Urban explorer and photographer Leland Kent, founder of Abandoned Southeast, has documented countless forgotten properties across the American South. Among his most striking discoveries is a massive brick mansion built in 1899 for Robert H. Moulthrop, an Alabama state senator recognized for his role in advancing education reform.
Even in a state of abandonment, the residence reflects the ambition and permanence of its era. Designed in a blend of Imperial Revival and Queen Anne architectural styles, the home features a commanding turret, ornate brick detailing, and tall windows that once flooded its five-bedroom interior with natural light. The layout suggests a dual purpose: a private family residence and a formal setting for social and political gatherings.
The mansion’s extraordinary durability is closely tied to its origins. The Moulthrop family owned one of the largest brick manufacturing operations in Alabama at the time, giving them access to superior materials. In some areas, the exterior walls are as much as six bricks thick, a level of construction that has allowed the structure to withstand more than a century of exposure. The columned veranda still stands, its solid masonry offering a stark contrast to the deterioration within.
Inside, the effects of time and neglect are unmistakable. Portions of the roof have collapsed, scattering debris across once-elegant rooms. Fireplaces, plaster walls, and structural supports show advanced decay. The mansion remained in the Moulthrop family until the 1980s, after which it was left vacant.
Today, the building stands as a powerful reminder of both architectural resilience and the fragile fate of historic homes when maintenance and preservation fade.