
![]() Cedar Haven, an imposing Greek Revival dwelling, was built by Philip Weaver, an early settler credited with introducing underground cisterns as a solution to the water-shortage problems that often arose in the long, dry Black Belt summers. Weaver lived in Selma most of the year, using Cedar Haven only during the hot, cotton-growing summer months. Built for the summer climate, Cedar Haven has multiple porches and doors (three to the front portico), allowing the air to flow freely through the house. The interior is plain to the point of austere. Perhaps the most captivating feature of Cedar Haven, however, is the panoramic view from the upstairs balcony of the gently rolling Black Belt countryside. Considered a showplace as late as the 1970s, the estate is slowly slipping into ruin. The windows and doors were removed during the initial stages of an abortive restoration attempt, exposing the house to the elements and vandals. While the plantation office, itself a rare historic resource, has collapsed, the property still contains barns, tenant houses, a smokehouse, and other buildings, all of which could be restored.
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Alabama's Endangered Historic LandmarksEach year since 1994, Alabama Heritage has highlighted threatened historic sites throughout Alabama. The “Places in Peril” list has identified more than 215 imperiled historic resources throughout the state, and is compiled by the Alabama Historical Commission and the Alabama Trust for Historic Preservation. The locations highlight the results of deferred maintenance, perceived obsolescence, development pressures, and lack of funding—forces that now more than ever threaten our cultural legacy. But awareness is a powerful force, too, and can cultivate a renewed determination to be responsible stewards of our heritage. For more information, visit the AHC or the ATHP websites. Alabama Heritage is proud to bring to you a selection of the places designated as perilous. Please keep your comments to information relevant to the featured place in peril. Alabama Heritage reserves the right to delete any comment that we deem inappropriate. Archives
May 2023
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