Railroad Depots of the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries were often designed to make good first impressions. Beyond their strictly utilitarian function, they were also symbols of the places that they served. Constructed in 1907, the depot served the Atlanta, Birmingham and Atlantic Railroad, which was organized in 1905, forming one important part of the new Wadley community. The town was originally planned as a model city that would harness nearby water power as an energy source. However, because it did not attract enough residents, the dream failed to materialize as an economic boom town.
The Wadley Depot is a lone reminder of those hopeful years and is an excellent example of the Spanish Mission style, which flourished in the early 1900s. Its red tile roof, half round door, window arches, stucco veneer, and wide overhanging eaves supported by brackets are all characteristic of the architectural design. Today, however, this architectural gem is in dire need of repair. Lack of maintenance and security has subjected the depot to deterioration and vandalism. The town of Wadley, through its Envision Wadley committee, would like to renovate the depot in the future.
Alabama's Endangered Historic Landmarks
Each year since 1994, Alabama Heritage has highlighted threatened historic sites throughout Alabama. The “Places in Peril” list has identified more than 215 imperiled historic resources throughout the state, and is compiled by the Alabama Historical Commission and the Alabama Trust for Historic Preservation. The locations highlight the results of deferred maintenance, perceived obsolescence, development pressures, and lack of funding—forces that now more than ever threaten our cultural legacy. But awareness is a powerful force, too, and can cultivate a renewed determination to be responsible stewards of our heritage. For more information, visit the AHC or the ATHP websites. Alabama Heritage is proud to bring to you a selection of the places designated as perilous. Please keep your comments to information relevant to the featured place in peril. Alabama Heritage reserves the right to delete any comment that we deem inappropriate.