How to Use the App
Thank you for downloading the Historic Tuscaloosa Tour. This tour can be experienced from anywhere and you can click on any stop to learn about each location.If you are on site in Tuscaloosa and you have downloaded the mobile app, you can experience an interactive tour so that the app will open as you approach the points of interest. Here are the instructions to change the settings in order to experience the interactive tour:Instructions:1. When you downloaded the Tour Buddy Historic Tours App, you should have pressed 'Allow' for the app to track your location**.2. After you are in the Tour Buddy Historic Tours App, press the menu button with two lines in the upper left hand corner.3. Then press 'Settings'4. Turn ON GPS Auto Play and Kiosk Mode. This will make the GPS triggers go off and keep your phone awake.5. Change the GPS detection radius to 30.When you are finished taking the tour, just go back into settings and turn 'OFF' the GPS Auto Play and Kiosk Mode.You can use the clickable GPS map to 'Get Directions' to the various points of interest as well.Make sure your phone is not set to vibrate, otherwise the audio will not play.** If you did not press 'Allow' when you downloaded the Tour Buddy Historic Tours App, then the GPS triggers will not function. You can go into the Settings of your device and click on the Tour Buddy Historic Tours App to change your location settings for the app.Problems with the app? If information is incorrect email ian@historictuscaloosa.org with site issue and we will get back with you!
Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion
Historic House MuseumThe Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion was built by Robert Jemison Jr. in 1859. The mansion was used as a home for the Jemison family for nearly seventy years. Jemison was a wealthy slaveholder who owned numerous plantations and businesses in and around Tuscaloosa, served in the Alabama legislature, and was a Senator for the Confederate States of America during the Civil War (1861-1865). The mansion, a beautiful Italianate house, was designed by John Stewart. Stewart, from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, along with his partner, Samuel Sloan, designed the Alabama Insane Asylum (Bryce Hospital). Most of the wood and brick used to construct the house came from Jemison’s plantations or businesses. A majority of the construction was performed by Jemison’s skilled enslaved workers and was finished in 1862. The structure was the first house in Tuscaloosa, and one of the first in the state, to have a fully plumbed bathroom featuring running water, toilets, a hot water boiler, and a copper bathtub. The mansion had its own gas plant to provide gas for illumination. Following Robert Jemison’s death in 1871, the mansion was passed down to his descendants, the most famous of whom was Robert Jemison Van de Graaff. Van de Graaff lived in the mansion during the early 1900s and went on to invent the Van de Graaff Generator, which earned him the nickname, “The Father of Modern Physics.” During the Great Depression the house was divided into 13 apartments and rented to Tuscaloosa residents. On the brink of demolition, the house was bought by Tuscaloosa businessman Victor Hugo Friedman, of the Battle-Friedman House and Gardens. The mansion served as the Friedman Public Library from 1955 to 1979. Once the library was relocated, two national publication companies, Horizon and Antique Monthly, operated within the house. In 1991, the Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion was acquired by the Tuscaloosa County Preservation Society and the Heritage Commission of Tuscaloosa. Today, the mansion is a historic house museum and the main office of the Tuscaloosa County Preservation Society.Phone numbers: 205-758-2906Addresses: 1305 Greensboro AveParking Available in the lot opening off of 14th StreetWeb Links: www.historictuscaloosa.org
Murphy-Collins African American Museum
The Murphy family built the Murphy-Collins House in 1923. William J. Murphy was the first black mortician and funeral director in Tuscaloosa. Murphy’s wife, Laura, was principal at 20th Street School. The Murphys hired George Clopton, the first licensed black contractor in the state of Alabama, to build the house. Clopton used salvaged bricks, windowsills, and other materials from the ruins of the Old State Capitol building at Capitol Park (another stop on this tour), to construct the craftsman bungalow-style home, which was popular during the early 20th century.It is the last example of the “Lace Curtain District." This area earned its name from the lace curtains prominently hanging in the homes of black teachers, doctors, and other affluent community members who resided in the neighborhood. With the construction of Lurleen Wallace Boulevard, many homes in this historic black neighborhood were destroyed, creating a division between Tuscaloosa’s white and black neighborhoods. In 1986, the City of Tuscaloosa purchased the home from Mrs. Collins with plans to exhibit and preserve black heritage. Under the direction of the Tuscaloosa County Preservation Society, the house is now a museum that focuses on accomplishments and contributions the black community has made to Tuscaloosa.•2601 Paul W. Bryant Drive, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401•205-758-2861•http://www.historictuscaloosa.org/properties/murphy-collins-house-murphy-african-american-museum/•Tours – Wednesday-Saturday 1:30-4:30 or by appointment, duration 45 minutes•COST - Free•HANDICAP ACCESSIBLE - Yes•PARKING AVAILABILITY – Street parking
