The historic, small community of Mooresville
Often called "Alabama's Williamsburg," Mooresville is one of Alabama's most important and intact towns. It was incorporated as a town in 1818, two years after Limestone County was established as part of the Alabama Territory and a year before Alabama became a state. Today, it's known as a quiet historic town, home to less than 100 residents and bordered on three sides by the Wheeler Wildlife Refuge. The entire town is included on the National Register of Historic Places, and some current residents are descendants of the original settlers. "Living in Mooresville is like living in a bygone era," says long-time resident Margaret-Anne Crumlish. "It's laid out exactly as it was in 1818. We adjust as our population does." For example, there are currently more children in town, so weekly community gatherings tend to be cookouts or potlucks by the pool. "Whether a family has lived here for generations or a few months, once you move into town, you're forever a part of Mooresville."
Local businesses of Mooresville and where to find errand stops
Decatur, found 7 miles away, has the closest grocery and retail shopping options, such as Publix, Walmart, and Target. "Living in a small town like we do, you tend to plan errands around other reasons you need to go into the city," Crumlish says. Dogwood & Magnolia Bakery makes fresh pastries daily, and locals line up early for cinnamon rolls and coffee. Southern Carnage has top-quality parts and tools for bike enthusiasts, and there are 30-plus miles of gravel road near the shop so residents can hit the road on their bikes right after. Originally an agricultural community, 1818 Farms is still a working flower and sheep farm. It produces a line of handmade bath and beauty products and is open to the public when hosting events like the Bloom Stroll and Bouquet Workshops.
Community gathering on the regular
Residents take pride in the history of their town by preserving and maintaining historic buildings, including the Church of Christ, the Brick Church, the Post Office and the Stagecoach Inn & Tavern. Some also volunteer to lead scheduled walking tours, sharing the town's 200-year-old history with visitors as they see inside the historic buildings. The town council sponsors a town Christmas party, an annual winter chili and potluck party, and other town gatherings.
Vintage housing and preservation
Mooresville hasn't changed much over the years, with early 19th-century homes sharing the streets with newer homes. "Our houses are all sizes, periods and styles," says long-time resident Shirley McCrary, Crumlish's mother. "Most of the older homes were built at the end of the Federal period and incorporate elements of the architecture of this time." Housing styles include stately Federal and Greek Revival alongside Victorian and ranch, with front and back yards. "To me, that is the town's charm — we are not cookie-cutter," McCrary explains. "If anyone builds a new house, we hope they will stick with one of these styles to stay true to our 19th-century feel." An updated ranch-style house with 3,400 square feet of living space can be listed for $645,000.
Schooling at Tanner Elementary and High
Students can attend Tanner Elementary School and Tanner High School, which serve kindergarten through 12th grade. Both schools are roughly 15 minutes away by car. Tanner Elementary, which receives a B-minus on Niche, was established as a separate school from Tanner High in 2017. Though they share the same campus, Tanner Elementary has its own administration and faculty. Academic opportunities at Tanner High, which takes home a B, include Advanced Placement courses, partnering with Calhoun Community College for Dual Enrollment courses, and a STEM Lab that opened in 2019.
Abundant outdoor recreational opportunities
As for outdoor fun, McCrary shares that there's a by-membership town pool, but "recreation activities are on your own, such as bike rides, canoeing in the creek and hiking in the Wheeler Wildlife Refuge." The Singing River Trail also passes through town, a North Alabama system of greenways and trails totaling just over 200 miles.
Navigating to nearby cities
Most residents commute roughly 7 to 10 miles – around a 20-minute drive – to Huntsville or Decatur for work. The community is bordered by Old Highway 20, which connects to the main thoroughfare of Interstate 565. Residents are highly car-dependent for getting around city areas, but the neighborhood is extremely walkable.
Photography Contributed By
Tommy Daspit
Video By
Damien Kincannon
