Over the past century, many changes have occurred in Alabama. Maybe a downtown area isn't as busy as it once was, or perhaps a historic building that once stood tall and beautiful is now in complete ruins.
Listed below are 10 pairs of photos. One reflects what Alabama was like many years ago, whereas the other photo is much more recent.
1. Old Capitol Building, Tuscaloosa, Then (1890)
Now (2010)
From the years 1826 to 1846, Tuscaloosa was Alabama's third state capital.
2. Court Square Fountain, Montgomery, Then (1906)
Now (2009)
Montgomery's historic Court Street Fountain is the center of the Court Square-Dexter Avenue Historic District. The Alabama State Capitol building can be seen standing in the background.
3. Shoal Creek Bridge, Florence, Then (Early 1920s)
Now (2012)
Built in 1925, Shoal Creek Bridge is a 803-foot truss bridge that carries U.S. Hwy 43 across Shoal Creek.
4. Winter Building, Montgomery, Then (1934)
Now (2009)
On April 11, 1861, the telegram that started the "War Between the States" was sent from the Southern Telegraph Company, which was located on the second floor of the Winter Building.
5. Forks of Cypress, Florence, Then (1935)
Now (2010)
Forks of Cypress, which was built in 1830, was a Greek Revival-style plantation home in Lauderdale County. Due to a devastating fire in 1966, all that remains of this historic home are its columns.
6. Downtown Greensboro, Then (1935-36)
Now (2010)
Nicknamed the "Catfish Capital of Alabama," Greensboro has changed a lot over the past 80 years. Its downtown district, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, used to be much busier than it is today.
7. Bangor Cave, Blount County, Then (Late 1930s)
Now (2013)
Bangor Cave was home to the Banger Cafe Club, which was the only underground nightclub in America. It opened in 1937 and was shut down in 1939.
8. Downtown Gadsden, Then (1940)
Now (2010)
During the 1940s, residents filled Gadsden's downtown area for the majority of their shopping needs. In the first photo, residents are finishing up their Christmas shopping.
9. Alabama Theatre, Birmingham, Then (1948)
Now (2010)
Since opening in 1927, in downtown Birmingham, the Alabama Theatre has shown movies, concerts, beauty pageants, silent films and more. During its earlier years, people couldn't wait to get dressed up to visit this historic theatre.
10. Loveman's of Alabama, Birmingham, Then (1950)
Now (2007)
Loveman's of Alabama was one of the first department stores in the U.S. with air conditioning, and it was also the first store in Alabama with an escalator. Loveman's of Alabama closed in 1980. The building is now used for the McWane Science Center.
For more great images that reflect Alabama's past, check out these photos that were taken during the 1970s.
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