Guild-Verner House
Downtown Historic HomesIn 1822, surgeon Dr. James Guild built this federal style home. The Guild-Verner house was the first brick residence in Tuscaloosa. Some of the characteristics of the house include 12-inch-thick walls constructed with bricks made locally by enslaved people. Until 1881, the home remained with Dr. Guild, who was a graduate of Transylvania College and one of the first medical doctors in Tuscaloosa. Dr. James Guild’s son, Dr. Lafayette Guild, served as chief medical adviser to Confederate General Robert E. Lee during the Civil War. Dr. Guild sold the home to the Snow family. The Guild-Verner house remained with Dr. Charles Snow until 1911 when C.B. Verner acquired the home. From 1911 to 1930, the Verner family owned the house and added Neoclassical Revival architectural components such as the four Ionic columns, a white portico, a side porch, and stucco covering the original brick. In 1937, after the death of C.B. Verner, his daughter inherited the home. The Guild-Verner house was later used as a funeral home, an insurance company, and even a restaurant where the first floor and staircase were damaged in a fire. In 1967, the Tuscaloosa City Commission saved the Guild-Verner house from demolition. Ten years later, the Home Builders Association of Tuscaloosa, Inc., restored the house and eventually moved its staff there. The Guild-Verner house now serves as the office of S. T. Bunn Construction Co., Inc.-Open Times: Drive by/walk by-Address: 1904 University Boulevard, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401-Handicap Accessibility: Yes-Contact Phone Number: N/A-Website Link: https://tavm.omeka.net/items/show/277-Tour time/visitation: N/A-Parking Availability: Limited Street Parking, Two Hours
McGuire-Strickland House
Downtown Historic HomesThe McGuire-Strickland House is a raised Creole cottage designed in the Greek revival style and built in 1820 at the intersection of 15th Street and Greensboro Ave. The house was built by Moses McGuire, who was Tuscaloosa’s first probate judge. The McGuire-Strickland house is believed to be the oldest wooden structure in Tuscaloosa, displaying early Alabama workmanship of locally cut wood. In the 1850s, the Tuscaloosa Presbyterian Church acquired the home and used it as a parsonage. They later sold the property to the Milton Strickland family in 1866. In 1969, the property was sold and the house scheduled for demolition. The Tuscaloosa Preservation Society then moved the structure to Capitol Park. Currently, the house serves as classrooms and office space for The Capitol School.After viewing the beautiful McGuire-Strickland House, please make the time to visit the Old Tavern, Capitol Park ruins and trail that add a fresh green space to the downtown area. As you continue your tour of Tuscaloosa’s historic downtown, please visit some of Tuscaloosa’s shops and eateries that make up much of the thriving downtown scene. Thank you so much for visiting Tuscaloosa and please enjoy the rest of your tour.• Open: N/A• 2828 6th Street, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401• Handicap Accessible: Yes• Phone Number: (205) 758-2238• Tour time/Visitation: N/A• Parking Availability: Near Capitol Park entrance, very limited parking• Cost: Free
Old Tavern
Downtown Old Tuscaloosa, Historic House TourThe Old Tavern is located in downtown Tuscaloosa and adds a noticeably beautiful building to the area. In 1827, innkeeper William Dunton built the Old Tavern approximately three blocks from its current location. Originally, the Old Tavern was a tavern and hotel for travelers on the stagecoach route that came through Tuscaloosa. As a hostelry, the Old Tavern served state legislators, Confederate soldiers, and was the temporary home for Governor John Gayle from 1831 to1835. The Old Tavern shows the old commercial architecture of Tuscaloosa, which is a rare glimpse into the broader history of the city. From 1882 to 1964, the Old Tavern functioned as a private residence.The Tuscaloosa County Preservation Society (TCPS) acquired the deed to the Old Tavern in 1964. The Old Tavern was moved to Capitol Park (the current location) to save it from demolition. Since that time, the TCPS has performed extensive renovations in order to restore the building. It serves as a museum that houses historic and rare artifacts including furniture, cooking utensils, and portraits. Today, the Old Tavern boasts a moss garden, as well as an area dedicated to early native plants. Please visit the adjacent Capitol Park and Old Jailhouse.Thank you so much for visiting the Old Tavern and please visit the the many shops and eateries that make up Tuscaloosa's thriving downtown.