Welcome to the McGillivray Plantation Historic Marker in Wetumpka, Alabama! Step back in time as we explore this historically significant site, where once stood a thriving plantation established by Lieutenant Colonel LeRoy Pope McGillivray. As you stand here amidst the lush greenery and towering trees, let your imagination run wild as we journey back to the 19th century.

The McGillivray Plantation Historic Marker pays homage to this once-bustling plantation that played a pivotal role in the development of Wetumpka. Established in 1817, Lieutenant Colonel LeRoy Pope McGillivray built his home here after moving from Virginia. The plantation was named after him and served as an important agricultural hub for the area, growing cotton and other crops that would go on to define Alabamas economy during the Antebellum period.

As you stroll along this historic site, take note of the remnants of the original plantation structures still visible today. These include the family cemetery, where many members of the McGillivray family are buried, as well as the remains of the once-grand plantation house that stood tall and proud overlooking the Coosa River. The house was built in a Greek Revival style, with large columns supporting its roof, giving it an elegant and stately appearance.

One of the unique attributes of McGillivray Plantation is its connection to a pivotal moment in Alabamas history. In 1832, Lieutenant Colonel LeRoy Pope McGillivray sold some of his land to the newly formed City of Montgomery for the establishment of their new state capital. This marked the beginning of Montgomerys journey to becoming the political center of Alabama and played a significant role in the development of the state as a whole.

As you continue your tour, let the whispers of history wash over you as you stand on the very ground where the lives of enslaved Africans were forever altered by their forced labor on this plantation. It is important to remember and acknowledge the hardships faced by these individuals and the impact that their work had on the prosperity of McGillivray Plantation and the surrounding area.

In conclusion, the McGillivray Plantation Historic Marker stands as a testament to the rich history and cultural significance of Wetumpka, Alabama. As you wander through this serene setting, take a moment to appreciate the stories that these trees, fields, and remnants of buildings can tell us about life in the 19th century – both the hardships and triumphs experienced by those who called this place home.