====== Edmund King House ======

The Edmund King House is a historic residence located on the campus of the University of Montevallo in Montevallo, Alabama. Known for its Federal architectural style and historical significance, the house has also gained attention for reported supernatural phenomena.

==== Historical Background ====

The Edmund King House was built in 1823 by Edmund King, a native of Virginia who moved to Alabama in 1817. Initially constructing a log cabin, King later built this brick house after establishing himself as a successful planter and businessman. Throughout his life, King was a prominent community figure, contributing land for various local developments including churches, roads, and schools. Upon his death in 1863, the house passed to his son-in-law and was eventually deeded to the Alabama Girls Industrial School (now the University of Montevallo) in 1908.

Over the years, the house has served various purposes including a classroom, office building, infirmary, home economics practice home, and a summer residence for male students. Currently, it functions as a guest house for visitors to the University of Montevallo.

==== Architectural Details ====

The Edmund King House is an example of Federal-style architecture, characterized by:
  * **Construction:** The house is built of brick laid in English bond.
  * **Entrance:** The central main entrance is topped with a four-light transom.
  * **Windows:** Ground floor windows are nine-over-six sashes, while upper floor windows are six-over-six sashes.
  * **Arch Details:** Windows and entrance are spanned with flat, flared arches stuccoed to resemble stone.
  * **Interior Layout:** The house features a center-hall plan with two rooms on either side of a central hallway on both floors, each room containing an Adamesque fireplace mantel.
  * **Exterior Changes:** The exterior was stuccoed and scored to imitate stone in the mid-19th century, and a front portico and rear ell were added later. These features were removed during a 1973–74 restoration.

The house was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972, acknowledging its architectural and historical significance.

==== Reported Hauntings ====

The Edmund King House is reputed to be haunted, with several unexplained phenomena reported by visitors and residents:
  * **Spectral Lights:** Reports of unexplained lights appearing within the house.
  * **Footsteps:** Echoes of footsteps are heard in various parts of the building.
  * **Unexplained Noises:** Other mysterious noises have been reported, adding to the eerie atmosphere.

These reports have contributed to the house's reputation as a site of paranormal activity, adding a layer of intrigue to its historical legacy.

==== References ====

  * "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. July 9, 2010.
  * Floyd, W. Warner. *Mansion House*. National Register of Historic Places Registration Form. November 9, 1971. Archived PDF.
  * "A Walk Through Time - King House". University of Montevallo. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016.
  * "King House, Montevallo, Alabama". National Park Service. Archived PDF.

==== External Links ====

  * [University of Montevallo](https://www.montevallo.edu)
  * [National Register of Historic Places: Edmund King House](https://www.nps.gov/nr/feature/places/72000179.htm)