• Tours Daily at 1:30 Tuesday - Saturday (Tour times subject to change)• Admission: Free• Private tours are available by appointment• Tour Time: The Old Tavern has parking on the right side of the building, as well as the parking spots across the street• The Old Tavern is not wheelchair accessible• Contact Information: http://www.historictuscaloosa.org• Phone Number or Email: 205-758-1998, or email at info@historictuscaloosa.org• The Old Tavern is located on 500 28th Avenue, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
Caples House
Drive-by Only HouseThis Greek Revival home was built in 1838 by Alabama politician Marmaduke Williams using enslaved labor. Originally the house was a wedding present for Williams’ daughter, and it remained in the family for almost a century. During the Civil War, then-resident James T. Murfee rallied the Alabama Corps of Cadets on the front lawn of the house on April 4, 1865. In 1911 the residence was sold and the surrounding lands converted to the streets and houses that stand there today. The house itself was repurposed to provide housing to University of Alabama students.The current name of the house comes from Jennie Caples, who owned the house in the 1960s and allowed her relatives to live there while they attended the University of Alabama. In 2012 it was purchased by Nika McCool and her family, who used tax credits to restore the building.Open Times: Drive-by onlyAddress: 815 17th Avenue Tuscaloosa, AL 35401Website Link: https://vintagecrimson.me/
Queen City Historic District
Historic NeighborhoodAlong Queen City Avenue is this historic neighborhood of the Druid City. This charming district is home to several historic houses, some of which date back to the 19th century. The neighborhood contains a mix of architectural designs including but not limited to colonial revival houses, Tudor revival houses, and many late Victorian structures. At the end of the district, at Annette N. Shelby Park, you are a five-minute walk from the Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion and the old Tuscaloosa High School. If you stroll north past University Boulevard you will find more grand homes tucked away as you walk toward Queen City Park, which features the Transportation Museum (located in the historic Queen City bathhouse) as well as the Tuscaloosa Public Library. While there, be sure to check out The River Market and the Riverwalk.Open times: N/AAddress: Roughly bounded by Queen City Pk., Sixteenth St., Fifteenth St., and Twenty-first Ave. , includes 3-11 College Park, 711--721 Queen City Ave. , TuscaloosaHandicap accessibility: YesParking availability: YesCost associated with visit: NoneTags: Historic neighborhood, walking tour, outdoor
Gorgas House
Built in 1829, the Gorgas House originally served as a multi-purpose building for students on the University of Alabama campus. This building, which was designed by Alabama state architect William Nichols, functioned as a student residence, a hotel for students and staff, and dining hall. However, the students misbehaved so often that the house was converted into a faculty residence in the 1840s. When the Union Army came through Tuscaloosa in 1865, the Gorgas House was one of only four structures to survive the burning of the campus. After the war, the Gorgas House continued its former role as a residence. Josiah Gorgas, a Northern-born Confederate general, was named University president in 1878, serving for one year before health concerns required that he step down. For nearly one hundred years, the Gorgas family lived in the residence. Amelia Gorgas, Josiah’s wife, and daughter of Alabama Governor John Gayle, served as Head Librarian and Post Mistress for the University.Their son, William Crawford Gorgas, was appointed Surgeon General of the United States Army in 1914. He was instrumental in curbing the yellow fever epidemic around the Panama Canal project in the early 1900s, which helped ensure its completion..Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 am-12:00 pm, and 1:00-4:30 pmAddress: 810 Capstone Drive, Tuscaloosa, ALAccessibility: First floor handicap accessible, second floor handicap inaccessible.Contact: (205) 348-5906, https://gorgashouse.ua.edu/Parking: Suggested use of the Ferguson Center Parking Deck, (Fees apply)Admission Cost: Free for students and Alumni, $2.00 for other visitors.
