The historic Outlaw House, situated in rural Mobile County and dating back to 1914, stands as a remarkable testament to Alabama’s rich architectural heritage. Once hailed as one of the state’s finest examples of Spanish Colonial Revival design, this residence exudes a captivating Mediterranean allure with its robust stucco walls, graceful arched doorways, projecting eaves, and imposing structure. The esteemed architect George Bigelow Rogers, renowned for his contributions to various Alabama landmarks such as the Mobile Public Library, Bellingrath House, and the Van Antwerp Building, skillfully crafted the Outlaw House during the early 20th century, positioning it as one of the few grand period revival homes of its kind in Alabama.
In 1925, the property came under the ownership of George Outlaw. While official sale records are lacking, local lore suggests that Outlaw secured the house through a high-stakes poker game. Notably, George Outlaw, in partnership with James Arthur Morrison, established Morrison’s Cafeteria in 1920, revolutionizing the dining landscape in the South with their pioneering cafeteria-style concept. Morrison’s Cafeteria introduced the innovative idea of self-service, homestyle meals at affordable prices, which swiftly captured the public’s imagination. At its zenith, Morrison’s Cafeteria flourished with over 150 establishments, serving hearty meals every day of the year and leaving an enduring imprint on Southern culinary traditions.
Upon acquiring the property, George Outlaw embarked on extensive improvements, expanding the estate to encompass 120 acres of land and notably creating Outlaw’s Lake. Formed around the time of his acquisition, this impressive body of water spans over 17 acres and reaches depths of up to 14 feet. A distinctive stone wall graces the lake’s perimeter, with stone steps at the southeastern corner leading down to the water, while several stone birdbaths adorn its surroundings.
Outlaw ingeniously harnessed the power of a natural spring by damming its flow to create the lake, which served a dual purpose. Not only did it provide a picturesque feature for the estate, but the dam also facilitated the generation of electricity for the house. Furthermore, an oil furnace located in the basement ensured the residence remained cozy during colder seasons. Notably, the house boasted modern conveniences ahead of its time, being among the first in the area to have electricity and a telephone.
Moreover, George Outlaw’s forward-thinking approach extended beyond his own residence. He played a pivotal role in bringing electricity to neighboring houses in the area, underscoring his commitment to progress and community development. Additionally, an underground tunnel connecting the basement of the house to the lake across the street served as a unique feature of the Outlaw estate, showcasing its innovative design and functionality.
In 1940, George Outlaw, along with his wife and two sons, made the pivotal decision to move to the city. In 1951, his youngest son, Arthur, began his professional journey by joining his father’s restaurant business as an auditor. Over the years, father and son cultivated a strong working bond, collaborating closely until George’s passing in 1964. Following in his father’s footsteps, Arthur Outlaw assumed increasingly significant roles within the company, eventually ascending to the position of Vice-Chairman of the Board and Director of Morrison Restaurants, Inc. There, he continued to leave his mark on the family business with his notable contributions.
In the 1960s, Arthur Outlaw spearheaded the restoration of the historic Outlaw home, subsequently leasing the property to the local police chief. However, during the 1980s, Arthur encountered challenges related to his role as Mayor of Mobile while residing outside the city limits. These conflicts necessitated the family’s relocation within Mobile’s city limits. Over time, a portion of the property has been repurposed for hunting and tree farming activities, while tax records indicate that the land remains under the ownership of the Outlaw family.
Despite the property’s continued ownership, there are currently no plans for the renovation of the house. However, Outlaw Lake continues to serve as a recreational spot for family and friends. Sadly, in the early hours of July 9, 2021, the Outlaw House was devastated by fire, with the cause still under investigation. Adding to the tragedy, both the Outlaw House and the neighboring property across the street, also owned by the Outlaw family, were demolished on December 1, 2021.
Photos From: Leland Kent of Abandoned Southeast