotes the 'fn' (formatted name) and 'org' (organization) within a vCard microformat. In this context, it signifies that 'Spring Hill' is the formatted name of the place or organization being described in the infobox.

What does the 'infobox-subheader' with the category 'Neighborhood' indicate?

The 'infobox-subheader' labeled 'Neighborhood' clearly categorizes Spring Hill as a distinct residential area within a larger city, in this case, Mobile, Alabama.

What information is conveyed by the image caption for Stewartfield?

The image caption for Stewartfield states that it was built in 1850, is one of several surviving antebellum summer houses, and features an avenue of live oaks, providing visual and historical context for the property.

What does the map located in the infobox illustrate about Spring Hill's location?

The map within the infobox visually demonstrates Spring Hill's location within the state of Alabama, specifically highlighting its position relative to Mobile.

What does the reference note regarding '1830, rather than 1828' imply about William Robertson's land acquisition?

This note suggests a minor discrepancy in historical records regarding the exact year William Robertson acquired his land. While one source states 1828, another indicates 1830, highlighting the importance of cross-referencing historical data.

What is the purpose of the 'navbox' at the end of the article?

The 'navbox' serves as a navigational aid, providing links to related topics concerning the City of Mobile, Alabama. It organizes information into categories such as History, Geography, Politics, Economy, Culture, Architecture, Historic sites, Green spaces, Education, and Media, allowing users to explore interconnected subjects easily.

How does the text describe the initial European presence in Spring Hill?

The text states that the first European inhabitants of Spring Hill were French fur traders and blacksmiths, indicating an early French colonial presence before extensive settlement began.

Spring Hill Mobile Alabama Wiki: Spring Hill, Mobile, Alabama: An Elevated Enclave of History and Education

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Overview

Location and Setting

Spring Hill is a distinguished neighborhood within the city of Mobile, situated in Mobile County, Alabama. It is geographically notable for its position on a prominent hill, approximately 6 miles (10 km) west of downtown Mobile, offering some of the highest elevations in the region.^[5]

Key Statistics

This elevated locale boasts an average elevation of 184 feet (56 meters), with certain points reaching up to 215 feet (66 meters).^[4]^[5] Spring Hill observes the Central Time Zone (UTC-6), which shifts to Central Daylight Time (UTC-5) during daylight saving periods. The primary postal code serving the area is 36608, and it falls within the 251 area code.^[1]

Community and Online Presence

Originally established as a distinct community, Spring Hill has since been encompassed by the City of Mobile. The area maintains a connection to its heritage through resources like the official website for "The Village of Spring Hill," providing further information on local matters.^[3]

Official Website: The Village of Spring Hill

Historical Trajectory

Early Development and Retreat

The extensive settlement of Spring Hill commenced in the early 19th century, initially populated by French fur traders and blacksmiths. Following Alabama's statehood in 1819, the area saw significant acquisition by Mobile city and private developers in the 1820s. The name "Spring Hill" derives from the numerous natural springs present, which became a vital resource. Mobile, often afflicted by oppressive heat, humidity, and yellow fever epidemics, found the elevated terrain of Spring Hill to be a healthier refuge. This led to the establishment of summer residences for affluent Mobile citizens.^[6]^[5]

Architectural Evolution

The architectural landscape of Spring Hill evolved considerably during its formative years. Early residences constructed between 1820 and 1840 often featured the characteristic Gulf Coast cottage style. By the 1850s, grander country houses in the Greek Revival style became predominant, reflecting the prosperity and aspirations of its inhabitants.^[5]

Academic Foundations and Infrastructure

A pivotal development was the acquisition of 300 acres (1.2 km²) by Michael Portier, the Roman Catholic Bishop of Mobile, in 1830. This land was designated for the establishment of Spring Hill College, initially serving as a Jesuit seminary and boarding school.^[8] The college holds the distinction of being Alabama's oldest institution of higher education, the oldest Catholic college in the American South, and the fifth oldest in the United States. Furthermore, the Mobile Aqueduct Company, established in 1832 to channel water from Spring Hill's springs to the city, represents the precursor to the modern Mobile Area Water and Sewer System.^[9]

Transportation and Hospitality

Transportation infrastructure saw significant advancements, beginning with a horse-drawn wagonette line in 1839. The completion of the Old Shell Road in 1850, constructed with crushed oyster shells, provided a crucial artery. The Spring Hill Railroad was established in 1860, followed by an electric trolley line in 1893. These developments facilitated the growth of retreat hotels, such as the Spring Hill Inn and the Spring Hill Hotel, though both were tragically lost to fire in the early 20th century.^[7]

Architectural Heritage

National Register of Historic Places

Spring Hill is distinguished by its significant collection of historic sites, many of which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). These properties represent various architectural styles and periods, reflecting the neighborhood's rich past as a favored retreat and residential area.