Alabama Female Athenaeum, College Park Neighborhood
The College Park Neighborhood sits in and around the footprint of the Alabama Female Athenaeum. It is comprised of a short street lined with trees and private residences. From some perspectives one can view Bryant-Denny Stadium in the distance. While walking through or driving in this park-like neighborhood, one can reflect on the area's history.The Alabama Female Athenaeum was a school for young white women established in 1836 by Baptist Reverend Alva Woods, the University of Alabama’s first president. Woods resigned from the University in 1837. Students and faculty of the Alabama Female Athenaeum would go on to become part of the movement for women’s rights during the 19th century. After suffering financial problems during the Panic of 1837, the Baptists sold the property to Landon C. Garland, the third president of the University of Alabama, who in turn sold it to the Methodists in 1860. In 1876, the Athenaeum was renamed Tuskaloosa Female College and sold to Alonzo Hill, a prominent University of Alabama professor. Hill incorporated advanced coursework, including Latin, British literature, mathematics, and science, for the female students. It was during Hill’s involvement with the school that the institution became known as Hill’s College. An imposing Italianate structure with French empire details and tower, the school was a landmark of Tuscaloosa architecture.Financial issues, yellow fever and smallpox epidemics, as well as the University of Alabama’s decision to enroll female students, prompted the closing of Hill’s College in 1906. The Tuscaloosa College and Conservatory of Music purchased the property in 1910. Two years later, in 1912, it became the University Training School. In 1925, Druid City Realty purchased the property with plans to turn the building into apartments, but within three years the structure was demolished and the land divided into lots for the houses you see today.• Street Parking, neighborhood
Ormond-Little House (Lawrence-Varner House)
Designed by William Haywood Lawrence, the Ormond-Little House was completed in 1836 under the building supervision of William Nichols (architect of the Alabama State Capitol and the original University of Alabama campus). John James Ormond, an associate justice of the Alabama Supreme Court, purchased the home shortly after completion. The original structure is a Federal double pile house (two rooms wide and two rooms deep). The home stayed in the Little family until the current owners purchased it in 1991. The inside is finished with silver hardware to match the existing door frames.The house is on the National Register of Historic Places and was one of the few to be surveyed by the Historic American Buildings Survey (HABS) during the 1930s.You can find the grave of William Haywood Lawrence in Greenwood Cemetery (also featured in this tour).• 325 Queen City Avenue Tuscaloosa, AL 35401• Private residence, drive by only• http://www.silverlininghouse.com
Pinehurst Neighborhood
Completed in 1913, the Pinehurst Neighborhood is a quiet, lush group of houses just off University Boulevard. This area had previously been un-improvable due to a large gully that divided the University of Alabama from the rest of the city. Once the erosion issue was solved, the Pinehurst Company was formed to develop the area.The neighborhood was one of the first to feature cement sidewalks and curbs. Distinctive white brick columns mark the entrances to this community, both of which are on University Boulevard. The houses are vibrant examples of the diversity and timelessness of early 20th century architecture and landscaping. Take a moment to enjoy the various residences on a walk or drive, and keep in mind these remain private residences.• Pinehurst Drive through 17th Ave• Street parking
University Club
James H. Dearing, a local steamboat captain and member of the Alabama legislature, built this residence in 1834. The structure is a classic example of the Greek revival style commonly associated with antebellum homes built in this region. The house boasts six Ionic columns, a hipped roof, and is built with bricks made by enslaved peoples; the bricks were then coated in plaster and painted white.Disturbances caused by the proximity to campus prompted the Dearings to build a new home to the south and away from the main line of traffic between the University and town, eventually selling the house to Richard H. Lewis in 1836.Lewis sold the house to Governor Arthur Pendleton Bagby. Because Bagby was not provided with an official residence by the state, the building earned the nickname “The Governor’s Mansion” during his four-year term from 1837 to 1841. Tuscaloosa was the state capital of Alabama from 1826-1846.After Governor Bagby moved away, the house went through many owners and several renovations. In 1944 the Warner family donated the building to The University of Alabama to use as a social space for faculty and staff. The Warners generously helped furnish the structure. During the 1970s, Jack Warner, son of Mr. and Mrs. H. D. Warner, oversaw further improvements and decorative embellishments. Under Mr. Warner’s direction interior changes were made to the second floor of the building resulting in a new bar, ladies and gentlemen lounges, and a “Taproom Smoker." Warner pursued a Steamboat Gothic theme for these changes and gathered antiques, paintings, and artifacts from across America to create the present second floor. The Warners continued to show great interest in the club and often contributed or loaned additional pieces of art and furnishings. Today, the College of Human Environmental Sciences manages the operations of the house. According to the University, “Students participate in the preparation of the excellent cuisine and service of private dining, catered functions, and daily lunch service. Undergraduate and graduate interns participate in the management and gain hands-on experience in all aspects of club operations.”• 421 Queen City Ave Tuscaloosa, AL 35401• http://www.universityclub.ua.edu/history.html• Parking available in the shopping center across the street
