In the pages of an old newspaper, a vision was cast upon the fertile lands of Lauderdale County, Alabama – the birth of a town named Havannah. Fast forward to the present day, and we find ourselves reflecting on the past, rediscovering the essence of this historical announcement, and learning more about this "Paper Town" (Paper towns are settlements that appear on maps but do not actually exist). Let's delve into the charm and promise that once surrounded Havannah.
More than two centuries ago, in 1818, the trustees of a newly planned town named Havannah took to the pages of the countries newspapers, announcing the availability of lots for sale. What was the allure of this undeveloped plot in Lauderdale County, Alabama?
The land was situated in Lauderdale county, Alabama Territory, on the north side of the Tennessee river, immediately above Colbert’s Reserve, within nine miles from Florence, Alabama. That section of country had been recently sold at Huntsville when forty-two new townships brought the Government the unprecedented sum of $5,000,000.
Havannah's marketing pitch began with its enticing natural assets. The land was portrayed as exceptionally fertile and extremely affordable, with prices ranging from $30 to $78 per acre. The promise of abundant agricultural productions echoed through the narrative, painting a picture of a thriving town surrounded by lush landscapes. Havana was envisioned as a haven for successful agriculture and a comfortable living experience.
The sales pitch leaned heavily on the potential for cotton commerce. Havannah was presented as an ideal destination for cotton merchants due to its strategic position that would provide early access to markets. The proximity to the Mississippi, southern parts of Alabama Territory, and West Florida added weight to the town's significance in both export and import trades.
Connectivity was also highlighted, emphasizing a planned establishment of a ferry for easy access from populous settlements in Kentucky and Tennessee. The town's location was portrayed as the most convenient crossing point, reinforcing its potential importance in the transportation network.