Centered on the courthouse square, The Monroeville Downtown Historic District is a 40 acre historic district in downtown Monroeville, Alabama. The district includes examples of the Classical Revival, American Craftsman, Modern, and other residential and commercial architectural styles. It contains 63 structures, with 51 of them listed as contributing buildings. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on September 16, 2009.
The Monroeville Downtown Historic District is a charming area with many buildings dating back to the early 1900s. The district includes the Monroe County Courthouse, where Harper Lee’s father practiced law and served as a model for Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird. Visitors can also tour the Old Monroe County Jail, where Lee’s childhood friend Truman Capote said he got the inspiration for his novel In Cold Blood. The Monroeville-Monroe Chamber of Commerce provides a 1930’s “Walking Guide” for the district.
Additionally, visitors can take a walking tour of the downtown area along the Birdhouse Trail, which celebrates the city’s talented artists through 25 unique birdhouses spread throughout the county. These birdhouses, designed and constructed by locals, pay tribute to Harper Lee and To Kill a Mockingbird. The Birdhouse Trail provides visitors with an opportunity to experience the town’s charm and learn about its rich history while also enjoying the unique and creative birdhouses.
