Alabama has some of the most beautiful plantation homes in the South and these homes allow us to better understand the lifestyles of the past. Even though each plantation home is unique, the style is recognizable. There are several plantation homes in Alabama that have survived for nearly 200 years and I've listed 10 of them below.

1. Belle Mont Mansion

The Belle Mont Mansion, built between the years 1828-1832 for Dr. Alexander W. Mitchell, is a pre-Civil War Jeffersonian-style plantation home that's located in Tuscumbia. This beautiful plantation home was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982 and is currently operated as a historic house museum.

2. The Pillars

The Pillars, a Greek Revival-style antebellum plantation home in Lowndesboro, was built in 1857 by Mr. Archibald Tyson - a cotton planter. The Pillars is part of the Lowndesboro Historic District.

3. Kirkwood Plantation Home

Kirkwood, a Greek Revival-style plantation home in Eutaw, was built by Foster M. Kirksey in 1858. Kirkwood was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976.

4. Grey Columns

Located in Tuskegee, and built in 1857, Grey Columns now serves as the home of the president of Tuskegee University. This plantation home was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.

5. Black Thistle Plantation Home

Also known as the Underwood Plantation Home, Black Thistle is a Greek Revival-style plantation home built by the Greene Underwood family in 1837. Located in Pleasant Hill, Black Thistle was added to the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage in 1990. This plantation home is still a private residence.

6. Oakleigh

Oakleigh, a plantation home sitting on 35 acres in Mobile, was built by James W. Roper - a dry goods merchant and cotton factor. This beautiful plantation home is now the centerpiece of the Oakleigh Historic Complex and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1971.

7. Kenan House

The Kenan House, a Greek Revival-style house that's located in Selma, and was built in 1826, is one of the oldest houses in Dallas County. What makes the Kenan House special is the large charred section on its pine flooring in the parlor. The flooring was charred when Union Troops tried to burn the house down during the Civil War.

8. Gaineswood Plantation Home

The construction of the Gaineswood Plantation Home was completed on the eve of the American Civil War after a construction period of nearly 20 years (1843-1861). Gaineswood is located in Demopolis and is one of the remaining examples of Greek Revival-style architecture in Alabama. This plantation home was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972 and was declared a National and Historic Landmark in 1973. Gaineswood is currently operated as a historic house museum.

9. Wakefield Plantation Home

Located in Furman, and built by the Gulley family during the 1840s, the Wakefield Plantation Home is an example of Steamboat Gothic style. This home is nearly 6,000 sqft and includes 12 rooms, 12 fireplaces, and very unique porches on all sides. Wakefield is a private residence and is part of the Furman Historic District.

10. Youpon Plantation Home

Located near Canton Bend, the Youpon Plantation Home is a Greek Revival-style home that many architectural historians consider to be among the finest antebellum homes in Alabama. Youpon, a private residence, was built between the years 1840-1848 for William T. Mathews - a planter and local builder.

This is a short list of the many beautiful plantation homes we have here in Alabama. If I've omitted a plantation home that you feel should definitely be included, please tell us about it in the comments below.