Seeking SUMMERVILLE

Seeking Summerville

Few people realize the close connection which once existed between Columbus, Georgia and Phenix City, Alabama. In 1838 Robert S. Hardaway and 10 other prominent Columbus business and political leaders established an elite settlement with summer homes and schools in the hills of Alabama to protect their families from Yellow Fever. Details are shared from the memoirs of Robert Archelaus Hardaway who lived in Summerville as a boy. Only one summer home remains. It was built by John Fontaine the first mayor of Columbus. We will explore the development of the community which also included the Summerville Male Academy and the Summerville Female Academy.