Episode 1 - The Story of Daniel Pratt

Nestled approximately 10 miles north of Montgomery Alabama sits a wonderful community named Prattville.  It is named after its founder, Daniel Pratt.  Daniel Pratt was one of the most influential shapers of industry and life in general in the mid and later 1800's.  His gift for establishing and running successful industrial activities had a tremendous impact before, during, and after the Civil War.

I invite you to hear the story behind the story of Daniel Pratt and our wonderful city, Prattville.

I invite you to share this podcast with others. If you have interesting stories about historical markers you've discovered, or perhaps are in your area, please email me at info@americanhistoricalmarkers.com.

I also invite you to leave me feedback by clicking on the "Send Us a Text" tab at the top of this discription.

Safe Travels!

Transcript

Hello Friends,

 I’m your host Dave Laton and welcome to Signs of Our Time, Discovering America’s heritage, one sign at a time.

 This podcast is designed to provide the story behind the story found on America’s roadside historical signs.  

 Historical markers or signs dot the highways and byways all throughout America.  Some are in prominent places, some hidden away.  Some might even be in your neighborhood.  Wherever you see one, you can be assured that there is a rich history associated with the place, event, or individuals honored.  I encourage you to slow down and visit these signs and discover the history that makes our great nation an amazing place.

 In this inaugural episode I want to talk about a historical marker right here in my hometown, Prattville, Alabama.  There are several markers honoring people, places and events in and around our town.  

 Here is some information about our city and founder, Daniel Pratt.

 Prattville was founded in 1839 by industrialist and architect Daniel Pratt. The area was largely inhabited by Native Americans and a few settlers when Pratt, a native of Temple, New Hampshire, first observed the Autauga Creek in the 1830s. He purchased approximately 1,000 acres and set out to build his manufacturing facilities and the town along the banks of Autauga Creek. The location was chosen because the creek could supply power to the cotton gin manufacturing equipment. The town became an industrial center and rapidly grew. 

 Prattville today is a rapidly growing community with a current population of approximately 40,000.  It is the county seat for Autauga County.  It is located just off interstate 65 south.  We invite you to visit and enjoy some real southern hospitality.

 Daniel Pratt was born in Temple New Hampshire in 1819.  At the age of 16 he started as an apprentice for an architect.  By 1867 he had become a successful architect and builder focusing on the American South.  He hired on with Samuel Griswold, also of New England to manage a cotton gin manufacturing factory.  Later Daniel Pratt struck out on his own and moved to the central Alabama area with his wife, two slaves, and materials to construct 50 cotton gins.  He found a suitable location alongside a creek in Autauga County to set up the manufacturing activity.  

 In 1838 he founded the town of Prattville to house workers for the gin factory.  In a very short time, his factory became the largest producer of cotton gins in the world.  It was also Alabama’s first major industry.

 Daniel Pratt has several business ventures including a sawmill, gristmill, window factory, iron foundry, woolen mill, railroad, bank, and a blast furnace.  

 The American Civil War badly affected the businesses.  Many workers joined the military, and his customer base dwindled as the economy suffered.

 Daniel Pratt was able to directly impact the economic recovery during the reconstruction period following the civil war.  This made Autauga County, and Prattville, a stable and prosperous community.  

 Here’s some other interesting facts.

 One of the former slaves owned by Daniel Pratt, Charles Atwood was able to purchase a home in the town of Prattville and later to be an investor in Daniel Pratts railroad.

 Prattville is nicknamed the “Fountain City” due to the large number of artesian wells.  Some of these wells are now ornamental fountains and several provide pure drinking water.  

 There is a ghost story called, “The Black Lady” that was inspired by the deaths caused by poor working conditions in nearby factories.

 Outro

 Well friends, there you have it.  A story from America’s past.  I hope you enjoyed this episode.  I invite you to continue listening as we bring more episodes about the rich heritage of our great nation.

 I invite you to share this podcast with others.  If you have interesting stories about historical markers, I invite you to email me at: info@americanhistoricalmarkers.com

 I’m Dave Laton and thank you for listening, and safe travels!