Part 9/12:
Despite his death, the family maintained ownership of Jianzo Wood for decades. His descendants cherished the estate as a piece of heritage until, in 1923, they sold it, marking the end of an 80-year family stewardship. Over time, the surrounding lands dwindled from thousands of acres to just six acres—a small remnant of the estate’s former grandeur overwhelmed by modern development.
By the mid-20th century, the house’s grandeur had waned, but recognition of its architectural and historical significance grew. In 1966, the state of Alabama purchased Jianzo Wood to preserve it amid concerns that it might otherwise be lost.