The following sites are recognized for their historical and architectural importance:^[11]

Beal-Gaillard House (1836)
Carolina Hall (1832)
Center-Gaillard House (1829)
Collins-Marston House (1832)
Collins-Robinson House (1843)
James Arthur Morrison House (1926)
Pfau-Crichton Cottage (1862)
Saint Paul's Episcopal Chapel (1859)
Sodality Chapel (1850)
Spring Hill College Quadrangle (1869–1910)
Stewartfield (1849) - Notable for its antebellum architecture and avenue of live oaks.

Geographical Context

Topography and Elevation

Spring Hill's defining geographical characteristic is its elevated terrain. The neighborhood sits atop a broad hill, providing a distinct topographical feature relative to the surrounding low-lying coastal areas of Mobile. This elevation offered cooler temperatures and relief from the humidity and endemic diseases that historically plagued the lower-lying parts of Mobile, particularly during warmer months.^[6]

Average Elevation: 184 feet (56 m)
Maximum Elevation: 215 feet (66 m)^[4]^[5]

Foundational Institutions

Spring Hill College

Founded in 1830 by Bishop Michael Portier, Spring Hill College is a cornerstone of the Spring Hill community and a significant historical institution in Alabama. Initially established as a Jesuit seminary and boarding school, it has evolved into a respected institution of higher learning. Its legacy includes being the oldest institution of higher education in Alabama, the oldest Catholic college in the Southern United States, and the fifth oldest in the United States.^[8]

Water Infrastructure

The natural springs of Spring Hill played a crucial role in the development of early urban infrastructure. In 1832, the Mobile Aqueduct Company was formed to channel water from these springs into the city of Mobile. This pioneering effort in water management laid the groundwork for what is now the Mobile Area Water and Sewer System (MAWSS), highlighting Spring Hill's foundational contribution to regional utilities.^[9]

Notes

Historical Date Discrepancy

There is a minor discrepancy in historical records regarding the precise year of certain foundational events. While some sources indicate 1828 for specific land acquisitions related to Spring Hill's development, other accounts suggest 1830 for related activities, such as the establishment of Spring Hill College.^{[note 1]} This highlights the nuanced nature of historical documentation and the importance of cross-referencing sources.

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References

U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Spring Hill

A full list of references for this article are available at the Spring Hill (Mobile, Alabama) Wikipedia page

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Important Notice Regarding Content

This document has been generated by an Artificial Intelligence system. The content is derived from publicly available data, primarily the Wikipedia article on Spring Hill (Mobile, Alabama), and is presented for informational and educational purposes. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy and comprehensiveness based on the provided source, the information may not be exhaustive, entirely up-to-date, or free from minor inaccuracies.

This content does not constitute professional advice. The information herein is not a substitute for consultation with qualified historians, architects, urban planners, or other relevant professionals. Users should independently verify any critical information and consult with experts for specific applications or research needs.

The creators of this page are not liable for any errors, omissions, or consequences arising from the use of this information.

Spring Hill: An Elevated Enclave of History and Education

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Overview 📍

🗺️ Location and Setting

📏 Key Statistics

🌐 Community and Online Presence

Historical Trajectory 📜

⏳ Early Development and Retreat

🏗️ Architectural Evolution

🎓 Academic Foundations and Infrastructure

🚆 Transportation and Hospitality

Architectural Heritage 🏛️

📜 National Register of Historic Places

Geographical Context 🌳

⛰️ Topography and Elevation

Foundational Institutions 🎓

🏫 Spring Hill College

💧 Water Infrastructure

Notes 📝

⚠️ Historical Date Discrepancy

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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References

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Feedback & Support 👍

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Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice Regarding Content

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Overview

Location and Setting

Key Statistics

Community and Online Presence

Historical Trajectory

Early Development and Retreat

Architectural Evolution

Academic Foundations and Infrastructure

Transportation and Hospitality

Architectural Heritage

National Register of Historic Places

Geographical Context

Topography and Elevation

Foundational Institutions

Spring Hill College

Water Infrastructure

Notes

Historical Date Discrepancy

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice Regarding Content