Clemens House
Pratt Ave. & Meridian St., Huntsville, Alabama
Built by the first cousin of Samuel Clemens, better known as Mark Twain
Photos
Quarter View Looking South
The house was moved to this location and is skewed slightly to face northeast.
Photo taken by J.R. Manning in November 2016
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Map
Coordinates:
+34.73819, -86.5845134°44'17" N, 86°35'04" W
Quadrangle map:Huntsville
Description
The Clemens House was built by Jeremiah Clemens, a first cousin of Mark Twain and U.S. Senator from 1849 until 1861 when Alabama seceded from the union, a decision he opposed. Constructed in the 1820’s as a one-story Federal Period brick house, the building was expanded (including the addition of a second story) and remodeled in 1874 in the then fashionable Italianate style. Huntsville Utilities later owned the building and was an excellent steward for many years. When the company needed to expand their office and parking space, they did not tear the building down but instead assisted in its relocation. In May of 2004, the Don Kennedy Moving Company moved the house to Pratt Avenue and also become its new owner. Congressman Bud Cramer and a lawyer firm now have offices in the Clemens House.
National Register information
- Status
- Posted to the National Register of Historic Places on October 16, 1974
- Reference number
- 74000419
- Areas of significance
- Politics/Government; Architecture
- Level of significance
- State
- Evaluation criteria
- C - Design/Construction; B - Person
- Property type
- Building
- Historic function
- Single dwelling
- Periods of significance
- 1875-1899; 1850-1874; 1825-1849
- Significant years
- 1835; 1850; 1875
Update Log
- November 28, 2016: Updated by J.R. Manning: Updated status and added photos
- May 26, 2011: Updated by WillyT: Added description