List of six biggest plantations in Alabama include buildings in Black Belt

Several buildings in the Black Belt were included in a list by a-z-animals.com of the six biggest plantations in Alabama. 

As noted in the article the plantations were sites for slave labor in the 1800s. The last plantation closed in the 20th century but many these buildings remain in place today. 

First is the Pillars in Lowndes County. It was occupied by John McMillan, in 1817 and features a Greek revival style. It spanned an estimated 5,000, housing more than 100 slaves. The original building was destroyed by Union soldiers in the Civil War. 

Grey Columns in Tuskegee was built beginning in 1854 but not completed until 1920. Like the Pillars the original plantation spanned around 5,000. It is now home to president of Tuskegee University. 

The Gaineswood plantation was built between 1842 and 1860. It was home to the Whitfield family before going through periods of deterioration and restoration. It was eventually purchased Conservation Department of the State of Alabama and transferred to the Alabama Historical Commission. 

The Kirkwood plantation in Greene County was built from 1857 to 1860 and was home to Mark Kirksey. It was used for housing for Union soldiers in the Civil before eventually being a bed and breakfast and even a movie set.