A tree-shaded square, historic homes, and recurring cultural events offer different reasons to visit Eutaw. In the Greene County Courthouse Square District, a mid-19th-century courthouse and the square shape the scene. Depending on your travel dates, you can also include the Black Belt Folk Roots Festival or the Eutaw Pilgrimage in your plans.
Historic Center and Distinctive Architectural Styles
More than 47 historic homes and buildings still stand in Eutaw today. Among the clearly distinguishable architectural forms is the First Presbyterian Church of Eutaw, a two-story timber-frame building in the Greek Revival style. Kirkwood is a historic plantation house, also in the Greek Revival style, but with Italianate influences. On May 17, 1976, Kirkwood was listed in the National Register of Historic Places for its architectural significance.
These buildings offer different historical and architectural highlights rather than repeating a single theme. If you are interested in architectural history, you can compare the church’s style with the interplay of Greek and Italianate influences at Kirkwood. The Greene County Courthouse Square District adds a courthouse and a tree-shaded square to this selection.
Renovations, Homes, and Visiting Conditions
The history of the Historic Greene County Courthouse can be seen in a renovation: after the building was destroyed by fire in 1868, it was rebuilt and completed in 1869. The original plans were retained, but the second story was made considerably taller, and three-part windows, wider Italianate roof eaves, and brackets were added. These specific changes make it possible to trace the building’s history.
Other homes also feature distinctive details. The Asa-White-McGiffert-Colson House has a two-story covered gallery, striking woodwork, and a staircase that winds up to the third floor. The Beckham-Dye-Palmer House was built in several stages between 1899 and 1909. The Dew-Abrams House was built around 1832; the Elliott-Banks House is a one-story timber-frame building with a finished attic above a brick basement.
Visiting two of these homes is subject to clear restrictions: the Beckham-Dye-Palmer House and the Dew-Abrams House are private residences and can only be viewed while driving by. So do not plan to visit their interiors. The information about their construction dates and architecture can still help you recognize them as distinct examples of historic architectural styles.
A Mural and Two Annual Events
The Eutaw Post Office is home to Robert Gwathmey’s New Deal mural “The Countryside.” The Treasury Section of Fine Arts commissioned the work, which was completed in 1941. This adds a work of public art with its own history to the historic buildings and homes.
The Black Belt Folk Roots Festival takes place every year on the third weekend in August at Historic Thomas E. Gilmore Square in downtown Eutaw. Festival activities include quilting, basket weaving, caning chairs, doll making, wood carving, and clay painting. Traditional home-style food is also part of the festival, including soul food, barbecue, and homemade ice cream. Check the specific event dates before your trip.
In October, the Greene County Historical Society hosts the Eutaw Pilgrimage. During the event, many privately owned historic homes open to the public. The two events offer different highlights: the Folk Roots Festival brings together crafts and food, while the Pilgrimage focuses on access to numerous private historic homes. Check the dates of each event when planning your travel days.
Getting Here and Finding Your Way Around
Eutaw is directly accessible from two interstate exits. Downtown has several antique shops. This local information can help you connect your journey and a possible focus on antiques with the historic themes of your trip. When choosing where to stay, you can also consider whether you would rather focus your visit on architecture, public art, or one of the two annual events.
For the broader travel overview: Greene County.
