Skip to main content
You are the owner of this collection.
Edit Collection
You have permission to edit this collection.
Edit
  • Sign Up
  • Log In
  • Dashboard
  • Logout
    • My Account
    • Dashboard
    • Profile
    • Saved items
    • Logout
Home
  • About Us
  • Calendar
  • Contact Us
  • Subscribe
  • Terms of Use
  • TPI Job Board
News
  • COVID-19 Special Coverage
  • Alexander City
  • Dadeville
  • New Site
  • Camp Hill
  • Jacksons Gap
  • Tallapoosa County
  • Coosa County
  • Lake Martin
  • Education
  • Arts & Entertainment
  • Crime
Sports
  • Benjamin Russell
  • Dadeville High School
  • Horseshoe Bend
  • Reeltown High School
  • Central Coosa
  • Southern Prep
  • Auburn
  • Alabama
  • CACC
  • Youth sports
  • Outdoors
  • Sports columnists
Contests
Opinion
  • Letters to the Editor
  • Our View
  • Columnists
Obituaries
Multimedia
  • Photo Galleries
  • Videos
e-Edition
Classifieds
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Subscribe
  • e-Edition
  • Contests
  • Crossword
  • TPI Job Board
  • Sign Up
  • Log In
  • Dashboard
  • Logout
    • My Account
    • Dashboard
    • Profile
    • Saved items
    • Logout
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
  • YouTube
  • Instagram
site-logo
  • 73° Rain Shower
    • Alexander City, AL (35010)

      Today

      Thunderstorms likely this evening. Then a chance of scattered thunderstorms overnight. Low 69F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 90%..

      Tonight

      Thunderstorms likely this evening. Then a chance of scattered thunderstorms overnight. Low 69F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 90%.

      Updated: August 10, 2022 @ 7:14 pm

    • Full Forecast
site-logo
  • 73°
    • Alexander City, AL (35010)

      Today

      Thunderstorms likely this evening. Then a chance of scattered thunderstorms overnight. Low 69F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 90%..

      Tonight

      Thunderstorms likely this evening. Then a chance of scattered thunderstorms overnight. Low 69F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 90%.

      Updated: August 10, 2022 @ 7:14 pm

    • Full Forecast
  • 73°
  • Home

TIMELINE: The rise and fall of Benson

  • Siri Hedreen
    Siri Hedreen

    Siri Hedreen

    Multimedia Reporter

  • Apr 28, 2021
  • Apr 28, 2021 Updated Jun 3, 2021
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • WhatsApp
  • SMS
  • Email
  • Print
  • Save
1 of 18
Kowaliga school
1
  • Updated Apr 28, 2021

Submitted / The Outlook

A photo of John Benson's original Kowaliga School cabin appears in the Kowaliga Academic and Industrial Institute's 17th annual report.

teachers.jpg
2
Buy Now
  • Updated Apr 28, 2021

Submitted / The Outlook

A group of Tuskegee-trained teachers pose for a photo in the Kowaliga Academic and Industrial Institute's 17th annual report. 

Feb 5 1909.jpg
3
Buy Now
  • Updated Apr 28, 2021

File / The Outlook

Feb. 5, 1909: The Alexander City Outlook reports on the fire that razed the Kowaliga Academic and Industrial Institute. Will Benson later raised $20,000 to rebuild the school.

Howland Hall.jpg
4
Buy Now
  • Updated Apr 28, 2021

Submitted / The Outlook

A photo of Howland Hall in Tallapoosa County Bicentennial Committee's 1976 "Tallapoosa County: A History."

0428 old school photo.jpg
5
  • Updated Apr 28, 2021

Submitted / The Outlook

A photograph of the Kowaliga Academic and Industrial Institute campus in the school's 17th annual report depicts what is today a mostly forested section of Russell Lands.

Feb 17 1911.jpg
6
  • Updated Apr 28, 2021

File / The Outlook

Feb. 17, 1911: The Alexander City Outlook reports on the Dixie Industrial Company's new road engine service (later upgraded to railroad).

shop class.jpg
7
Buy Now
  • Updated Apr 28, 2021

Submitted / The Outlook

A photo in Tallapoosa County Bicentennial Committee's 1976 "Tallapoosa County: A History" depicts Kowaliga Academic and Industrial Institute students in shop class.

Kowaliga Academic and Industrial Institute
8
  • Updated Apr 28, 2021

Submitted / The Outlook

Students pose for a photo in the Kowaliga Academic and Industrial Institute's 17th annual report.

Aug 4 1914.jpg
9
Buy Now
  • Updated Apr 28, 2021

File / The Outlook

Aug. 4, 1914: England declares war on Germany, the Dixie Industrial Company's largest turpentine market.

