The Plattenburg Plantation

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In his account of the Battle for Selma W.O. Perry wrote "All that part of Selma from the Summerfield Road to Bakers Switch was under a rail fence and belonged to the plantation of Mr. Platenberg. Most of it was planted in cotton." (The Selma Times Journal Nov. 2, 1927).

The plantation of Wesley Plattenburg encompassed approximately 2200 acres north of present day Jeff Davis Ave and east of Summerfield road to near Rangeline. It was shown on a map of Selma fortifications given to Union Army General Wilson at Plantersville by a Confederate Army deserter.

The only physical evidence left of the plantation is the brick cottage located on the North West corner of Washington street and Furniss avenue. It is on the Alabama Historic Commission's list of Historic Places in Peril. According to an AHC press release, the rare raised cottage with Greek Revival and Italianate details was built in 1842 as the center of Wesley Plattenburg's plantation.

Wesley Plattenburg, Esq.

Born in Anne Arundal county, Maryland on 4/13/1803

Wesley Plattenburg located in Selma in 1829 where he became a merchant, tailor, and planter. He also serves as a city council member. The plantation property was acquired from a Mr. Wood upon his death. Plattenburg later moved to Tennessee.

Bibliography:
Selma; Her Institutions And Her Men John Hardy 1879
The Selma Times-Journal



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