# Pettusville, Alabama

Pettusville is an unincorporated community in Limestone County, Alabama, United States.
Pettusville has a historical marker the reads:
   Pettusville was named for Dr. Thomas Coleman Pettus (1816-1890) who came from Lunenburg Co., Virginia and purchased land that encompassed Bailes Hollow in the late 1840s. Dr. Pettus discovered seven "medicinal springs” deep in the hollow. The most famous was a chalybeate (iron rich) spring thought to restore the weary and cure a host of ailments. Coming to Pettusville to drink the water became so popular that the large home built of yellow poplar logs Pettus built for himself on a ridge above the spring was turned into a hotel to accommodate the visitors. The cool sweet-tasting water of the chalybeate spring brought crowds to the little community beginning in the 1850s. The town was incorporated and established one of the first schools in the county. It offered the services of several doctors. A Masonic Lodge, and post office were established there. After the war the hotel and spring were sold to numerous owners. In November of 1926 the old hotel building caught fire and burned to the ground.

## History

In 1888, the stockholders of Pettusville Springs convened to formally organize and establish the site as a recognized destination. The meeting, attended by both stockholders and local residents, was highlighted by a communal barbecue hosted by J.W. Hill and M.F. Westmoreland. Following the gathering, official resolutions were adopted to shape the future of Pettusville Springs, including formally naming the location and determining its development strategy. The stockholders agreed that a designated area southeast of the springs would serve as the building site for the community.
A structured land distribution process was implemented, with twenty lots surveyed and allocated by a lottery system among the stockholders. Each recipient was required to construct a cabin or cottage on their designated lot by June 1, 1889. Additionally, the resolutions prohibited stockholders from selling or transferring their lots outside of the company, ensuring that ownership remained within the community. These efforts reflected a coordinated vision to develop Pettusville Springs as a structured and self-sustaining settlement.
Pettusville was promoted as a premier health retreat in the late 19th century. The area was known for its high hills, scenic landscapes, and abundant natural springs, offering chalybeate, alum, freestone, and sulfur water. Marketed as a refuge from cholera and yellow fever, it was recommended that individuals purchase lots and build cabins for seasonal retreats. The springs were advertised as a place to escape business and household stresses, enjoy nature, and experience the health benefits of the mineral-rich waters. The surrounding area was described as fertile, with easy access to goods and services at a lower cost than in urban areas.
Development of the springs was encouraged through land sales, with initial lot prices set at $50 for the first twelve months, expected to increase as the area gained popularity. Investors from New Orleans, Columbia, Memphis, Nashville, and Louisville had already secured land, and plans were in place for the construction of a hotel and additional cabins to accommodate visitors. The project was managed by Henry Warten, who promoted Pettusville Springs as an investment opportunity and a luxurious retreat.
On May 19, 1881, Pettusville was an active community with a Methodist presence, as indicated by the religious services held at Pettusville Circuit. Reverend T. A. Scruggs, P.C., conducted preaching services at 11:00 a.m. every fourth Sunday and at 3:00 p.m. every second Sunday of the month. Additional services were held at nearby locations, including Elkmont, Lebanon, Hyde’s Park, Pleasant Grove, and Shady Grove. The Masonic Lodge in Pettusville was also active, with O. H. Mahout serving as Worshipful Master and J. O. Dawson as Secretary. The lodge met on the second Friday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in Elkmont.
As reported in The Albany-Decatur Daily on November 19, 1926, a significant event in Pettusville was the destruction of the historic Pettusville Springs Hotel by fire. Originally built by Dr. Thomas Pettus nearly 75 years earlier, the hotel was later converted into a popular lodging establishment due to the perceived health benefits of the nearby Pettusville Spring. The structure, known for its high-quality materials, including hand-drawn poplar shingles and yellow poplar flooring, had withstood the test of time. The property had been purchased by J. R. Powers, a well-to-do local farmer, who used it as his residence. The fire, which started while Mrs. Powers was outside working in the yard, spread quickly due to the dry and flammable nature of the building materials, reducing the landmark to ashes before anything substantial could be salvaged. Mr. Powers, who was plowing at a distance, rushed to the scene but was only able to save a few items. Fortunately, the structure was partially insured, and Mr. Powers promptly sought materials to rebuild on the same site, though he acknowledged that the historic craftsmanship of the original building could never be replaced. The loss of the Pettusville Springs Hotel marked the disappearance of an important local landmark that had housed many distinguished guests throughout its history. The community expressed deep sympathy for the Powers family, recognizing the emotional and material loss suffered by those who experience devastation by fire.
As reported in The Decatur Daily on May 22, 1928, Pettusville was a vibrant rural community where social gatherings, church services, and family visits were central to daily life. A notable event was a birthday dinner held for Mrs. W. D. Evans on Sunday, May 20, attended by relatives and friends who gathered in her yard to celebrate her 68th birthday with an abundance of food. Many families hosted and visited relatives, including Mr. and Mrs. Chester Estes of Nashville, Tennessee, who visited Mrs. Lola Pettus and family, and Mr. and Mrs. Charlie Hargrove, who, along with their young son, visited in Decatur. Religious observances were also prominent, with Rev. and Mrs. G. G. Grimes hosting visitors and community members attending services at the Christian Church. Several individuals, including Bill Powers and Miss Malone Edwards, were reported to be dealing with illnesses, while Granville Martin was recovering from mumps. Decoration events at local cemeteries were significant community activities, with services planned at Siloam and Cane Springs. Other notable visitors included Mr. and Mrs. Freeman Landers of Danville, who spent time with Mr. and Mrs. M. S. Dutton, and Miss Mamie Pettus of Madison, who visited relatives over the weekend. The strong sense of community was evident in the numerous family gatherings, church participation, and social interactions, demonstrating the close-knit nature of Pettusville in the late 1920s.
As reported in The Decatur Daily on March 3, 1938, Pettusville was an active rural community where local events and family affairs were frequently shared in the news. The passing of Mrs. Otto Cantrell Robinson (née Marion Cantrell) was a significant event, as she was a longtime member of the Church of Christ and a well-known resident. Her funeral was conducted at the Church of Christ in Pettusville, and she was buried in the Antioch Cemetery at Elkmont. Other community members dealing with health issues included George Andrews, who was suffering from an extended illness, and Mrs. Ezra White, who was confined to bed due to neuritis. Mrs. Wiley Ricks, a former Pettusville resident, was brought from Mississippi for burial in the Mt. Pleasant Cemetery. Social visits and church activities were common, with various families traveling to and from Pettusville. Members of the Dunnavant family, including Richard Dunnavant, Mrs. L. F. Dunnavant, and Mrs. Homer Dunnavant, were active in the community. The Hargrove family, including Miss Juanita Hargrove, Miss Henrietta Hargrove, and Mrs. Aaron Hargrove, frequently hosted and visited neighbors. The Petus family, including Benton Petus, Miss Mamie Petus, and Lois Petus, participated in local events such as church services, quilting gatherings, and athletic games. Benton Petus was noted for his involvement in local athletic events, while Mamie and Lois Petus spent time in Athens visiting friends. This glimpse into Pettusville in 1938 illustrates the strong family ties, religious involvement, and close-knit nature of the community.