Aug 7 1914.jpg
10
  • Updated Apr 28, 2021

File / The Outlook

Aug. 7, 1914: A (very) short front-page editorial in The Alexander City Outlook foreshadows the demise of the Dixie Industrial Company.

June 9 1915.jpg
11
Buy Now
  • Updated Apr 28, 2021

File / The Outlook

June 6, 1915: An Alexander City Outlook reprint of The New York Times documents Will Benson's resignation as president of the Dixie Industrial Company

Oct 13 1915.jpg
12
Buy Now
  • Updated Apr 28, 2021

File / The Outlook

Oct. 13, 1915: The Alexander City Outlook reports the death of William E. Benson, "one of the best-known negroes in the state."

Jan 26 1916.jpg
13
Buy Now
  • Updated Apr 28, 2021

File / The Outlook

Jan. 26, 1916: The Alexander City Outlook reports on the Dixie Industrial Company's sale of timber rights to J. M. Steverson and Ben Russell.

Feb 2 1916.jpg
14
Buy Now
  • Updated Apr 28, 2021

File / The Outlook

Feb. 2, 1916: The Alexander City Outlook editorializes on the business prospects of Steverson and Russell's timber rights purchase.

July 24 1918.jpg
15
Buy Now
  • Updated Apr 28, 2021

File / The Outlook

July 24, 1918: A Dixie Industrial Company advertisement in the The Alexander City Outlook promotes farm land for sale. 

Aug 17 1930
16
Buy Now
  • Updated Apr 28, 2021

File / The Outlook

Aug 17, 1930: The Alexander City Outlook describes summer diversions at Hotel Camp Dixie in its society column.

Nov 1 1934.jpg
17
Buy Now
  • Updated Apr 28, 2021

File / The Outlook

Nov. 1, 1934: The Alexander City Outlook advertises Camp Dixie Hotel (Hotel Camp Dixie), on the grounds of what was once the Kowaliga Academic and Industrial Institute.

Rosenwald school
18
Buy Now
  • Updated Apr 28, 2021

Siri Hedreen / The Outlook

The Rosenwald school that replaced the Kowaliga Academic and Industrial Institute is across the street from what is now Russell Crossroads. For awhile it was used by the Dixie Hunting Club but now sits abandoned.

More like this...

1 of 18
Kowaliga school

Submitted / The Outlook

A photo of John Benson's original Kowaliga School cabin appears in the Kowaliga Academic and Industrial Institute's 17th annual report.

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • WhatsApp
  • SMS
  • Email
  • Print
  • Save
teachers.jpg
Buy Now

Submitted / The Outlook

A group of Tuskegee-trained teachers pose for a photo in the Kowaliga Academic and Industrial Institute's 17th annual report. 

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • WhatsApp
  • SMS
  • Email
  • Print
  • Save
Feb 5 1909.jpg
Buy Now

File / The Outlook

Feb. 5, 1909: The Alexander City Outlook reports on the fire that razed the Kowaliga Academic and Industrial Institute. Will Benson later raised $20,000 to rebuild the school.

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • WhatsApp
  • SMS
  • Email
  • Print
  • Save
Howland Hall.jpg
Buy Now

Submitted / The Outlook

A photo of Howland Hall in Tallapoosa County Bicentennial Committee's 1976 "Tallapoosa County: A History."

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • WhatsApp
  • SMS
  • Email
  • Print
  • Save
0428 old school photo.jpg

Submitted / The Outlook

A photograph of the Kowaliga Academic and Industrial Institute campus in the school's 17th annual report depicts what is today a mostly forested section of Russell Lands.

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • WhatsApp
  • SMS
  • Email
  • Print
  • Save
Feb 17 1911.jpg

File / The Outlook

Feb. 17, 1911: The Alexander City Outlook reports on the Dixie Industrial Company's new road engine service (later upgraded to railroad).

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • WhatsApp
  • SMS
  • Email
  • Print
  • Save
shop class.jpg
Buy Now

Submitted / The Outlook

A photo in Tallapoosa County Bicentennial Committee's 1976 "Tallapoosa County: A History" depicts Kowaliga Academic and Industrial Institute students in shop class.

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • WhatsApp
  • SMS
  • Email
  • Print
  • Save
Kowaliga Academic and Industrial Institute

Submitted / The Outlook

Students pose for a photo in the Kowaliga Academic and Industrial Institute's 17th annual report.

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • WhatsApp
  • SMS
  • Email
  • Print
  • Save
Aug 4 1914.jpg
Buy Now

File / The Outlook

Aug. 4, 1914: England declares war on Germany, the Dixie Industrial Company's largest turpentine market.

