Historic Viduta / Hotel Monte Sano

HISTORIC VIDUTA

“Viduta” – derived from Spanish “vida” meaning “life”

In a time when yellow fever, malaria, and cholera threatened, Dr. Thomas Fearn and his brothers Robert and George were drawn by the cool air and medicinal springs to establish a small colony on the northern section of Monte Sano Mountain in 1827. In 1833 the town of Viduta was officially established. The area contains a variety of architectural styles, dating from the late 1800’s.

Approximate boundaries: Lookout Drive (N); Denison Avenue (S); Monte Sano Boulevard (W); and Shelby Avenue (E).

Listed on the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage, March 8, 1994.

ALABAMA HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION – 1997

 

HOTEL MONTE SANO
“Monte Sano” – Spanish for “Mountain of Health”

In 1887 the Nortth Alabama Improvement Company with the assistance of Michael and James O’Shaughnessy, built a 233-room hotel on Monte Sano Mountain. The hotel served as a health resort and haven for industrial giants including the Vanderbilts and Astors. Guests arrived via the Monte Sano Railway which ran up the mountain. The hotel ceased operations in 1900 and was later purchased by the Garth family for their summer residence. It was demolished for salvage in 1944. All that remains of the hotel is the brick chimney on Old Chimney Road.

ALABAMA HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION – 1997