Audubon Place
Historic NeighborhoodThe Audubon Place Neighborhood is a residential enclave of detached single-family homes built primarily during the 1920s. These houses (which are all private residences) range in size and architectural style from the late 19th and 20th centuries. The neighborhood is accessible both from University Boulevard as well as from 7th Street.Address: 1515--1707 (odd) University Blvd. & #8--37 Audubon Pl. , TuscaloosaHandicap accessibility: YesTour time/visit duration: 10-15 minutes walkingParking availability: Street-side
Drish House
Dr. John R. Drish, a wealthy physician and building contractor, assisted with various construction projects in Tuscaloosa, including the Alabama Hospital for the Insane (now Bryce Hospital), the University of Alabama, the Old State Capitol Building, and his own house-- the residence you see here. This house, built in 1837, was originally a Greek revival style structure, an architectural style marked by tall columns and pediments and white-painted plaster exteriors. During the 1850s, additions to the structure included north and south porticos, a large three-story Italianate tower, and elaborate decorative trim. Dr. Drish died in 1867 when he slipped down the stairs in his home. His wife, Sarah Drish, continued to live in the home until her death in 1884. The house remained a private residence after the death of Dr. and Mrs. Drish, although much of the land surrounding the home was subdivided and sold. In 1906, Tuscaloosa’s City Board of Education purchased the house and used it as the location for the Jemison School. During the 1930s the house was leased to the Tuscaloosa Wrecking Company (seen in the third image). From 1940 to 1996, the South-Side Baptist Church owned the property. In 1996 the City of Tuscaloosa condemned the structure, and the Tuscaloosa County Preservation Society stepped in to save it. The Preservation Society stabilized the structure, placed it under historic district protection, and sold it to a preservation-minded developer. Today, it operates as a special events venue, as well as serving as a main attraction on the annual Haunted Tuscaloosa Tour.Available for Special Events and Tours: Call (205)-422-9713,email info@historicdrishhouse.comhttp://www.historicdrishhouse.com2300 17th St, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401Handicapped AccessibleLimited parking available beside building
Dearing-Swaim House
Alexander B. Dearing, a prominent Tuscaloosa merchant, built this house in 1835. The Dearing-Swaim House is one of the most significant examples of Greek revival architecture in the state of Alabama. Greek revival is an architectural style marked by tall columns and pediments and white-painted plaster exteriors. Thirteen Ionic columns surround three sides of the building. Inside the house are marble mantles, plastered frescoes, and silver doorknobs. It is said that the house survived the burning of Tuscaloosa in 1865 because Mrs. Dearing hosted and fed Union troops. Other prominent owners of the house included Dr. W. S. Wyman, a former president of The University of Alabama; and Walter Flowers, an Alabama Congressman. The home is a cherished landmark in Tuscaloosa and represents the era (1826-1846) when Tuscaloosa served as the state capital. Today, the house is privately owned.Drive by/walk by only
Collier-Boone House
Tuscaloosa resident James Walker built the structure, which is now known as the Collier-Boone House, in 1821. In 1826, the year that Tuscaloosa became the state capital, the house was purchased by Henry W. Collier, future chief justice (1837-1849) and governor of Alabama (1849-1853). The original structure was a federal style house, a style marked by a rectangular structure that is generally two rooms high and two or three rooms deep. The entrance hall has a magnificent colonial winding staircase and two front parlors with marble fireplaces. During the 1840s a Greek revival façade with six square Doric columns and wide planked flooring was added. Greek revival architecture was gaining popularity in the United States during the late 1830s and 1840s; many associated the relatively ornate trappings of Greek revival with wealth. The house has hosted many famous guests traveling through Tuscaloosa, including social activist Dorothea L. Dix of Massachusetts, who visited the city to encourage the Alabama Legislature to establish a hospital for the mentally ill (which would later become Bryce Hospital). During the 1970s, James B. Boone and Gray Boone, publishers of the magazines Antique Monthly, Horizons, and the Gray Letter, purchased the house and restored it. Today, the house is a business office for Grimes Architects.Drive by/walk by only
Battle-Friedman House
DescriptionThis Greek-revival house was built in 1835 by Alfred Battle. The house boasts extensive gardens laid out in 1844 by English gardener Peter McArthur. In 1875 the house was sold to Bernard Friedman, whose family had the house until 1968 when it was given to the city of Tuscaloosa. It is currently leased by the Tuscaloosa County Preservation Society and run as a period house museum.