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • WhatsApp
  • SMS
  • Email
  • Print
  • Save
Aug 7 1914.jpg

File / The Outlook

Aug. 7, 1914: A (very) short front-page editorial in The Alexander City Outlook foreshadows the demise of the Dixie Industrial Company.

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • WhatsApp
  • SMS
  • Email
  • Print
  • Save
June 9 1915.jpg
Buy Now

File / The Outlook

June 6, 1915: An Alexander City Outlook reprint of The New York Times documents Will Benson's resignation as president of the Dixie Industrial Company

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • WhatsApp
  • SMS
  • Email
  • Print
  • Save
Oct 13 1915.jpg
Buy Now

File / The Outlook

Oct. 13, 1915: The Alexander City Outlook reports the death of William E. Benson, "one of the best-known negroes in the state."

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • WhatsApp
  • SMS
  • Email
  • Print
  • Save
Jan 26 1916.jpg
Buy Now

File / The Outlook

Jan. 26, 1916: The Alexander City Outlook reports on the Dixie Industrial Company's sale of timber rights to J. M. Steverson and Ben Russell.

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • WhatsApp
  • SMS
  • Email
  • Print
  • Save
Feb 2 1916.jpg
Buy Now

File / The Outlook

Feb. 2, 1916: The Alexander City Outlook editorializes on the business prospects of Steverson and Russell's timber rights purchase.

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • WhatsApp
  • SMS
  • Email
  • Print
  • Save
July 24 1918.jpg
Buy Now

File / The Outlook

July 24, 1918: A Dixie Industrial Company advertisement in the The Alexander City Outlook promotes farm land for sale. 

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • WhatsApp
  • SMS
  • Email
  • Print
  • Save
Aug 17 1930
Buy Now

File / The Outlook

Aug 17, 1930: The Alexander City Outlook describes summer diversions at Hotel Camp Dixie in its society column.

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • WhatsApp
  • SMS
  • Email
  • Print
  • Save
Nov 1 1934.jpg
Buy Now

File / The Outlook

Nov. 1, 1934: The Alexander City Outlook advertises Camp Dixie Hotel (Hotel Camp Dixie), on the grounds of what was once the Kowaliga Academic and Industrial Institute.

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • WhatsApp
  • SMS
  • Email
  • Print
  • Save
Rosenwald school
Buy Now

Siri Hedreen / The Outlook

The Rosenwald school that replaced the Kowaliga Academic and Industrial Institute is across the street from what is now Russell Crossroads. For awhile it was used by the Dixie Hunting Club but now sits abandoned.

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • WhatsApp
  • SMS
  • Email
  • Print
  • Save

More like this...

Siri Hedreen

Siri Hedreen

Multimedia Reporter

As featured on

+6
Two amateur historians are putting the 'drowned town' of Benson back on the map

Two amateur historians are putting the 'drowned town' of Benson back on the map

It's easy for travelers heading down Highway 63 to miss Benson, the rural community once hom…

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • WhatsApp
  • SMS
  • Email
  • Print
  • Save

Sections

  • Home
  • News
  • Sports
  • Opinion
  • Obituaries
  • Multimedia
  • eEditions
  • Contests

Services

  • Subscriptions
  • Classifieds
  • Contact Us
  • Calendar
  • Newsletter Sign Up
  • Search
  • Weather
  • Press Releases

Contact Information

alexcityoutlook.com
548 Cherokee Road
Alexander City, AL 35010
Phone: 256-234-4281
Email: editor@alexcityoutlook.com

Follow Us

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
  • YouTube
  • Instagram
© Copyright 2022 Alex City Outlook, 548 Cherokee Road Alexander City, AL | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy
Powered by BLOX Content Management System from TownNews.com.

Log In
You are logged in
 Switch accounts

Sign Up

This is the name that will be displayed next to your photo for comments, blog posts, and more. Choose wisely!
Your e-mail address will be used to confirm your account. We won't share it with anyone else.
Create a password that only you will remember. If you forget it, you'll be able to recover it using your email address.
Confirm your password.
Select All / None
Have an account? Log In

You're all set!

Thank you .

Your account has been registered, and you are now logged in.

Check your email for details.

OK

Log In

Invalid password or account does not exist

Forgot your password?
Email me a log in link
Need an account? Sign Up

Reset Password

Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password.

Forgot Password

An email message containing instructions on how to reset your password has been sent to the e-mail address listed on your account.

Email me a log in link

Purchase Access

You are logged in
 Switch accounts

Secure & Encrypted

What's your e-mail address?
What's your delivery address?
How would you like to pay?

Secure transaction. Cancel anytime.

You're all set!

Thank you.

Your purchase was successful, and you are now logged in.

A receipt was sent to your email.

OK