Forks of Cypress is one of the most notable mansions in Alabama. Aside from the fact that it was owned by James Jackson, who is one of the most prominent political figures in Florence in the 1800s, the building was also the only Greek Revival house to have two-story colonnade surrounding the entire structure, with a total of 24 Ionic columns.

The Forks of Cypress was completed in 1830 as Jackson?s gift to his wife, Sarah. It also served as a plantation and employed a good number of slaves, including Alex Haley?s ancestors, making the plantation the setting of the book, ?Queen: The Story of an American Family.?

The main house of Forks of Cypress burned down in 1966 when it got struck by lightning. This is why guests can only see the 24 Ionic columns when they visit the site today.