History & Heritage of Daphne
Historical records indicate Spanish explorers discovered this area as early as 1557. Researchers have excavated many valuable relics showing that the Tensaw, Alabama, Choctaw, Creeks, and Seminole Indians all lived in this area prior to 1557. The community of Daphne dates as far back as 1763 when it was commonly known as "The Village". French troops and later British troops occupied the area. Other well known historical areas can be found in nearby battle grounds located at Blakeley, north of Daphne; Fort Morgan at Gulf Shores: and Fort Gaines at Dauphin Island near Mobile.
Records indicate April 9, 1874 as the actual establishment
of the town to be called Daphne with the designation
of a Postmaster and official Post Office for the Community.
Daphne was a resort area prior to the War between the
States . In the early 1900's, several Italian families
settled in Daphne and brought with them great expertise
in agriculture and a tradition of foods and wine. Their
family names remain an important part of Daphne's heritage.
The "Festa Italiana", sponsored by Christ the King Church
Sodality, held each spring in conjunction with the Eastern
Shore Chamber's Arts & Crafts Festival, entices the
crowd with homemade pastas, sauces, and delightful foods
and crafts prepared from family traditions. The Festa
truly emphasizes the wonderful heritage brought to this
area from Italy.
Daphne was incorporated on July 8, 1927 with a population
of only 500. Originally, Daphne was the Baldwin County
seat of government. However, Daphne's courthouse records
were stolen one night by the rival community of Bay
Minette, where the Baldwin County seat of government
remains today.
Click the following photos to view
a pop-up window with an enlarged view:
 |
Old Methodist Museum
405 Dryer Avenue
Daphne, AL 36526
251-621-9620
The Old Methodist Church Museum, formerly Daphne
United Methodist Church, is the second oldest church
building in Baldwin County and is listed on the National
Register of Historical Places. Located at 405 Dryer
Avenue, the building was constructed in 1858 to provide
a place of worship for all Daphne residents. The church
was dedicated as a museum in 2001 to provide a cneter
for educating the general public about the history
of Daphne and surrounding communities.
The adjacent cemetery predates t he church, where
the earliest recorded burial was in 1847. Many prominent
citizens of Daphne are interred there, as well as
unknown Civil War soldiers, both Union and Confederate.
A reprint of Florence and Richard Scott's acclaimed
book, "Daphne," may be purchased at the
museum, or by calling 251-626-3275. Hours of operation
are Friday through Sunday from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Special
tours may be scheduled by calling 251-626-3275.
Tour
Olde Town Daphne courtesy of Eagle Scout David Manci
Gardner.
|
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)