Burford-Malone Home

The Burford-Malone Home stands as one of Camden’s finest early twentieth-century residences and an enduring symbol of the community’s prosperity and growth during the years preceding World War I. Constructed in 1912 for Mr. and Mrs. William Peyton Burford, the handsome Colonial Revival home was built by contractor R. E. Powell at a cost of $2,956.44. Remarkably, Powell was only eighteen years old at the time, and the project marked his first independent commission as a builder.

The Burford family’s roots in Wilcox County date to the 1830s, when Leonard M. Burford settled in the area after emigrating from Georgia with his parents. By the time of his death in 1862, Leonard Burford had established a large and successful plantation. His son, Peyton Burford, continued the family’s agricultural operations and resided at the plantation home in Rock West before the next generation relocated to Camden. According to family tradition, William Peyton Burford moved his family to Camden so his children would have easier access to local schools.

Completed in July of 1912, the substantial residence features a broad wraparound porch supported by graceful Doric columns and three distinctive dormers that animate the roofline. The exterior reflects both the craftsmanship of its builder and the refined tastes of its original owners. Black Belt summer heat was thoughtfully addressed through the home’s design, with high ceilings and generous ventilation providing comfort during the region’s long warm seasons.

The home remained in the Burford family for generations before passing to Mr. and Mrs. William Burford Malone in 1963 following the death of Mr. Malone’s grandmother. An extensive restoration and expansion project undertaken in 1965 carefully preserved the character of the original structure while incorporating materials salvaged from an earlier nineteenth-century home near Allenton.

Today, the Burford-Malone Home beautifully reflects the layered history of Camden and Wilcox County. Antique furnishings, family photographs, and treasured heirlooms throughout the residence preserve the memory of the families who built, restored, and lovingly maintained this remarkable home for more than a century.