The Robert Wilton Burton House was a historic residence located at 315 E. Magnolia Street in Auburn, Alabama. Built in 1885 in the Queen Anne style, it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980 and was also designated on the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage on January 29, 1980. The house was demolished in 1993.
History and Significance
The house was constructed with proceeds from the sale of four poems published by Robert Wilton Burton (1848–1917) between 1880 and 1885: "Fleetwood," "The Bell Ringer of Brinsely," "Q.K.," and "The Master of Parton Place." Burton, a native of Camden County, Georgia, affectionately called the home "The Four Story Cottage" — a reference to the four literary works that funded its construction, despite it being a one-story dwelling. It remained his residence until his death in 1917.
Burton was a locally noted poet and a prominent civic leader in Auburn. At the request of the Board of Trustees of Alabama Polytechnic Institute (now Auburn University), he opened a bookstore to serve the students. He also served as Clerk of the Town Council (1892–1917) and as Secretary for the API Board of Trustees (1899–1917), twice declining an appointment to the board.
Architecture
The house was a one-story vernacular cottage in the Queen Anne style, featuring a wide porch and a bay window. It was described by the National Register as "a good example of late 19th century vernacular cottages."
Later Years and Demolition
After Burton's death, the house was kept by his daughter, Miriam Burton Langston, until 1977, when she sold it to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The building was dismantled in 1993. A historical marker now stands near the site, commemorating the house and its owner.
