Greensboro saw an influx of visitors from across the state and even the country this past weekend, marking its bicentennial with a tour of historic sites. The event, held over the weekend of June 10th and 11th, celebrated the city’s incorporation in 1823.
A testament to the community’s rich history and architectural diversity, the Bicentennial Tour opened the doors to over twenty historic homes, churches, museums, and other significant landmarks, receiving tremendous praise from attendees.
Buzzy Barnette of the Greensboro Alabama Business and Tourism Association, who spearheaded the event, informed us that more than 550 people—potentially even closer to 600— attended the tour, which was a significant community effort. Main Street saw plenty of foot traffic, and downtown businesses and restaurants did brisk business all weekend. ”Restaurants were packed. People from as far away as California were here,” Barnette said, highlighting the widespread appeal of the tour.
The attendees ranged from individuals who had connections to Hale County and were returning after many years to first-time visitors exploring the city’s charm. Irrespective of their backgrounds, the consensus was clear—everyone appreciated the warm, welcoming vibe of Greensboro.
The two-day tour had something for every history enthusiast. It highlighted several historic homes, including the late 1850s Greek Revival structure, Multi Flora, and Camellia Cottage, an emblem of Greensboro’s post-Civil War growth. The Avery-McCrary house, a mid-20th century gem restored after a disastrous fire, was also part of the tour.
Churches like St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Greensboro Presbyterian, and the First Methodist Church, some dating back to the 1800s, provided a spiritual cornerstone for the event. The tour further encompassed museums like the Safe House Black History Museum, a refuge for Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. during the civil rights movement, and upcoming redevelopment projects such as the Greensboro Hotel and Greensboro Opera House.
Barnette highlighted the community spirit that was instrumental in pulling off this event, “From homeowners to volunteers, business owners to museums and churches, everyone pulled together to make this happen.” A particular example of the community spirit was when city utilities workers worked late into the night to repair a burst water line ensuring water availability on west Main.
The Bicentennial Tour not only brought business to the local restaurants and shops, but it also instilled a sense of pride within the community. “Families that have moved away came back to see family homes and churches they grew up in. There were so many compliments on how warm and welcoming our town was,” Barnette said.
The successful Bicentennial Tour is a testimony to Greensboro’s robust history, architectural grandeur, and above all, its strong community spirit.
