Six Streets...Seven Points

 

The above map of Seven Points in North Florence was drawn circa 1950. Look to the bottom right - Morris Hill Road? We infer the designation was intended to read Mars Hill Road which now runs into Chisholm Road approximately 1.5 miles to the north of the iconic intersection.

Immediately to the left of Chisholm Road is Howell Street. The north terminus of this residential street was capped with a small concrete barrier sometime after 1976 in an attempt to facilitate safer navigation of the intersection. Below is a photo from that era depicting all seven points channeling traffic:

Two streets to the left of Howell is Wood Avenue, or at least part of it. The wide tree-lined street bisects the intersection and makes up two points. This double duty street undoubtedly accounts for part of the confusion concerning the appellation "Seven Points."

Perhaps equally confusing to some is the shopping center one mile to the north of the actual intersection on North Wood Avenue. Finished in 1957, Seven Points Shopping Center takes its name from the community rather than the intersection itself. 

In short, these are the current street names of the Seven Points:

* Chisholm Road

* Howell Street

* Royal Avenue

* Wills Avenue

* Edgewood Drive

* Wood Avenue (2)

Bette F. Terry holds a BA in History from UAH