FLORENCE – The Florence/Lauderdale Tourism Office will host a free walking tour at the Forks of Cypress Plantation Site and Cemetery on Saturday, November 8 at 10:00 a.m.
The Forks of Cypress, built in 1820s was the first home in America with a peristyle colonnade and is regarded as one of the great houses of Alabama.
The Forks of Cypress was home to James Jackson, one of the founders of 
Florence, who was known throughout the country for the thoroughbred horses that he bred and raced at the Forks.
Tragically, the home burned in 1966 and only 23 columns remain as a testament to the once grand plantation. The location is considered one to be of Lauderdale County’s most significant historic landmarks and it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Local historian Harry Wallace will guide the tour which will begin at the site of the columns and concluded at the cemetery. The Forks of Cypress is on private property, so the public is encouraged to take advantage of this rare opportunity to tour the site. The tour is free and visitors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs.
Directions: Take Cox Creek Parkway to Jackson Road. (no traffic signal).
Go north on Jackson Rd. and turn right at the dead end onto CR 41.
Contact Florence/Lauderdale Tourism at 256-740-4141 for additional information.
