What makes Montgomery’s Cloverdale district so historic?

The Cloverdale District is well-known around Montgomery for its homes and architecture along with some newer restaurants + bars.

But there’s also plenty of history in the area. You can’t drive more than a couple of streets without seeing a sign from the Alabama Historical Commission.

Keep reading to learn more about the historic area + what spots you should stop by during your next trip to the state capital.

History of Cloverdale

The earliest documentation of a house built in Cloverdale was 1892 but the district did not see any major growth until the early 20th century. According to the Old Cloverdale Association, the area saw a growth from 10 homes to 125 homes between 1908 and 1916.

That growth allowed the area to be its own incorporated village for nearly two decades before officially becoming one of Montgomery’s neighborhoods in 1927.

The district has two commercial strips that have been used off and on since the 1920s. One of them includes the historic Capri Theatre, formerly known as the Clover Theatre, which opened in 1941.

The district also includes several historic church buildings including:

• Cloverdale (Southside) Baptist Church (1902)
• Cloverdale Church of the Ascension (1909)
• First United Methodist Church (1931)

The Fitzgerald Home

One of the biggest draws for history buffs in the area is the Fitzgerald Home. This location is where Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald lived for just over a year while working on their respective novels, Save Me the Waltz and Tender is The Night.

The building was built in the early 1900s but was set to be demolished eight decades later before it was purchased and turned into the Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald Museum.

Here’s how you can visit to learn more about the couple, their careers + their lives in Montgomery:

• Location: 919 Felder Avenue, Montgomery, AL 36106
• Museum hours: Thursday-Sunday, 10AM-3PM | Wednesdays by appointment
• Tickets: $5
• AirBNB booking | Private event booking

The museum is holding an event scheduled for Oct. 4. It will be a public discussion with Fitzgerald Prize for Literary Excellence recipient Min Jin Lee. Tickets are free to the public but require a RSVP at aneveningwithminjinlee.eventbrite.com.

Exploring Cloverdale

There are plenty of spots to stop by both inside the Old Cloverdale Historic District and just around the unofficial border of the neighborhood. And there is more on the way with plenty of construction and renovation happening in the area.

Here are some of our recommendations:

• El Rey Burrito Lounge
• Leroy
• Dino’s
• Frenchie’s
• Filet & Vine

And once you get your fill, take a walk at one of the many small parks in the district!

Have you ever explored the Historic Cloverdale District? Let us know your favorite part by tagging on Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn.