historic homes to tour in alabama

7 Remarkable Plantation Day Trips You Can Only Take In Alabama

Jennifer Young

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The South is well known for its beautiful plantation homes, especially here in Alabama. As you’re driving through our great state, you’ll likely discover several plantation homes. While some of these historic homes are in disrepair, others have been fully restored and currently operate as a museum. Several of them are also private residences. Listed below are seven plantations in Alabama , each of which are perfect for a day trip.

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Have you ever toured any of these Alabama plantations? If so, please feel free to share your experience(s) with us in the comments below.

Alabama’s Arlington Antebellum Home is also believed to be haunted, so you just might have a paranormal experience during your visit.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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Plantations in alabama + related info.

What are three of the oldest plantation homes in Alabama ?

There are quite a few plantation homes in Alabama, several of which have been standing a long time. Three of the oldest surviving plantation homes in Alabama are:

1. Black Thistle Plantation Home The Black Thistle Plantation Home is located in Sardis, Alabama, and was built in 1837. Today, it's primarily used as a wedding venue.

2. Wakefield Plantation Home Located in Furman, Alabama is the historic Wakefield Plantation Home. It was built in the 1840s and is currently a private residence.

3. Youpon Plantation Home The Youpon Plantation Home is located near Canton Bend, Alabama. Built between the years 1840-1848, it's one of the state's finest antebellum homes.

What's the name of a historic Alabama home that defines true Southern charm?

There are many historic homes in Alabama that define true Southern charm, including Shorter Mansion in Eufaula. Shorter Mansion, which was originally built in 1884, is one of Alabama's most beautiful historic homes. Sadly, it burned down in 1900. However, it was rebuilt in 1906. Numerous people tour Shorter Mansion each year. It's also part of the annual Eufaula Pilgrimage. You'll be in complete awe the moment you see this historic Alabama home. Its beautiful Southern charm will certainly take you back in time.

What are three historic homes in Alabama that let you spend the night?

There are many historic homes in Alabama where you can book an overnight stay. Three of these historic homes are:

1. The Fitzgerald Home The Fitzgerald Home is located in Montgomery, Alabama. It was the residence of F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald from October 1931 to April 1932. Primarily a museum, this home also has two Airbnb suites upstairs that are available to rent. If you're a fan of F. Scott or Zelda Fitzgerald, an overnight stay at this historic home is an absolute must!

2. Winston Place Located in Valley Head, Alabama is Winston Place. Winston Place was built in 1831 and is currently operated as a bed and breakfast. Many people consider it to be one of Alabama's most beautiful historic mansions. After seeing it for the first time, it's easy to understand why.

3, Fort Conde Inn Fort Conde Inn is located in Mobile, Alabama, and was built in 1836, making it the city's second-oldest home. Like Winston Place, Fort Conde Inn is also operated as a bed and breakfast. Over the years, this historic home has also become a popular place to host a wedding. In addition to its undeniable charm, a great feature of Fort Conde Inn is its skyline view.

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This Is My South

A travel guide to the Southern USA

7 Historic Homes in Mobile You Can Actually Visit

April 6, 2020 By Caroline Eubanks Leave a Comment

Mobile , Alabama was incorporated in 1702 after a period of French, British, and Spanish rule. These outside influences created a lasting impact on the architecture of the city.

Many of these historic homes are still open today for tours, operating as museums. They feature different styles ranging from Italianate to Greek Revival to Victorian.

A Note On Plantations: These homes have a dark history that shouldn’t be ignored. Only you can decide whether this is something you’re interested in doing. Read this post for more perspectives on both sides of the debate.

Historic Mobile House Museums

Bragg-mitchell mansion.

Built in 1855 for Judge John Bragg, the Bragg-Mitchell Mansion was constructed in the Greek Revival style. Surrounded by grand moss-covered oak trees, the antebellum home lost many of its original trees during the Civil War. Most of the furnishings were sent to Bragg’s plantation nearby, which was subsequently burned.

The home remained in the family until 1880 when it was bought by William H. Pratt. From there, it passed through the Upham, Davis, and Wingate families before it was purchased by A.S. Mitchell in 1924. The Bragg-Mitchell Mansion sat vacant for 15 years before opening as a museum.

The Bragg-Mitchell Mansion is located at 1906 Springhill Avenue. It’s open for tours Tuesday through Friday from 10 am to 4 pm. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 3-12, and $9.50 for seniors, active military, and AAA members.

Conde-Charlotte House

The Condé-Charlotte House was built in 1850 for Jonathan Kirkbride and his family, adding to a section from 1822. Set next to Fort Conde, it also became a magazine and later became the city’s first courthouse and jail.

It stayed in the family until 1905 when it was sold to BJ Bishop. The Historic Mobile Preservation Society then purchased it and restored it.

Outside are five flags from the city’s history of rule, including France, Spain, Great Britain, the Confederate States of America, and the current US flag. Inside are furnishings from throughout the years including colonial antiques and Confederate artifacts.

The Condé-Charlotte House is located at 104 Theatre Street. Tours are offered from Tuesday to Saturday from 11 am to 3:30 pm. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 6-12, and free for children under 6.

Get discounted tickets for your visit to the Conde-Charlotte House .

Oakleigh Mansion

Oakleigh Historic Mansion was built in the Greek Revival Villa style in 1833 for James W. Roper, a brick mason. He lost his wife and child while building the home but remarried upon its completion.

Unfortunately, the home was repossessed in the Panic of 1837. It was bought by Roper’s brother-in-law, Boyd Simison. Alfred Irwin, treasurer of the Mobile & Ohio Railroad, purchased the house in 1852, and his wife saved it from destruction in the Civil War. It remained in the family until 1916.

The Oakleigh complex consists of the Oakleigh Mansion, the Cox-Deasy Cottage Museum, and the Minnie Mitchell Archives and is located at 350 Oakleigh Place.

Tours are offered on Friday, Saturday, and Monday from 10 am to 4 pm and Sunday from 1 to 4 pm. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for ages 6-17, and free for children 5 and under.

Richards-DAR House Museum

256 Joachim Street Richards DAR House Mobile AL 01.jpg

The Italianate-style Richards-DAR House was built in 1860 for riverboat captain Charles Richards. The townhome with a cast-iron facade is one of the most preserved in Mobile and features Revolutionary artifacts in its exhibits.

It remained in the Richards family until 1946 when it was purchased by the Ideal Cement Company, who used it as an office. The City of Mobile purchased the home in 1973. Today it’s maintained by the Daughters of the American Revolution.

The Richards DAR House Museum is located at 256 North Joachim Street. It’s open for tours on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 11 am to 3:30 pm, Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm, and Sunday from 1 to 4 pm. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children aged 5-12, and free for children under 5.

Bellingrath Home

The Bellingrath Home was built in 1935, using materials from previously demolished homes and hotels in Mobile. It was constructed in the English Renaissance style for Walter and Bessie Bellingrath, one of the early Coca-Cola bottlers.

Set on 900 acres on the Fowl River, the home is on the National Register of Historic Places. The Bellingraths didn’t have any children so after Bessie’s death in 1943, Walter continued to work on her gardens that opened to the public in 1932.

The Bellingrath Home is located at 12401 Bellingrath Gardens Road. They’re open daily for tours from 9 am to 4 pm. Tickets for access to the home and gardens are $22 for adults, $14 for children ages 5-12, and free for children under 5.

The Portier House

The Bishop Portier House was built in 1834 in the Creole cottage style with Neoclassical accents. It was the home of Bishop Michael Portier from 1834 until his death in 1859.

From there, it was the home of four subsequent bishops until 1906 including Friar Abram Ryan, a poet and priest. It was restored as recently as 2007 and remains the property of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Mobile.

The Portier House is located at 307 Conti Street. Tours are available by calling the Cathedral Parish Office at (251) 434-1565.

Mobile Carnival Museum

The Mobile Carnival Museum is devoted to the history of Carnival, featuring rooms upon rooms of the lavish attire the court of various krewes wear every season.

It’s located in the historic Bernstein-Bush house, which features a French-inspired cast-iron facade and gate work.

The museum is located at 355 Government Street. It’s open Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Monday from 9 am to 4 pm. Admission is $3.

Get your Skip the Line Mobile Carnival Museum ticket before you go .

Looking for a place to stay while in Mobile? The Berney Fly Bed and Breakfast , Kate Shepard House , and Fort Conde Inn are all great options. For more suggestions, check out our weekend guide .

About Caroline Eubanks

Caroline Eubanks is the editor of this website, a Lowell Thomas award-winning travel writer, and the author of This Is My South: The Essential Travel Guide to the Southern States. Her stories from the South have appeared in National Geographic Traveler, Afar, Thrillist, Roads and Kingdoms, and BBC Travel.

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Mobile, Alabama’s Historic Mansions: A Tour of Three

Posted by Paige Watts
| September 3, 2023
| Alabama , Historical
| No Comments

Mobile, Alabama, boasts a rich tapestry of history showcased in its historic homes. Explore stunning grand staircases, exquisite antique furnishings, and an abundance of Southern charm that spans over 300 years. Embark on a fascinating journey into the lives of the esteemed Southern elite and their dedicated servants through Mobile, Alabama’s historic mansions and home tours.

Bragg-Mitchell Mansion

The Bragg-Mitchell Mansion, built in 1855, is an iconic Greek Revival-style structure in Mobile, Alabama. Revered for its architectural beauty, this historic landmark has garnered renown as one of the city’s most photographed buildings.

Initially commissioned by Judge John Bragg for his wife’s delight during Mobile’s social season, the mansion boasts extravagant features such as its expansive double parlors, a sweeping circular staircase, and spacious grand rooms that epitomize the pinnacle of Southern social entertaining.

Nestled beneath a majestic canopy of century-old oaks adorned with draping Spanish moss, the mansion witnessed dramatic episodes during the Civil War. In anticipation of potential Union troop invasions, the cannons were strategically positioned on the front lawn to fortify the estate’s defenses.

Ironically, despite Judge Bragg’s concerns, the anticipated battleground status of Mobile never materialized. Consequently, the Bragg-Mitchell Mansion emerged unscathed, ultimately solidifying its position as an enduring city symbol.

Regrettably, my time at the Bragg-Mitchell Mansion was cut short due to an early closure for a private event. As luck would have it, the gracious staff, exemplifying Southern hospitality, kindly offered a brief 10-minute tour before the commencement of the private gathering.

Admission is $12. The mansion is handicap accessible on the first and second floors.

Ghosts on the Grounds

Of course, no historic home is complete without a few ghost stories. A ghostly cat roams this mansion’s grounds. Sound strange? How about a ghost that sneezes? While these hauntings may seem a little silly, the mansion has plenty of other more normal occurrences of supernatural activity: doors opening and closing on their own, the elevator moving of its own accord, disembodied voices, and even the ghost of Judge Bragg himself.

But the real mystery is the woman who can be seen staring out the upstairs window. The story goes that she fell in love with an enslaved person and that she continues to wait for her forbidden love even after death.

Oakleigh House

Constructed in 1833, Oakleigh House , located just minutes from downtown Mobile, is a prime example of historical architecture. Today, it serves as Mobile, Alabama’s premier period house museum, showcasing the lives and experiences of its residents across three centuries and four families.

As visitors explore the house, they journeyed through Mobile’s rich 300-year history, encompassing cotton farming, urban slavery, railroad expansion, the Civil War, and emancipation.

The restoration and maintenance of this Greek Revival home can be credited to the influential figure, Madame Octavia Walton LeVert, whose portrait graces the entry hall. Additionally, one fascinating anecdote shared by the tour guides recounts when future US President James Garfield enjoyed his first authentic Southern mint julep while relaxing on Oakleigh’s front gallery.

While photography is prohibited within the historic house, one fortunate exception our gracious tour guide made allowed me to capture a photo of a distinctive architectural feature known as a “jib window.” This unique element consists of a small door discreetly incorporated into the wall beneath a window, inviting a gentle flow of fresh air from outside when opened.

Immerse yourself in the allure and heritage of Oakleigh House, an extraordinary testament to Mobile’s past.

oakleigh-mansion-dining-room-and-interpreters

Oakleigh House Grounds and Ghosts

The grounds of Oakleigh House encompass an additional structure known as “Cook’s House.” The “Cook’s House” Project aims to expand Oakleigh’s narrative to include the stories of African-American servants after Emancipation. Initially, it was believed that the detached kitchen at the rear of the house served as a cook’s residence. However, evidence soon revealed that this house was built in 1866 to accommodate married soldiers during Reconstruction.

This section of the museum now presents the Union barracks’ history and the experiences of Oakleigh’s servants. It is a notable landmark on Mobile’s Dora Franklin Finley African-American Heritage Trail.

In addition to its historical significance, Oakleigh House is notorious for its ghost stories. The apparition known as Miss Daisy is said to haunt the premises. Guests have reported hearing the swishing sound of petticoats throughout the rooms or catching glimpses of a white-clad figure vanishing down hallways.

Some have even witnessed a gentleman dressed in a tailcoat meandering the corridors. However, there is no need for alarm upon entering one of the bedrooms, as a mannequin is adorned in black mourning attire on display. She may not be a ghost, but her lifelike appearance can startle unsuspecting visitors (I must confess to having been scared upon my initial encounter).

Richards DAR House Museum

Located in the DeTonti neighborhood, the 1860 Italianate-style Richards DAR House stands as a testament to the dreams of Captain Charles Richards and his wife, Caroline. Currently under the care of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), the house is a captivating period museum.

The Richards DAR House Museum offers an intriguing glimpse into the fashionable lifestyle of Mobile’s antebellum era. The Richards DAR House is adorned with ruby Bohemian glass windows, a marble-tiled entrance, a majestic mahogany staircase, and one of the city’s largest chandeliers. Notably, this historic museum creates a unique experience by allowing visitors to interact with the furniture on display, dating back to 1870, which is mostly not original to the property.

The knowledgeable tour guides take pride in sharing the history of each piece of furniture with visitors. To enhance the experience, the DAR women graciously provide complimentary tea and cookies—a true embodiment of Southern Hospitality.

Even the spirits of the Richards DAR House embrace an early start. As museum docents prepare the house for visitors in the morning, they report hearing peculiar noises, seemingly from the waking spirits within. Perhaps these ghostly inhabitants are unsettled by the disruption of their slumber. Caroline Richards and a host of her 12 children are believed to be among the apparitions that grace this historic home.

A recognizable feminine voice has been reported, occasionally resembling a tone of reprimand towards the children. Within the present confines of a room belonging to a child, paranormal entities are claimed to manipulate various items on the bed, including teddy bears and other toys.

This article was originally written and published by Paige Minds the Gap in 2019. It has been partially updated by staff in 2023.

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Welcome to Travel the South!

Travel the South is run by Melody Pittman and Taylor Hardy. With the help of some fantastic travel writers, they help you plan your travels to the Southern states.

Explore some of the amazing things you can see and do in this unique part of the country!

About the Author

Paige Watts

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Experience Mobile’s Grandest Antebellum Mansion

Tour changes, special closure and altered tour schedule dates: .

Tuesday April 16th, 2024- Closed all day for special event

Thursday April 18th, 2024- Closed all day for special event

Friday April 26th, 2024- Closed all day for special event

News & Events

Thank you Trip Advisor!

We are delighted to receive Trip Advisor’s Award!

Thank You to Alabama Humanities and National Endowment for the Humanities

The Bragg-Mitchell Mansion wishes to acknowledge and thank the Alabama Humanities Foundation and the National

Check our Facebook Page for Fun

We occasionally post information regarding the Mansion on FACEBOOK. For information and fun facts please

Welcome to the Bragg-Mitchell Mansion

The Bragg-Mitchell Mansion’s massive double parlors, circular staircase and rooms built on a grand scale remind your guests of a time when hospitality was a way of life. With the grace and elegance of traditional Southern entertaining, the Mansion is available for weddings, receptions, parties, showers, dinners and corporate functions.

Canopied by a grove of century-old oaks and furnished with fine antiques and crystal chandeliers, the Bragg-Mitchell Mansion offers a rare glimpse of life in the Old South. When it was built in 1855, the house was the center of the lively social life of the thriving cotton port of Mobile. Today, the home is a museum offering guided historic tours.

As one of the most photographed buildings in Mobile, the Bragg-Mitchell Mansion is an architectural icon representing the Old South, an image that evokes a time of gracious living and socializing. An example of Greek Revival architecture, the Mansion’s distinct floor plan and details make it stand out among historic buildings in the area.

Tour Hours & Schedule

Historic guided tours of the Bragg-Mitchell Mansion are now hosted on the hour.

Tours Available Tuesday- Friday  on the hour:

Here are the Top 10 Plantations in Alabama You’ll Want To Add On Your Next Travel Itinerary

Have you been to Alabama? I take it you haven’t yet because you’re getting giddy with excitement as you’re reading this entry. Or if you have already, isn’t it just nice to relive all the places you’ve been to and the experiences that Alabama has offered you?

Alabama is known for so many things. Among them is the fact that Alabama is the state where the Civil Rights Movement was birthed. On a lighter note, nobody and no state could ever match Alabama’s pecan pie, peanuts, and of course, the classic Southern barbecue that’s grilled with love and paired with unmatched hospitality.

Among so many things, Alabama was once home to a ton of plantations, most of which we can still visit today. However, you might not find crops anymore. The crops have long gone along with the time, but the places that generated real-life experiences and cash flow and contributed to Alabama’s culture still stand tall and proud today. Some of the crops that Alabama was famously known for were cotton, hay, corn, peanuts, and soybeans. While you may still see some areas generating the crop produce, Alabama is now home to a vast selection of plantations to add to your itinerary. Or, you know, just unwind in case you’re just around the area.

Here are the Top 10 Plantations in Alabama You Don’t Want To Miss

Table of Contents

Barton Hall

Source: https://www.realtor.com/news/unique-homes/barton-hall-alabama-historic-home/

Barton Hall, also known as the Cunningham Plantation, had been sitting firmly on Alabamian lands long before the American Civil War sparked. It was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1973 because of its architecture.

In 1840, a Tennessee native named Armestead Barton moved to what is now known as Cherokee County, Alabama, and purchased over 40,000 acres of land. Seven years later, he died without ever seeing the final construction of his house – Barton Hall. His wife and now widow, Amanda Cook Barton, supervised the completion of the Greek revival architecture building. Amanda died in 1887 and left the house in disrepair.

Today, Barton Hall is a well-known tourist spot in Cherokee, Alabama. You’ll be able to join guided tours tackling its history and architecture.

Location: Cherokee, AL 35616

Kenworthy Hall

Source: https://www.ruralswalabama.org/attraction/kenworthy-hall-1858-1860/

Kenworthy Hall, also known as Carlisle Hall, finished its construction in 1858 on the eve of the American Civil War. Edward Kenworthy Carlisle, a planter and cotton factor, commissioned Richard Upjohn to build this remarkably sturdy estate for him. Speaking of remarkably sturdy, it seemed that Richard Upjohn did an astounding job in constructing the house, seeing that 50 years later, the Kenworthy Hall has not undergone even one major renovation.

Kenworthy Hall is a privately-owned estate bought and sold from one family to another. It began when Augusta Jones, Edward Kenworthy Carlisle’s daughter, inherited the 440-acre estate and plantation. Having another home in Selma, Alabama, Augusta Jones left Kenworthy Hall in poor condition by not inhabiting it. Years later, the Hill family bought the estate, which was then bought by Miss Kay Klassen in 1957, and, once again, sold and bought by Mr. and Mrs. Heber Martin. Finally, the current owners of the residence are Mr. and Mrs. Pigg, who are currently experiencing the various renovations done by the previous owners.

Location: 23200 AL-14, Marion, AL 36756

Source: https://www.ruralswalabama.org/attraction/altwood-home-near-faunsdale-al-1836-later-expanded/

Formerly a log dogtrot house, Altwood was built in 1836 by Richard H. Adams. Later on, it was renovated to resemble a Tidewater-type cottage. It is a historic plantation house located six miles southwest of Faunsdale. Later on, Altwood was moved to Cedar Crest Farms in 1988 and was added to the National Register of Historic Places on July 13, 1993, as a part of the Plantation Houses of the Alabama Canebrake and Their Associated Outbuildings. It is currently privately owned.

Location: 611 Cedarcrest Ln, Faunsdale, AL 36738

Source: https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=85424

Owned and built for Alabama’s second governor, Thomas Bibb, Belle Mina, also known simply as Belmina, was a forced-labor farm and plantation sitting on a 2,500-acre land. Having faced the dilemma that there were no sawed lumber or ready-made bricks in all of Alabama, former governor Thomas Bibb, with all of his might, took years to find and enslave skilled artisans to manually make bricks in kilns for his house.

The Belle Mina plantation stayed in the Bibbs family’s ownership until 1941, when Dr. and Mrs. Berthold Kennedy purchased it. The Kennedies decided to add a few minor renovations to the Belle Mina house.

Location: Belle Mina, Alabama 35671

Bermuda Hill

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bermuda_Hill

Bermuda Hill, or Liver House, is a historic cotton plantation house in Hale County overlooking Prairieville, Alabama. It was originally owned by the Manning family, who were early settlers and planters in Prairieville. Later, in 1845, William W. Manning sold the land to Willian Weeden of Madison County. To this day, it remains unclear who built the house between Manning and Weeden. It was then acquired by Dr. James Daniel Browder, who was also the owner of the nearby Hawthorne during the Confederate-era Assessment of Taxes on Real Estate in Marengo for 1863.

In 2011, Bermuda Hill was placed in Alabama’s Places in Peril due to its saddening state. However, new owners have purchased the home and renovated it since 2013. Therefore, like Belle Mina, Altwood, and Kenworthy Hall, Bermuda Hill is closed to the public.

Location: Hale County, Alabama

Source: https://www.northalabama.org/listing/belle-mont-mansion/456/

Are you ready to embark on another plantation escapade? Unlike the previous ones, Belle Mont is open to the public with guided tours and more. It was built for Dr. Alexander W. Mitchell between 1828 and 1832. Dr. Mitchell graduated from the University of Edinburgh and was also one of the first large-scale planters and slaveholders in Alabama.

Later on, Dr. Alexander W. Mitchell sold all of his 1,680-acre plantation to Virginia native Mr. Isaac Winston. It remained under the Winston family until 1941. On February 23, 1982, the house was added to the National Register of Historic Places. A year later, the house and 33 acres of the estate were donated to the Alabama Historical Commission.

Location: 1569 Cook Ln, Tuscumbia, AL 35674

Cuba Plantation

Source: https://encyclopediaofalabama.org/article/cuba/

The Cuba Plantation house is a historic plantation house built in 1850 by Andrew Pickens Calhoun as an overseer’s house for his second slave plantation. Later on, he purchased an additional 420 acres of land from William Henry Tayloe. And yes, you got it right, Andrew Calhoun came to be the seventh vice president of the United States.

In 1864, the Cuba Plantation house was sold to Tristram Benjamin Bethea who was originally from Montgomery County, Alabama. Under the Bethea family, a second story was added. Fast forward to July 13, 1993, the Cuba Plantation house was added to the National Register of Historic Places as a part of the Plantation Houses of the Alabama Canebrake and Their Associated Outbuildings Multiple Property Submission.

Location: Faunsdale, Alabama

Grey Columns

Source: https://www.birminghamtimes.com/2017/03/tuskegee-how-one-alabama-town-helped-shape-history/

Grey Columns was owned and built by William Varner, a Macon County planter. His menagerie of enslaved African Americans on the 6-acre property made it possible. The property remained in the Varner family’s possession until it was acquired by the National Park Service in 1974. After being private property, the Grey Columns became an office and a museum for the Tuskegee Institute National Historic Site.

In the 1980s, from being an office and a museum, the Grey Columns became the official residence for the Tuskegee University presidents. Tuskegee University is one of the nation’s oldest historically Black institutions of higher learning.

Location: 399 Old Montgomery Rd., Tuskegee, Alabama

Alabama’s fertile soils made these plantations possible. After a long bout with history, the thousands of acres of land combined make up one of the most notable personalities of Alabama as a state.

Although not bearing crops anymore, the Alabama plantations have become a part of the Alabamians’ lives, albeit some locations on the list have become private property. Add these to your travel itinerary for a more personal approach to the state that is well-known for its love and hospitality. These plantation mansions, although now surrounded by amazing nature instead of crops, can make you dive deep into the experiences that made Alabama into what it is today. It is one of the magical places where you can bask in the beauty of the now yet travel back in time.

Pass by and see the pillars of Alabamian culture and society and experience these soils’ rich history.

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Bea Marie is a communication graduate from the Philippines, currently navigating adulthood with her feline friend. She works as a content writer by day, and you'll find her nose buried in books that strike her fancy by night. Embracing stoicism, she seeks tranquility and balance amid life's challenges. Balancing work and hobbies, Bea Marie seeks to live a fulfilling life by opening herself to learning more and enjoying her time with her feline, friends, and family.

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If you love exploring historic homes and want to learn more about living in the rural south during the 1800s, you've come to the right place. Within an hour or two of Gulf Shores, you can visit several historic homes, Alabama gardens and plantations that will give you a glimpse into the past.

If you adore Greek revival architecture from the 18th and 19th centuries you should pay a visit to the Oakleigh Historic Complex, a Mobile mansion where you'll find a beautiful white-columned facade with a winding staircase on the main house built in 1833. You can also visit the Cox-Deasy house that was constructed in 1850 and the Cook's House. Here you can examine life from the perspective of upper, middle, and low class households during the time period. Additionally, the complex stores the Minnie Mitchell Archives that contain old newspapers, family records, historic maps, and scrapbooks.

Not too far from Gulf Shores you'll find the historic Swift-Coles home, a 16 room home with wrap-around porches build around 1880 near the Bon Secour River. Visitors can walk through the beautiful gardens and rooms of the home where they will find antiques and furniture from the period.

You can also pay a visit to the historic and supposedly haunted Richards DAR House and the Bragg-Mitchell Mansion, a Mobile mansion well worth a visit. Last but not least, don't forget about the beautiful Garden District in New Orleans if you're up for a little drive. Explore breath-taking gardens and Greek revival style homes. Browse our historic homes articles for admission and other details.

Find your own comfortable place to stay while you're in Gulf Shores by browsing our Gulf Shores condos and Gulf Shores rentals . We also offer plenty of accommodation in Orange Beach, so do check out our Orange Beach rentals and Orange Beach condos as well!

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TravelAwaits

Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list.

6 Fascinating Historic Walking Tours In Alabama

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History and Culture
United States

The State of Surprises, Alabama, officially became the 22nd state in the Union in 1819, but its history dates back more than 10,000 years to when Native Americans called its thick woods and myriad waterways home.

The history of this state is extensive, and ancient Native American mound builders, European settlers, Civil War soldiers, and participants in the fight for civil rights all played a role. Just about every town and city in the state has established walking tours that lead visitors back in time to Alabama’s often turbulent history.

Let’s hit the road and visit six of the more fascinating walking tours in Alabama.

The Church Street Graveyard in Mobile, Alabama.

Alabama’s port city, Mobile , has a rich and eclectic history that dates to the early 1500s, with the city proper finally being established in 1702. Today, you can revisit pieces of this history with a stroll down its oak-lined streets.

The downtown walk covers Fort Conde , a recreation of the original fort built on that location in 1723; the historic waterfront that made Mobile what it is today; the Battle House Hotel that was built in 1851 and that hosted Stephen Douglas after he lost the presidential election to Abraham Lincoln; the 1927 Saenger Theatre , known as “Alabama’s greatest showplace” and “the most beautiful playhouse in all of Dixie”; and the Church Street Graveyard , the city’s oldest surviving cemetery, which was established in 1819 and where you can pay your respects to Mobile’s favorite son, Joe Cain , who brought Mardi Gras back home after it was halted during the Civil War.

Pick up a tour map at the Fort Conde visitor center before heading out. Your ramble through downtown Mobile will take you down Dauphin Street, where you’ll find electric nightlife and fantastic eateries, including the Loda Bier Garten , with its amazing pub food and arguably the best burger in the city.

The best time to visit Mobile and explore the city’s history is during Mardi Gras season, which is celebrated during the two weeks leading up to the first day of Lent. Mobile is known as the birthplace of Mardi Gras in America.

The Monroe County Museum in Monroeville.

United States Department of Agriculture (PUBLIC DOMAIN)

2. Monroeville

Take a trip to Monroeville to visit the courthouse where fictional attorney Atticus Finch defended Tom Robinson in Harper Lee’s classic novel, To Kill a Mockingbird . This sleepy little Alabama town is known as the Literary Capital of Alabama , and many people think of it as Alabama’s own Mayberry because of its laid-back vibe and friendly residents.

A walking tour of the town will take you to Monroe County’s first courthouse, which is now the Monroe County Museum . (Monroe County and Monroeville were both named for President James Monroe.) You will also stroll past a monument to Atticus Finch; the site of Faulk House, where Truman Capote once lived; the Pineville Cemetery that dates to 1846; and many historic homes.

Plan your visit for April or May, when the Mockingbird Players present their live version of To Kill a Mockingbird . And if you are a writer — or you simply love reading — head to Monroeville during the Monroeville Literary Festival ; it’s held annually on the first weekend of March and features an incredible lineup of guest authors.

Church Street United Methodist Church in Selma.

Emmett Tullos

“From Civil War to Civil Rights” is the perfect motto for the city of Selma . This quiet, unassuming town on the banks of the Alabama River sweeps you into its incredible history on a 2-mile walking tour.

The most notable historic site here, of course, is the Edmund Pettus Bridge that crosses the river. Here, in 1965, a group of protestors assembled and began a march to the state’s capital to demand equal voting rights. On the other side of the bridge, they were attacked by state troopers and law enforcement armed with billy clubs and tear gas. The event was televised around the country and outraged the nation so much that “Bloody Sunday” led to the passing of the Civil Rights Act.

But there is more history to explore in Selma. The streets are lined with historic buildings dating to the late 1800s. There is the famous Walton Theater , where vaudeville acts performed in the 1900s; the Bridge Tender’s House , where the families who ran the Selma turn bridge once lived (and where you can now spend the night); and the only remaining riverfront antebellum hotel in the Southeast, the St. James .

Also dotting the streets are beautiful churches, many over 100 years old, where you can step inside and marvel at the ornate architecture. These include the First Baptist Church; the Brown Chapel AME Church , where the Selma marchers organized and where their wounds were later tended to; and the First Presbyterian Church, which dates to 1893. During the Civil War, the church’s pastor, the Reverend Richard Small, was killed. Legend has it that the Lady Banksia rose outside the church lost its petals when his body was returned here.

The best time to visit Selma is in April, when tour guides lead visitors on free walking tours . These hour-long spring walking tours are held annually.

Carol M. Highsmith Archive / Wikimedia Commons (PUBLIC DOMAIN)

It has been said that Eufaula’s future is tied to its past, and it’s true. The town, which lies on the banks of the Chattahoochee River and the Walter F. George Lake , is well known for its historic homes, especially those in the Seth Lore and Irwinton Historic District . Here, you will see beautifully restored late Victorian, Greek revival, classical revival, and Gothic revival homes that were built between 1825 and 1949. Two popular stops are Fendall Hall, with its ornate Italian marble fireplaces and foyer, and the Shorter Mansion , with its impressive 17 freestanding columns. The Shorter Mansion now serves as the home of the Eufaula Area Museum .

Along your stroll through Eufaula, you can also visit the Fairview Cemetery. Opened in 1868, the cemetery offers a pleasant walk along paths with hundreds of different species of trees and flowers.

One of the nation’s longest-running historic home tours, the Eufaula Pilgrimage , occurs annually the first weekend in April. You could also catch the holiday spirit during their Christmas Tour of Homes in December.

The Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church.

C5 Media / Shutterstock

5. Montgomery

Alabama’s state capital, Montgomery , is dedicated to preserving its rich history — and in particular, to celebrating those who have fought for civil rights in America.

Begin your tour by stopping at the Montgomery Area Visitor Center to pick up a brochure and map of the nearby sites so you can plan out your day. Highlights of a walking tour of Montgomery include the Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church , where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. launched the Montgomery Bus Boycott in 1955; the Rosa Parks Museum and Children’s Wing , which chronicles the fight for civil rights and is located on the exact spot where Parks was arrested for refusing to give up her seat on a bus; and the Freedom Rides Museum , honoring those brave souls who faced mob violence to fight for their rights.

You can either walk or ride one of the city’s trolleys to many of Montgomery’s historic sites. Visit the Montgomery Convention & Visitor Bureau website to download free maps of the civil rights walking tour as well as free audio files that describe each stop along the tour.

Only 25 minutes southwest of Huntsville along the south bank of the Tennessee River is the town of Decatur . Once just a little dot on the map, the city grew exponentially due to the railroad. In fact, the town was the site of the first railroad terminus east of the Appalachians.

What makes a walking tour of Decatur special is the city’s many historic homes and buildings that remain intact. You will visit the Hargrove & Murdock Grocery Store that was built in 1897 and is now, appropriately enough, an antique store; the Shadowlawn home, named for the towering oaks that surround the residence; a beautiful Japanese tea garden at Frazier Park ; and the library that was funded by the philanthropist Andrew Carnegie in 1904 and is now the home of the Carnegie Visual Arts Center .

The best way to plan your tour of Decatur is to watch the series of videos the city has produced and published on their website . You can also download their free Old Decatur app to guide you on your journey.

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Recently retired, Joe plans to continue his love of traveling while sharing his adventures and exploration of the U.S. and the world with TravelAwaits readers.

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Historic Homes

With its first settlers arriving in 1702, the city of Mobile is rich in history as it has existed under five flags, survived wars, and emerged into the modern era. While there are many ways to take in the city’s history, visiting its beautiful historic homes is one of our favorites. See the grandeur of the South, its architecture, and hear stories of each home’s dwellers. Mobile's historic homes offer visitors a keen understanding of locals' lives and Southern tradition through the centuries.

Located downtown, the Condé-Charlotte House began as Mobile's first courthouse and jail. Today, it stands as a museum, guiding you through Mobile’s history under five flags, French, English, Spanish, Confederate, and American. A short distance from downtown in the historic De Tonti Square District, the Italianate-style Richards-DAR House Museum is known for its cast-iron façade depicting the four seasons and is host to a variety of Revolution-era artifacts. For a trip just outside the city, the Bellingrath Home boasts sixty-five acres of beautiful famed gardens. Built and owned by Walter Duncan Bellingrath in 1935, one of the first to bottle Coca-Cola, guided tours offer views of the 10,500 square foot home along with the family’s art, china, silver, history with Coca-Cola, and gorgeous views of Fowl River. Under the dreamy oaks of Springhill Avenue, the Greek Revival-style Bragg-Mitchell Mansion tells stories of Mobile’s social traditions and culture. Nestled in the Historic Oakleigh Garden District, The Historic Oakleigh Complex consists of the Oakleigh Mansion, the Cox-Deasy Cottage Museum and the Minnie Mitchell Archives. Built by James W. Roper in 1833, the home has seen many owners through the 1980s with every room telling the stories of each.

Don’t miss this unique chance to walk through history. See each attraction listed below to find directions, hours, contact information, and plan your visit.

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251-424-7500

[email protected]

Historic tours.

Swift-Coles Historic Home is open to the public for self-guided tours. It is always a good idea to call ahead to make certain we are not closed for a private event. Please note that while indoor photography is permitted, we ask that photo sessions or "shoots" are conducted by appointment only. If you would like to schedule an appointment for a photo session or if you have any questions, please contact us at 251-424-7500.

Self-Guided Tours

By Appointment

Price of Admission

$10 per Adult

$5 per Child (ages 3-12)

Children Under 3 Free

Cash Only Please

Admission

Adults: $10

Children 3-12: $5

*Children Under 3 Free

Private Tours

Private Tours are available for Groups of 10 or more.

Please contact us

for more information.

Welcome to the Historic Huntsville Foundation

We promote the preservation of historic sites, buildings, houses and neighborhoods in Huntsville and Madison County, Alabama. From the courthouse square to rural farmhouses, historic places make our community a better place to live, work and play.

Introducing the Historic Huntsville Museum!

We are thrilled to announce the opening of the Historic Huntsville Museum in Harrison Brothers Hardware, a place where Huntsville’s past and future come together.

Originally founded in 1879, Harrison Brothers functioned as a crossroads of sorts, where people from across the Tennessee Valley purchased household goods and equipment needed for their home, farms and businesses. Within this store, the lives of farmers, mill workers, business owners, noted educators and civic activists intersected. Our museum shares both the history of the Harrison Brothers store and the lived experiences of those who patronized their business.

The National Park Service recently listed the Historic Huntsville Museum and the Harrison Brothers Building to the Reconstruction Era National Historic Network, an initiative that recognizes and connects historic sites and programs that share the history of freed men and women following the abolition of slavery. Our exhibition, “Brick by Brick: The Legacy of Henderson and Daniel Brandon” and our preservation of the Harrison Brothers building, constructed by Daniel Brandon, qualified us for listing to the Network. Henderson and Daniel Brandon established Huntsville’s most successful Black-owned business in the Reconstruction era. We are only the second Alabama site listed to the Network.

We are pleased to present the “Harrison Brothers: House and Home – From Traditional to Modern” exhibition, which highlights the furnishing and household goods sold by the Harrisons from 1900-1960. Using original sample books and furniture catalogs, this exhibition shows the evolution of Huntsville from the Watercress Capital of the World to the Rocket City through changing tastes in wall coverings, upholstery fabrics, and furniture styles. This exhibition is a collaborative project with the University of Alabama-Huntsville Archives, Special Collections & Digital Initiatives and HHF. This exhibition is displayed on the c. 1900 original business desk used by the Harrisons, a wonderful example of how we’ve incorporated Harrison family artifacts into the Historic Huntsville Museum.

The Historic Huntsville Museum is FREE and open to the public from 10AM to 5 PM, Monday through Saturday, in Harrison Brothers Hardware, a project of the Historic Huntsville Foundation. Harrison Brother is located at 124 Southside Square on Huntsville’s historic courthouse square, where we’ve been since 1897.

If you would like to schedule a tour of the exhibition for your school, civic, or community group, please contact our Executive Director Donna Castellano at Donna@historichuntsville.org .

Our “Brick by Brick: The Legacy of Henderson and Daniel Brandon” exhibition celebrates the history of Henderson and Daniel Brandon, founders of Huntsville’s most successful Black-owned business in the Reconstruction era. Our exhibition brings long overdue recognition to a masonry firm who constructed some of Huntsville’s most iconic buildings.

“Brick by Brick” is the featured exhibition in the newly debuted Historic Huntsville Museum, a project of the Historic Huntsville Foundation. This FREE exhibition is located in Harrison Brothers Hardware. Along with being Alabama’s oldest operating hardware store, a top tourist designation, and home of the Harrison Brothers Gallery, our nonprofit gift shop specializing in local and regional art, the Harrison Brothers building is the best preserved example of Daniel Brandon’s work.

We are honored that the National Park Service selected “Brick by Brick” for inclusion in the Reconstruction Era National History Network, a program that highlights the history of freed men and women following the abolition of slavery.

Just the Facts

Where? Harrison Brothers 124 Southside Square

Monday – Friday, 10 AM to 5 PM or by appointment

Contact Donna@historichuntsville.org for more information.

Where to Park? A few options! Free, one hour parking around the courthouse square and downtown streets from 9 AM to 5 PM. ALL PARKING IS FREE AFTER 5:00 PM AND ON SATURDAY AND SUNDAY.

Click here to check out city lots and garages within easy walking distance to Harrison Brothers.

THIS IS A FREE EVENT

Datestone on the Humphrey Bros. Building in Madison. This is the only building constructed by Daniel Brandon that bears his name.

The Historic Huntsville Foundation has dedicated four historic markers recognizing Huntsville women who made history.

Alice Boarman Baldridge

The site of Alice Boarman Baldridge’s former Adams Street home now features a historic marker honoring her life and legacy. As a suffragist, elected official, civic activist, and attorney, Alice broke new ground for Huntsville and Alabama women. Before women could vote, Alice won a seat on the Madison County Board of Education in 1916. When most […]

Dr. Frances Cabaniss Roberts

The former residence of Dr. Frances Cabaniss Roberts on Randolph Avenue recognizes the contributions of a woman who changed the way we think about Alabama, its historical resources, and their preservation. Dr. Frances Roberts was the first woman to earn a Ph.D. in History from the University of Alabama. She helped found the University of […]

Black Suffragists

William Hooper Councill Memorial Park is the site for this historic marker recognizing the first Black women allowed to vote in Madison County, following the ratification of the 19th amendment. Provisions in Alabama’s 1901 Constitution limited the numbers of Black and poor white Alabamians who could qualify to vote, but these six brave Black women […]

YMCA Marker

The William G. Pomeroy Foundation donated this distinctly purple marker recognizing the YMCA Building on Greene Street. The site was recognized for its affiliation with two important events in our national suffrage history. In 1912, the YMCA Building was the site of a meeting reconvening the Huntsville Equal Suffrage Association. In 1914, the Huntsville Equal […]

LEARN MORE from Executive Director Donna Castellano how HHF is documenting the lives and contributions of Huntsville’s history makers.

https://hsvchamber.org/remember-the-ladies/

https://cityblog.huntsvilleal.gov/lifting-as-they-climbed-celebrating-huntsvilles-first-black-women-voters/

https://cityblog.huntsvilleal.gov/hidden-figures-no-longer-celebrating-huntsvilles-black-suffragists/

Color Me, Huntsville: Places Where Huntsville Women Made History

Our latest publication introduces kids of all ages to Huntsville women who CHANGED history! Among the women showcased by artist Christina Wegman and historian Donna Castellano are suffragists Mary Binford, Celia Love, and Ellelee Chapman Humes. Also learn the stories of:

Nurse Johnnie Lou Jean Dent, who established the Triana Health Clinic, and singlehandedly integrated Madison County’s health clinics.
Alice Baldridge, the first woman elected to public office in Madison County, in 1916—four years before women had the right to vote!
Dora Fackler Lowery, Huntsville suffragist and mother of Civil Rights legend the Rev. Dr. Joseph Lowery.
AND learn how women’s suffrage history happened at Lakeside Methodist Church and the Greene Street YMCA.

Order online: $10 per book; plus $3.00 for shipping and handling

Also available at Harrison Brothers Hardware, 124 Southside Square, Huntsville, Alabama 35801

Hunstville History Specials! Order Online!

Color Me, Huntsville Coloing Books – 3 Books for $30 + tax and FREE Shipping

Through the Garden Gate – $30 + tax and FREE Shipping

Through the Garden Gate: The Garden of Historic Huntsville is a full-color, beautifully photographed coffee-table book that offers a tour of twenty-seven private gardens in Huntsville’s most exclusive historic districts.

HHF’s Educational Projects Sow the Seeds of Historic Preservation

Color Me, Huntsville

Kids of all ages are drawn to Color Me, Huntsville , three coloring books with original sketches by artists Carole Foret, Christina Green, and Christina Wegman depicting Huntsville-Madison County’s most historic buildings and sites. Created by the Historic Huntsville Foundation for the Alabama Bicentennial, Color Me, Huntsville brings Huntsville-Madison County’s history to life.

Finding Huntsville: A Kid-Friendly Field Guide to Huntsville’s Historic Architecture

Use our nifty FREE Finding Huntsville field guide and activity book to explore the architecture on Huntsville’s historic courthouse square. You can trace Huntsville’s evolution from a cotton town to a space age city through the buildings on three city blocks, which contain examples from Greek Revival style (First National Bank Building) to International style (the Madison County courthouse) and everything in between!

Footsteps to Statehood: A Walking Tour Through History

On tree-lined streets adjacent to Huntsville’s courthouse square is a collection of Alabama’s oldest houses that tell a story about Alabama’s journey to statehood. HHF’s Footsteps to Statehood brochure and walking tour traces Huntsville’s role in Alabama’s statehood through nine historic houses in the Twickenham Historic District built from 1814-1819.

From the site of Alabama’s constitutional convention to the birthplace of the United States space program, Huntsville and Madison County has a history like no other. The richness and diversity of our historic resources reflects our community’s unique journey and places a special responsibility on us to preserve our historic places for future generations.

Our home has Alabama’s oldest homes and buildings, boasting ten National Register historic districts. From the Greek Revival and Federal-style homes of the Twickenham Historic District to the neighborhoods of textile workers in the Dallas, Lincoln, Lowe and Merrimack Mill Villages to the space age subdivisions created for rocket scientists and engineers, Huntsville-Madison County has a history that must be seen to be believed.

Visit Huntsville and see how we’re building a stronger future by preserving our past.

A Year in the Life of our Mission: Support our Annual Fund Campaign

Connect to history.

Harrison Brothers Hardware

Current Projects

The Historic Huntsville Foundation is grateful to the Alabama Humanities Alliance for their grant support.

Historic Home and Gardens

birmingham, alabama.

Arlington Antebellum House and Gardens on six acres of landscaped gardens is located near downtown Birmingham, Alabama. The two-story 1840s frame structure features Greek Revival architecture.

The house serves as a decorative arts museum, featuring a collection of 19th century furniture, textiles, silver and paintings. The garden features a restored garden room that is used for special events. The house was added to the National Register of Historic Places on December 2, 1970.

CLICK HERE TO PLAY

"Welcome to Arlington",

a 50 second video created with a grant from Alabama's Bicentennial Commission.

Tours at Arlington Historic House

Tuesday through Saturday - 10:00am to 3:00pm Last tour ticket sold at 2:30pm Closed Sunday, Monday, and all City Holidays

$5 per adult / $3 per student 6 to 18 years Group rates available for 10 or more people Rates subject to change

CLICK HERE FOR BROCHURE

MEET OUR ARLINGTON INTERNS

The Internship Program is our program where college and university students along with high school students are mentored by Arlington’s Director and staff and other community partners to learn about Arlington and Birmingham’s

rich history.

ANNOUNCEMENTS AND EVENTS

CLOSED DATES IN 2024

Normal hours of operation are Tuesdays through Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is $5 per adult and $3 per student 6 to 18 years. Group rates are available for 10 or more people.

We will be closed on all City of Birmingham official holidays in 2024 on these dates:

NEW YEAR'S DAY - JANUARY 1

MARTIN L. KING DAY - JANUARY 15

GOOD FRIDAY - MARCH 29

MEMORIAL DAY - MAY 27

JUNETEENTH - JUNE 19

FOURTH OF JULY - JULY 4

LABOR DAY - SEPTEMBER 2

VETERAN'S DAY - NOVEMBER 11

THANKSGIVING - NOVEMBER 28-29

CHRISTMAS - DECEMBER 24-25

St. Patrick's Irish Murder Mystery Dinner,

Friday, Mar. 15th - 6:30 - 9:30pm CDT

More information & tickets, visit HERE.

Celebrate March's Season of The Luck of The Irish with a fun St. Patrick's Irish Themed Murder Mystery Dinner Event at The Historic Arlington House. Perfect for celebrations, date night, friends night out, family night, birthdays, anniversaries and more. Optional Ghosts & Spirits of the Past and Haunts Walk of The Mansion After Dinner and once the mystery is solved! Fun and Interactive Irish Themed Murder Mystery Dinner where you get to try and solve the crime before the murderer gets away. You also get to Explore the beautiful Mansion and it’s collection of historic antiques and artifacts before the dinner begins! ! . . . Fun Party Atmosphere as you participate in the Murder Mystery Dinner. You will enjoy Dinner prepared by Chef Matthew Murphee . After the Murder Mystery Dinner , if you like and completely optional you will get to participate in an Exclusive Ghosts & Spirits of the Past Hunt of the beautiful Mansion and Grounds as you use state of the art paranormal Investigation equipment! . . . The Price of your Ticket includes Dinner , Interacting in the Murder Mystery Event and Self Guided Tour of the

Home . Optional Ghost & Spirits of the Past Hunt afterwards is also included .

More information & tickets, visit HERE.

“A Walk Through Time” Tour of Historic Alabama Homes

Image Courtesy Of Charlie & Janie Houser, The Community’s 1st Mayor

Magnolia Springs Community Hall {previously Town Hall} was built in 1894. Heart pine was brought by sailboat and unloaded at the head of the river. A celebration dance was planned upon completion but the owner refused to turn over the key until a balance of $50 due him was paid.

The Magnolia Springs Community Association is sponsoring a tour of Magnolia Springs, Alabama homes called ” A Walk Through Time” . Six homes will be featured along with St. Paul’s Episcopal Chapel, The Magnolia Springs Bed & Breakfast and the Magnolia Springs Community Hall, built in 1894.

Tour Date Is: Sunday, March 10, 2013 from 1-5 pm. Tickets are only $15 and may be purchased by contacting Chairman Liz Ramsey at 251-965-9055.

B&B Online Reservations or 800-965-7321

For over one hundred years, the Springs has maintained a Community Association , housed in the historic Association Building, adjacent to St. Paul’s Episcopal Chapel , also more than 100 years of age. Community members meet once a month to share food, fun, facts, and camaraderie — keeping everyone abreast of the news and needs of the various residents and providing yet another link in the bonds of friendship and fellowship that are truly unique to Magnolia Springs. Read More Magnolia Springs History

Despite the delightful and unassuming “small town” ambiance of Magnolia Springs, the additional advantages of metropolitan living are only minutes away: both Mobile, Alabama , and Pensacola, Florida , lie less than an hour’s drive from the quiet, tree-lined byways of the Springs. Opera, symphonies, theater, and cultural activities are abundant, both in Mobile and Pensacola and in Baldwin County — opportunities for cultural enrichment and diverting entertainment are everywhere.

Quoted from the “Town of Magnolia Springs’ Website

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We Are Huntsville

Helping you discover Huntsville, AL by sharing the best events, eats, and experiences.

Historic Homes You Can Tour in Huntsville

April 15, 2015 By Guest Blogger

New stores and restaurants are popping up every day, but what people might not realize is that, just a few minutes away from the heart of the city, there are beautiful historic homes that you can actually go INSIDE.

Take a look at this list of homes that residents can explore without a personal invitation.

1. The Weeden House

Located right off the main square in Downtown Huntsville, the Weeden House Museum and Garden was built in 1819 and features the artwork of former resident and famous artist Maria Howard Weeden.

Tour the house Wednesday – Saturday at 10:30 am. Private tours are also offered along with space for entertaining. Admission $5 adults, $3 children 5-12.

2. The Burritt Mansion

Once the home to prominent homeopathic doctor William Henry Burritt, the Burritt Mansion was built in 1938 facing the bluff on Monte Sano and is now the centerpiece of Burritt on the Mountain , Huntsville’s first museum.

Those looking to catch a great view of Huntsville can tour the house Tuesday -Saturday from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm and Sunday from 12:00 – 5:00 pm. Admission $10 per adult, $9 senior, $8 children 3-18, free for museum members.

3. The Lowry House

Built in 1818, the Historic Lowry House is located minutes from Five Points and is one of the only Italianate homes left in the South. It is available for weddings or private events, and offers events to the public.

Tour the house during their hours of operation Monday – Friday, 11:00 am – 3:00 pm.

Guest blogger for We Are Huntsville. Are you interested in writing a post for our site? Email [email protected].

Upcoming Events

Best of Eufaula Historic District and Homes Tour

Sandwich, chips and a regular drink
Entry/Admission - Eufaula
Entry/Admission - Shorter Mansion
Entry/Admission - Fendall Hall
333 E Broad St, Eufaula, AL 36027, USA Meet at the Broad Street main entrance to the Eufaula/Barbour County Chamber of Commerce. There is ample, public on street parking.
Wheelchair accessible
Stroller accessible
Service animals allowed
Transportation is wheelchair accessible
Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Most travelers can participate
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 30 travelers
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
You'll start at 333 E Broad St 333 E Broad St, Eufaula, AL 36027, USA Meet at the Broad Street main entrance to the Eufaula/Barbour County Chamber of Commerce. There is ample, public on street parking. See address & details
1 Bread Basket Deli Stop: 30 minutes - Admission included See details
2 Eufaula Board of Trade Stop: 60 minutes See details Pass by First Presbyterian Church, Eufaula Eufaula Carnegie Library
3 Shorter Mansion Stop: 60 minutes - Admission included See details
4 Fendall Hall Stop: 60 minutes - Admission included See details
You'll return to the starting point

Ann S 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Just what we needed! Super informative, lots of fun and fun facts. Ashley is perfect for this venture! I can't wait to do other tours she has to offer. I would suggest this to ANYBODY and EVERYBODY that wants a tour of our beautiful city! Read more Written May 14, 2019

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Best of Eufaula Historic District and Homes Tour provided by Azalea Ventures Tours & Excursions

Selma-Dallas County Historic Preservation Society

preserve. protect. restore.

Board & Staff
Kenan’s Mill
Heritage Village
YMCA Building
Historic Property Signs & Plaques
Tour of Homes
Holiday House

Tour of homes

March 8 & 9, 2024.

Hosted annually by the SDCHPS, the Tour of Homes began in 1976 as a way to share the city’s variety of architectural styles and rich history.

Selma’s four designated historic districts comprise the largest contiguous historic district in the state of Alabama. Together, the historic districts feature more than 1200 historic homes, churches, and other unique structures.

Today, the Tour of Homes features historic buildings across Selma and Dallas County. The tour includes a Friday evening welcome reception with heavy hors d’oeuvres and beverages, followed by a special presentation on a topic of Selma-Dallas County history. The tour begins Saturday at 10 a.m. and ends at 4 p.m., and package tickets allow visitors entry into all houses, museums, churches, and other historic sites featured on the tour, as well as the Saturday evening Cemetery Tour in Old Live Oak Cemetery.

Tickets can be purchased on Eventbrite – see below for more details.

Join us for the 48th Annual Historic Selma Tour of Homes !

Tickets can be purchased online via Eventbrite (linked below) or in-person on Friday, March 8, from 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Vaughan-Smitherman Museum , 109 Union Street, from 6-8 p.m., at Sturdivant Hall Museum , 713 Mabry Street, and on Saturday, March 9, between 8:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. at the Vaughan-Smitherman Museum , 109 Union Street. For any questions or information requests, you may call 334-412-8550 or email [email protected].

package Ticket

A pass to all Friday & Saturday activities, including:

Friday evening reception & special presentation
Entrance to all homes, churches, and museums on the Saturday tour
Saturday evening Live Oak Cemetery Ghost Tour

Purchase Tickets Online

ONLINE TICKET SALES CLOSE AT 11:30 P.M. ON THURSDAY, MARCH 8

Cemetery Tour Ticket

Various “ghosts” will visit historic Old Live Oak Cemetery at 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 on Saturday. Tour tickets can be purchased for $10.00 each at the Vaughan-Smitherman Museum or at Old Live Oak Cemetery with cash during the tour. This is the only ticket that may be purchased separately.

(Note: the Cemetery Tour is included in the package ticket)

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A view from the breakfast room table inside "Cottage Charm." Courtesy of Amy Peterson O'Brien.

By Chris Basinger, Staff Reporter

TRUSSVILLE–The Cahaba Homestead Heritage Foundation is set to hold its Second Annual Heritage Days event next week.

Following the week of festivities–including outdoor painting, Trussville Jeopardy, and quilting workshops–the public will get the opportunity on Sunday, April 21, to walk through three homes rich in Trussville history.

According to local artist and foundation president Amy Peterson O’Brien, each of the three houses are only on their third homeowner since they were constructed, allowing much of the original features of the homes to be preserved.

“Each of these homeowners are only the third homeowners to live in these homes,” O’Brien said.

The exterior of “Cottage Charm.” Courtesy of Amy Peterson O’Brien.

“It speaks to how much families have loved living in these homes and how these homes have served those families over decades and generations.”

During the tour, the homeowners will be present at their respective houses to share their knowledge and their love for the craftsmanship, character, and sturdiness of the homes they live in.

The first house being featured has been dubbed “Cottage Charm.”

The cottage style home is located in the Cahaba Project neighborhood and was built in 1938.

It was originally under 1,200 square feet but has since been renovated to include an additional 900 square feet of space to make room for family members and storage.

Also in the Cahaba Project is the second house being featured called “The OG,” built in the 1930s.

“[The OG’s] homeowner grew up in this neighborhood, lived catty-corner to the house, and so now when she sits in her favorite spot in the house, which is the front porch, she’s looking at the trees and much of the same view that she experienced when she was a child,” O’Brien said.

The sun room of “The OG.” Courtesy of Amy Peterson O’Brien.

The house, which features a hallway decorated with photographs of Trussville lifted from the pages of “Images of America: Trussville” by Sandra Bearden and June Mathews, also maintains its original footprint–at least for the moment.

“This homeowner does plan to add on, but she was gracious enough to be on the tour this time to allow guests to come and see it in its original footprint,” O’Brien said.

The final home on the tour is the Hickman-Yarbrough House, famously known as the oldest standing home in Trussville, located just north of the Cahaba Project.

The house, currently owned by Joni and Dave Parrish, dates back to the 1850s and is being called “Antebellum Belle” as part of the tour.

“That home still has a lot of the original floors, walls, windows, I believe, most of the 10 original fireplaces,” O’Brien said.

“It has the original stone wall along the side of the house that was quarried from right there on that property, and you can see the iron pegs in the wall are still there and those were used to tie horses to.”

A bedroom inside the Hickman-Yarbrough House. Courtesy of Amy Peterson O’Brien.

With the house standing for as long as it has, visitors will also be able to see how it has been modernized over not just one, but two turns of the century.

“It’s just kind of a hallmark of time, as it were, in a very historic property like that,” O’Brien said.

Tours will run continuously on Sunday, April 21 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Tickets are $20 and are available through the Trussville Area Chamber of Commerce’s website.

Ticket sales will go toward supporting the creation of a Daffodil Trail in Trussville’s Historic District.

All tickets must be picked up at the check-in table at Cahaba Elementary School where attendees can park for free during tour hours.

Accent Limo will shuttle guests to the homes on the tour and then back to the school parking lot every 15 minutes.

All ticket holders who purchase their tickets before April 21 will also be entered into a drawing for a raffle basket filled with prizes and gift cards from local businesses valued at around $750.

A full tour through the three homes is expected to last around one hour.

Historic Homes Tour tickets can be purchased here: https://trussvillechamber.chambermaster.com/events/details/heritage-days-home-tour-1658?fbclid=IwAR0P21S2PPpyZ-fYHbbrx4MS0IC3UxYvV6bJqtO36LojVKjHh2vHpCdbDKQ_aem_AbyPuCxYbPceHNMVUhad3UZPbh6QUUYnNJf6UY8maLIOc2_HL_VCFAF4kPNHHS9N1X8XZ0ffAfZXgZIo7w5RrtfE

Tribune Unscripted

Living History: Tour the Homes of Early American Settlers

Posted: July 19, 2023 | Last updated: November 20, 2023

<p>Step back in time with these 10 living museums that showcase America's historic homes, from the first settlements up to the Civil War. From refurbished artifacts to informed reconstructions, these houses give history lovers a feel for a simpler way of life, as well as a peek inside some of the beautiful original structures that shaped centuries of American architecture. </p>

These homes offer a glimpse into the past

Step back in time with these 10 living museums that showcase America's historic homes, from the first settlements up to the Civil War. From refurbished artifacts to informed reconstructions, these houses give history lovers a feel for a simpler way of life, as well as a peek inside some of the beautiful original structures that shaped centuries of American architecture.

<p>Colonial Williamsburg is a living history museum in the heart of Virginia, the first American colony. The museum is designed to recreate 18th-century colonial life as it would have been when Williamsburg served as the capital of Colonial Virginia. The 301-acre site houses hundreds of restored or recreated 18th-century structures across three main thoroughfares, rendering it <a href="https://www.colonialwilliamsburg.org/visit/know-before-you-go/?from=navvisit">the world’s largest living history museum</a>. Visitors can dine in period taverns, purchase souvenirs in artisan shops, and explore dozens of historic landmarks.</p>

Colonial Williamsburg, Williamsburg, Virginia

Colonial Williamsburg is a living history museum in the heart of Virginia, the first American colony. The museum is designed to recreate 18th-century colonial life as it would have been when Williamsburg served as the capital of Colonial Virginia. The 301-acre site houses hundreds of restored or recreated 18th-century structures across three main thoroughfares, rendering it the world’s largest living history museum . Visitors can dine in period taverns, purchase souvenirs in artisan shops, and explore dozens of historic landmarks.

<p>After falling into post-revolution disrepair, Colonial Williamsburg was restored to its original glory in the early 1900s due in large part to generous donations from the world-famous business magnate and philanthropist, John D. Rockefeller. Significant landmarks were restored, while others which had been destroyed, like the Governor's Palace, were meticulously reconstructed. Of the roughly 500 buildings in the town, <a href="https://research.colonialwilliamsburg.org/research/architecture/buildings/original-buil">88 are original</a>, and the overarching result is a bustling merchant square and political capital such as the pre-revolution colonists would have known it.</p>

After falling into post-revolution disrepair, Colonial Williamsburg was restored to its original glory in the early 1900s due in large part to generous donations from the world-famous business magnate and philanthropist, John D. Rockefeller. Significant landmarks were restored, while others which had been destroyed, like the Governor's Palace, were meticulously reconstructed. Of the roughly 500 buildings in the town, 88 are original , and the overarching result is a bustling merchant square and political capital such as the pre-revolution colonists would have known it.

<p>Williamsburg was built up as a center of government around the College of William & Mary, and consequently mirrored its Georgian architectural style. Indeed, famed Georgian architect, Christopher Wren, designer of St Paul’s Cathedral, also designed the Wren Building at the College of William & Mary, which was the first building to be renovated as part of Rockefeller’s restoration. Colonial Williamsburg’s buildings range in grandeur from the Governor’s Palace, the magnificent brick residence that was the seat of pre-revolution royal governance, to the humbler one-story, wood-shingled shops and <a href="https://www.loveproperty.com/gallerylist/116680/explore-this-abandoned-101-year-old-veterans-cottage-in-connecticut">old cottages</a>.</p>

Williamsburg was built up as a center of government around the College of William & Mary, and consequently mirrored its Georgian architectural style. Indeed, famed Georgian architect, Christopher Wren, designer of St Paul’s Cathedral, also designed the Wren Building at the College of William & Mary, which was the first building to be renovated as part of Rockefeller’s restoration. Colonial Williamsburg’s buildings range in grandeur from the Governor’s Palace, the magnificent brick residence that was the seat of pre-revolution royal governance, to the humbler one-story, wood-shingled shops and old cottages .

<p>Williamsburg was characterized by its political significance and its mercantile industry. Today, <a href="https://www.colonialwilliamsburg.org/explore/nation-builders/">historical celebrities</a> such as George and Martha Washington, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and the Marquis de Lafayette still walk the streets, interacting with visitors, while traditional artisans churn out quality goods for purchase. Merchant Square, the commercial heart of Williamsburg, houses the workshops of blacksmiths, silversmiths, gunsmiths, tailors, cobblers, milliners, coopers, carpenters, printers, and of course, wigmakers.</p>

Williamsburg was characterized by its political significance and its mercantile industry. Today, historical celebrities such as George and Martha Washington, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and the Marquis de Lafayette still walk the streets, interacting with visitors, while traditional artisans churn out quality goods for purchase. Merchant Square, the commercial heart of Williamsburg, houses the workshops of blacksmiths, silversmiths, gunsmiths, tailors, cobblers, milliners, coopers, carpenters, printers, and of course, wigmakers.

<p>A Smithsonian affiliate, Conner Prairie is a living history museum in central Indiana dedicated to preserving 19th-century midwestern life. At the heart of the museum lies Prairietown which, though fictional, is based on extensive <a href="https://www.connerprairie.org/explore/experiences/1836-prairietown/fate/">demographic and geographic research</a>, and is inspired by early Indiana settlements of the 1830s. The museum is named for the Conner family, 19th-century north-western pioneers who settled in Indiana at the beginning of the century, and who came to play an infamous role in the removal of the native Lenape people from the territory.</p>

Conner Prairie, Fishers, Indiana

A Smithsonian affiliate, Conner Prairie is a living history museum in central Indiana dedicated to preserving 19th-century midwestern life. At the heart of the museum lies Prairietown which, though fictional, is based on extensive demographic and geographic research , and is inspired by early Indiana settlements of the 1830s. The museum is named for the Conner family, 19th-century north-western pioneers who settled in Indiana at the beginning of the century, and who came to play an infamous role in the removal of the native Lenape people from the territory.

<p>Conner Prairie was established in the 1960s, when the William Conner House and outbuildings were opened to the public as a museum. The William Conner House, <a href="https://www.connerprairie.org/explore/experiences/william-conner-house/">one of Indiana’s oldest brick houses</a>, is in the traditional Georgian colonial style. Using this building as a jumping-off point, the museum curators constructed other early 19th-century farmhouses and buildings on the surrounding land during the 1970s, expanding the museum into what is now Prairietown.</p>

Conner Prairie was established in the 1960s, when the William Conner House and outbuildings were opened to the public as a museum. The William Conner House, one of Indiana’s oldest brick houses , is in the traditional Georgian colonial style. Using this building as a jumping-off point, the museum curators constructed other early 19th-century farmhouses and buildings on the surrounding land during the 1970s, expanding the museum into what is now Prairietown.

<p>Prairietown recreates agrarian village life circa 1836. In a farming-based economy, daily tasks included tending livestock, planting or harvesting crops, preparing food, carding, spinning, and dying wool, or working at trades such as blacksmithing or pottery, making goods that could not otherwise be obtained. In a community as small as this, each member was dependent upon the others for the services he or she could offer, and there were certainly no secrets. Prairietown’s costumed interpreters are eager to share pieces of local gossip, or tell stories about the town’s history.</p>

Prairietown recreates agrarian village life circa 1836. In a farming-based economy, daily tasks included tending livestock, planting or harvesting crops, preparing food, carding, spinning, and dying wool, or working at trades such as blacksmithing or pottery, making goods that could not otherwise be obtained. In a community as small as this, each member was dependent upon the others for the services he or she could offer, and there were certainly no secrets. Prairietown’s costumed interpreters are eager to share pieces of local gossip, or tell stories about the town’s history.

<p>Conner Prairie also includes a traditional Lenape village, where visitors can meet historical interpreters and learn about Native American artistry and trading. Though tensions were frequently high between native people and settlers, periods of peace could bring mutual prosperity through the exchange of goods and knowledge. The proximity of Prairietown and the Lenape village is representative of countless early American towns, as settlers vied for ownership of native land and resources and negotiated transient periods of collaboration and conflict.</p>

Conner Prairie also includes a traditional Lenape village, where visitors can meet historical interpreters and learn about Native American artistry and trading. Though tensions were frequently high between native people and settlers, periods of peace could bring mutual prosperity through the exchange of goods and knowledge. The proximity of Prairietown and the Lenape village is representative of countless early American towns, as settlers vied for ownership of native land and resources and negotiated transient periods of collaboration and conflict.

<p>As the first established colony in America, Virginia attracted settlers from all over the world, all hoping to make their fortunes in the fertile American soil. The Frontier Culture Museum, which aims to pay tribute to this geographically diverse American ancestry, features original and recreation 18th-century buildings from England, Germany, Ireland, and West Africa, where visitors can learn about the cultural traditions and contributions of Western pioneers from each place.</p>

Frontier Culture Museum, Staunton, Virginia

As the first established colony in America, Virginia attracted settlers from all over the world, all hoping to make their fortunes in the fertile American soil. The Frontier Culture Museum, which aims to pay tribute to this geographically diverse American ancestry, features original and recreation 18th-century buildings from England, Germany, Ireland, and West Africa, where visitors can learn about the cultural traditions and contributions of Western pioneers from each place.

<p>Like the early pioneers, many of the museum’s buildings made quite a journey before coming to rest in the Shenandoah Valley. The museum’s original structures, like this 17th-century German farmhouse, were <a href="https://www.loveproperty.com/gallerylist/136059/historic-homes-that-were-picked-up-and-moved-to-a-new-plot">deconstructed and moved</a> from around the country and even around the world to be reassembled piece by piece in their final location.</p>

Like the early pioneers, many of the museum’s buildings made quite a journey before coming to rest in the Shenandoah Valley. The museum’s original structures, like this 17th-century German farmhouse, were deconstructed and moved from around the country and even around the world to be reassembled piece by piece in their final location.

<p><a href="https://www.frontiermuseum.org/">According to its founder</a>, the museum aims to paint a picture of pioneers both ‘before’ and ‘after their arrival in America. The buildings representing the native homes of these pioneers show what life would have looked like before their journey to Virginia, while the ‘American’ section of the museum illustrates what it came to look like after they had settled. This latter section of the museum features a 1700s American settlement, an 1820s American farm, an 1850s American farm, an early <a href="https://www.loveproperty.com/gallerylist/93050/abandoned-schools-for-sale-that-would-make-amazing-homes">American schoolhouse</a>, and a 1700s Native American farm.</p>

According to its founder , the museum aims to paint a picture of pioneers both ‘before’ and ‘after their arrival in America. The buildings representing the native homes of these pioneers show what life would have looked like before their journey to Virginia, while the ‘American’ section of the museum illustrates what it came to look like after they had settled. This latter section of the museum features a 1700s American settlement, an 1820s American farm, an 1850s American farm, an early American schoolhouse , and a 1700s Native American farm.

<p>The 200-acre site gives guests the opportunity to meet costumed interpreters from both the ‘before’ and ‘after’ sections, learning about their lives and how they came to settle in Virginia. A West African farmer explains how his daughters were kidnapped by slavers and shipped to America, while an Irish blacksmith’s apprentice dreams of a life free from poverty and hunger across the ocean. In the ‘American’ section of the museum, tradesmen and artisans describe how their techniques have evolved from their native training to incorporate the new materials available to them in Virginia.</p>

The 200-acre site gives guests the opportunity to meet costumed interpreters from both the ‘before’ and ‘after’ sections, learning about their lives and how they came to settle in Virginia. A West African farmer explains how his daughters were kidnapped by slavers and shipped to America, while an Irish blacksmith’s apprentice dreams of a life free from poverty and hunger across the ocean. In the ‘American’ section of the museum, tradesmen and artisans describe how their techniques have evolved from their native training to incorporate the new materials available to them in Virginia.

<p>The largest living history museum in New York State and the third largest in the US, the Genesee Country Village Museum is a recreated 19th-century village which comprises 68 historic buildings across 600 acres. The museum’s original structures span a century’s worth of history, from the scattered Genesee Valley pioneer settlements of 1795-1830, to the evolution of a more condensed town center between 1830 and 1870, to the more industrialized post-war ‘Gas Light District’ of 1860-1900.</p>

Genesee Country Village and Museum, Mumford, New York

The largest living history museum in New York State and the third largest in the US, the Genesee Country Village Museum is a recreated 19th-century village which comprises 68 historic buildings across 600 acres. The museum’s original structures span a century’s worth of history, from the scattered Genesee Valley pioneer settlements of 1795-1830, to the evolution of a more condensed town center between 1830 and 1870, to the more industrialized post-war ‘Gas Light District’ of 1860-1900.

<p>The museum features an impressive collection of original buildings, all sourced from the State of New York and relocated to the Genesee Valley. The <a href="https://www.loveproperty.com/gallerylist/143611/tour-this-historic-pioneer-town-for-sale-in-south-australia-for-only-243k">pioneer settlement</a> section of the village features largely rustic, wood-shingled buildings constructed during the early to mid-1800s, including this original one-room schoolhouse dating back to 1822. Here, children ranging in age from three to 15 would attend class in the winter and summer only, as they would be needed at home to help on the farms during the spring and fall.</p>

The museum features an impressive collection of original buildings, all sourced from the State of New York and relocated to the Genesee Valley. The pioneer settlement section of the village features largely rustic, wood-shingled buildings constructed during the early to mid-1800s, including this original one-room schoolhouse dating back to 1822. Here, children ranging in age from three to 15 would attend class in the winter and summer only, as they would be needed at home to help on the farms during the spring and fall.

<p>The Center Village illustrates the mid 19th-century shift from a farm to a commerce-based economy, and is home to the museum’s tradesmen and artisans. Live demonstrations of contemporary techniques are performed by the local shoemaker, dressmaker, cooper, potter, gunsmith, wheelwright, printer, lawyer, and of course, publican. The Center Village also showcases some beautiful mid-century, Greek-Revival mansions, the homes of some of New York’s wealthier entrepreneurs who made their fortunes in banking or the mill industry.</p>

The Center Village illustrates the mid 19th-century shift from a farm to a commerce-based economy, and is home to the museum’s tradesmen and artisans. Live demonstrations of contemporary techniques are performed by the local shoemaker, dressmaker, cooper, potter, gunsmith, wheelwright, printer, lawyer, and of course, publican. The Center Village also showcases some beautiful mid-century, Greek-Revival mansions, the homes of some of New York’s wealthier entrepreneurs who made their fortunes in banking or the mill industry.

<p>Culture and activity flourish in the most modern part of the museum, the bustling ‘Gas Light District’. Here, visitors can explore the Davis Opera House (pictured), which served as a general store on the first floor, and on the second as an elegant lecture theatre and music hall, where travelling performers, musicians, and even circus acts would entertain locals. This section of the village also houses the museum’s Silver Base Ball Park, where guests can witness 19th-century base ball (as it was contemporaneously spelled) games all summer long.</p>

Culture and activity flourish in the most modern part of the museum, the bustling ‘Gas Light District’. Here, visitors can explore the Davis Opera House (pictured), which served as a general store on the first floor, and on the second as an elegant lecture theatre and music hall, where travelling performers, musicians, and even circus acts would entertain locals. This section of the village also houses the museum’s Silver Base Ball Park, where guests can witness 19th-century base ball (as it was contemporaneously spelled) games all summer long.

<p>Greenfield Village is the living history branch of <a href="https://www.thehenryford.or">The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation</a>, the largest indoor-outdoor museum complex in the United States, founded by Ford himself. The 80-acre living history museum was the first of its kind in the country, and is divided into seven ‘historic districts’, sections dedicated to immersing guests in a specific element of 19th-century life. Four of the districts are dedicated to representing more traditional features of early American village life, while the final three districts of the museum are dedicated to scientific innovation.</p>

Greenfield Village, Dearborn, Michigan

Greenfield Village is the living history branch of The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation , the largest indoor-outdoor museum complex in the United States, founded by Ford himself. The 80-acre living history museum was the first of its kind in the country, and is divided into seven ‘historic districts’, sections dedicated to immersing guests in a specific element of 19th-century life. Four of the districts are dedicated to representing more traditional features of early American village life, while the final three districts of the museum are dedicated to scientific innovation.

<p>Guests start their journey through Greenfield Village by exploring the sections dedicated to more traditional daily life. These include ‘Working Farms’, where visitors can explore four different fully operational 19th-century farms; ‘Liberty Craftworks’, where skilled artisans demonstrate authentic techniques; ‘Main Street’, the bustling center of contemporary commerce and entrepreneurship, and ‘Porches & Parlours’, a series of original 19th-century houses and farmhouses collected from across the United States.</p>

Guests start their journey through Greenfield Village by exploring the sections dedicated to more traditional daily life. These include ‘Working Farms’, where visitors can explore four different fully operational 19th-century farms; ‘Liberty Craftworks’, where skilled artisans demonstrate authentic techniques; ‘Main Street’, the bustling center of contemporary commerce and entrepreneurship, and ‘Porches & Parlours’, a series of original 19th-century houses and farmhouses collected from across the United States.

<p>An architectural highlight of the village, though it might seem slightly incongruous with its surroundings, is this 1619 Cotswold Cottage, imported from England. Over several visits to England in the 1920s, Henry Ford fell in love with the quaint and characteristic Cotswolds architecture. By 1929, so great was his love for these buildings that he decided to purchase, deconstruct, and move a Cotswolds cottage all the way to his home in Greenfield, Michigan, where it was reassembled and still stands to this day.</p>

An architectural highlight of the village, though it might seem slightly incongruous with its surroundings, is this 1619 Cotswold Cottage, imported from England. Over several visits to England in the 1920s, Henry Ford fell in love with the quaint and characteristic Cotswolds architecture. By 1929, so great was his love for these buildings that he decided to purchase, deconstruct, and move a Cotswolds cottage all the way to his home in Greenfield, Michigan, where it was reassembled and still stands to this day.

<p>The scientific sections of the museum include ‘Henry Ford’s Model T District’, where guests can trace the life and work of Henry Ford right up to his creation of the Model T, which they can then take for a spin; ‘Railroad Junction’, where visitors can climb on board a 19th-century steam engine, and explore an original 1884 ‘<a href="https://www.loveproperty.com/gallerylist/61796/13-amazing-round-houses-from-around-the-world">roundhouse</a>’ where trains were repaired and maintained; and finally, ‘Edison at Work’, which provides visitors with the opportunity to set foot in the original R&D labs where Edison invented the lightbulb.</p>

The scientific sections of the museum include ‘Henry Ford’s Model T District’, where guests can trace the life and work of Henry Ford right up to his creation of the Model T, which they can then take for a spin; ‘Railroad Junction’, where visitors can climb on board a 19th-century steam engine, and explore an original 1884 ‘ roundhouse ’ where trains were repaired and maintained; and finally, ‘Edison at Work’, which provides visitors with the opportunity to set foot in the original R&D labs where Edison invented the lightbulb.

<p>Plymouth Patuxet is a recreation of the original Plymouth Colony, a 17th-century Massachusetts settlement established by English colonists who later came to be known as the Pilgrims. The living history museum comprises a traditional English village, as well as Historic Patuxet, home of the indigenous Wampanoag people. Guests can also stroll down to the harbor and board the <em>Mayflower II</em>, a full-scale reproduction of the ship that brought the English colonists to Massachusetts in 1620.</p>

Plimoth Patuxet Museums, Plymouth, Massachusetts

Plymouth Patuxet is a recreation of the original Plymouth Colony, a 17th-century Massachusetts settlement established by English colonists who later came to be known as the Pilgrims. The living history museum comprises a traditional English village, as well as Historic Patuxet, home of the indigenous Wampanoag people. Guests can also stroll down to the harbor and board the Mayflower II , a full-scale reproduction of the ship that brought the English colonists to Massachusetts in 1620.

<p>The English village features a collection of reconstructed 17th-century timber-framed houses, each outfitted with reproduction furniture, household items, and articles of clothing. Most of these structures consist of only one room, and the barest of essentials. The village is set in the year 1627, when the settlers were desperately fighting for survival in the harsh New England climate. In the surrounding gardens and fields, third-person costumed interpreters pound corn, pull weeds, or even engage in a ‘muster drill’ led by Captain Myles Standish, commander of the Plymouth Colony Militia.</p>

The English village features a collection of reconstructed 17th-century timber-framed houses, each outfitted with reproduction furniture, household items, and articles of clothing. Most of these structures consist of only one room, and the barest of essentials. The village is set in the year 1627, when the settlers were desperately fighting for survival in the harsh New England climate. In the surrounding gardens and fields, third-person costumed interpreters pound corn, pull weeds, or even engage in a ‘muster drill’ led by Captain Myles Standish, commander of the Plymouth Colony Militia.

<p>However, before the colonists arrived in Massachusetts, the local Wampanoag people numbered between 50,000 and 100,000 across 67 different villages. Historic Patuxet is a recreation of a traditional Wampanoag village, consisting of a cooking area, fields of crops, and several <em>wetus</em>, or houses. Each <em>wetu</em> is lined with fur-laden benches where the villagers would gather around a fire for storytelling and song to pass the long winter nights and ward off the cold.</p>

However, before the colonists arrived in Massachusetts, the local Wampanoag people numbered between 50,000 and 100,000 across 67 different villages. Historic Patuxet is a recreation of a traditional Wampanoag village, consisting of a cooking area, fields of crops, and several wetus , or houses. Each wetu is lined with fur-laden benches where the villagers would gather around a fire for storytelling and song to pass the long winter nights and ward off the cold.

<p>Elsewhere in the village, interpreters discuss what life would have been like for the Wampanoag in the 17th century. Visitors may be invited to play a traditional game made from animal bones, to sample a seasonal dish in the cooking area, to help in the garden planting squash, beans, and corn, or even to help work on a mishoon, a traditional dug-out canoe. The interpreters, many of whom dress in traditional Wampanoag attire, explain how many of the rich cultural traditions on display in the village are still in practice today</p>

Elsewhere in the village, interpreters discuss what life would have been like for the Wampanoag in the 17th century. Visitors may be invited to play a traditional game made from animal bones, to sample a seasonal dish in the cooking area, to help in the garden planting squash, beans, and corn, or even to help work on a mishoon, a traditional dug-out canoe. The interpreters, many of whom dress in traditional Wampanoag attire, explain how many of the rich cultural traditions on display in the village are still in practice today

<p>First sighted in 1513 by the Spanish explorer and conquistador Juan Ponce de Leon, and settled in 1565 by Pedro Menendez de Aviles, St. Augustine was America’s first European colony. Of course, like so many American colonies, the land had previously been occupied by the indigenous Timucua people, but the Spanish settlers were soon so numerous that the colony expanded, making it the first successful European settlement in the United States. Today, the site is a historical reservation known as Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park.</p>

Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park, St. Augustine, Florida

First sighted in 1513 by the Spanish explorer and conquistador Juan Ponce de Leon, and settled in 1565 by Pedro Menendez de Aviles, St. Augustine was America’s first European colony. Of course, like so many American colonies, the land had previously been occupied by the indigenous Timucua people, but the Spanish settlers were soon so numerous that the colony expanded, making it the first successful European settlement in the United States. Today, the site is a historical reservation known as Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park.

<p>Of course, this intriguing name has an origin story. When Ponce de Leon sailed for the Americas, his intention was never to create a settlement, but rather to hunt for gold or other precious goods to bring back to Spain. However, upon hearing the Taino (another indigenous local tribe) legend about a spring said to exist on the isle of Bimini which would provide eternal life and youth to anyone who bathed in its waters, Ponce de Leon began his quest for the Fountain of Youth.</p>

Of course, this intriguing name has an origin story. When Ponce de Leon sailed for the Americas, his intention was never to create a settlement, but rather to hunt for gold or other precious goods to bring back to Spain. However, upon hearing the Taino (another indigenous local tribe) legend about a spring said to exist on the isle of Bimini which would provide eternal life and youth to anyone who bathed in its waters, Ponce de Leon began his quest for the Fountain of Youth.

While none of the original architecture from the early Spanish settlement survives, today, visitors to the park can take a taste from the supposed ‘Fountain of Youth’ in the Spring House, a modern building encompassing the original spring recorded in a 17th-century Spanish land grant. The park also features a recreated portion of the Seloy village, the original village of the Timucua people who were driven off the land by Spanish settlers. The recreated structures include a historically informed anoti , or large family house, as well as a nihi paha , or meeting house.

<p>Old Sturbridge Village is the largest living history museum in New England, recreating rural life from the 1790s through the 1830s. The entire property consists of 200 acres and 59 buildings, both informed reconstructions and original structures collected from across New England. The village is divided into three sections, with the ‘Center Village’ at its heart. This section consists of civic buildings including a law office, printing office, meetinghouse, and bank, all centered around the town green.</p>

Old Sturbridge Village, Sturbridge, Massachusetts

Old Sturbridge Village is the largest living history museum in New England, recreating rural life from the 1790s through the 1830s. The entire property consists of 200 acres and 59 buildings, both informed reconstructions and original structures collected from across New England. The village is divided into three sections, with the ‘Center Village’ at its heart. This section consists of civic buildings including a law office, printing office, meetinghouse, and bank, all centered around the town green.

<p>‘The Countryside’ section consists of a collection of homes and farmhouses, as well as a fully operational farm complete with livestock, orchards, and various barns and outbuildings. Sturbridge’s economy once thrived off this land, and the calendar year was structured around the various chores associated with a working farm - sowing seeds, shearing sheep, picking apples, and harvesting crops. Elsewhere in this section of town, the potter, cooper, and blacksmith forge the tools necessary to keep the farms in good working order.</p>

‘The Countryside’ section consists of a collection of homes and farmhouses, as well as a fully operational farm complete with livestock, orchards, and various barns and outbuildings. Sturbridge’s economy once thrived off this land, and the calendar year was structured around the various chores associated with a working farm - sowing seeds, shearing sheep, picking apples, and harvesting crops. Elsewhere in this section of town, the potter, cooper, and blacksmith forge the tools necessary to keep the farms in good working order.

<p>The final sector, the ‘Mill Neighborhood’, features three different, fully operational, water-powered mills: a gristmill, a sawmill, and a carding mill. Of the three mills, the carding mill is the only original structure, with both the building and its machinery dating back to 1840. The three mills are reliant upon the millpond for their energy source, which can be crossed by means of a traditional New England covered bridge imported from Vermont.</p>

The final sector, the ‘Mill Neighborhood’, features three different, fully operational, water-powered mills: a gristmill, a sawmill, and a carding mill. Of the three mills, the carding mill is the only original structure, with both the building and its machinery dating back to 1840. The three mills are reliant upon the millpond for their energy source, which can be crossed by means of a traditional New England covered bridge imported from Vermont.

<p>Though Sturbridge was largely self-sustaining in its industries, it was nevertheless a center of international commerce, importing cotton textiles from England, France, and India, silks from China and Italy, and dyestuffs from the West Indies and South America. These and other luxury goods (both original artifacts and recreations) can be found for sale in the Asa Knight store, and on display in the richly appointed Salem Towne House, an impressively large Federal Style home once owned by a wealthy businessman and justice of the peace.</p>

Though Sturbridge was largely self-sustaining in its industries, it was nevertheless a center of international commerce, importing cotton textiles from England, France, and India, silks from China and Italy, and dyestuffs from the West Indies and South America. These and other luxury goods (both original artifacts and recreations) can be found for sale in the Asa Knight store, and on display in the richly appointed Salem Towne House, an impressively large Federal Style home once owned by a wealthy businessman and justice of the peace.

<p>Mystic Seaport is a recreation of a once-bustling 19th-century sea-faring village, and part of the larger Mystic Seaport Museum. The buildings are all original structures, transported to the seaport from around New England. Most of the buildings house trades related to the village’s maritime past, and visitors can explore an historic sail loft, rigging loft, ship carver, ship chandlery, and a shop selling nautical instruments. The museum also houses a collection of historic vessels moored along its wharf, <a href="https://www.mysticseaport.org/explore/vessels/">including the world’s last surviving wooden whaleship</a>, the Charles W. Morgan.</p>

Mystic Seaport, Mystic, Connecticut

Mystic Seaport is a recreation of a once-bustling 19th-century sea-faring village, and part of the larger Mystic Seaport Museum. The buildings are all original structures, transported to the seaport from around New England. Most of the buildings house trades related to the village’s maritime past, and visitors can explore an historic sail loft, rigging loft, ship carver, ship chandlery, and a shop selling nautical instruments. The museum also houses a collection of historic vessels moored along its wharf, including the world’s last surviving wooden whaleship , the Charles W. Morgan.

<p>The seaport village originated from a small family business. In 1837, the three Greenman brothers, all trained shipbuilders, bought a piece of land along the Mystic River estuary which they planned to turn into a shipyard. However, with the success and expansion of the shipyard in the 1840s, the area grew into an industrial ship-manufacturing village known as Greenmanville. As the local industry expanded, many homes, rental properties, and boarding houses were constructed in the area, most of which are still standing and are now a part of the museum.</p>

The seaport village originated from a small family business. In 1837, the three Greenman brothers, all trained shipbuilders, bought a piece of land along the Mystic River estuary which they planned to turn into a shipyard. However, with the success and expansion of the shipyard in the 1840s, the area grew into an industrial ship-manufacturing village known as Greenmanville. As the local industry expanded, many homes, rental properties, and boarding houses were constructed in the area, most of which are still standing and are now a part of the museum.

<p>Perhaps the most impressive of these historic buildings is the George Greenman House, built in 1839 for George Greenman, the eldest of the three brothers, and his wife Abigail. George, the founder of the shipyard, lived here with his younger brothers until they built their own homes (also included in the museum) in 1841 and 1842 respectively. The house was designed in the Greek Revival style popular at the time, though the intricate decorations visible today were added later, in the 1870s.</p>

Perhaps the most impressive of these historic buildings is the George Greenman House, built in 1839 for George Greenman, the eldest of the three brothers, and his wife Abigail. George, the founder of the shipyard, lived here with his younger brothers until they built their own homes (also included in the museum) in 1841 and 1842 respectively. The house was designed in the Greek Revival style popular at the time, though the intricate decorations visible today were added later, in the 1870s.

<p>Not all of the buildings owned by the museum are open to the public, but visitors can explore inside several of its more historic sites, such as the Mystic Bank established in 1833. In 1856, the bank transferred to a new, larger building, also in the Greek Revival style, and in 1951 this building was dismantled and moved two miles down the river to join the museum. The second floor of the building houses the shipping office, where visitors can see records and furniture dating to the late 19th century.</p>

Not all of the buildings owned by the museum are open to the public, but visitors can explore inside several of its more historic sites, such as the Mystic Bank established in 1833. In 1856, the bank transferred to a new, larger building, also in the Greek Revival style, and in 1951 this building was dismantled and moved two miles down the river to join the museum. The second floor of the building houses the shipping office, where visitors can see records and furniture dating to the late 19th century.

<p>El Rancho de Las Golondrinas, or ‘the ranch of the swallows’, is a living history museum dating to the early 1700s. Situated along the Camino Real, the Royal Road connecting Mexico City and Santa Fe, this historic rancho was once a popular stopping place for caravans en route to the big city, as well as a trading post for goods. Today, this 200-acre site strives to preserve this heritage and culture, offering visitors the unique opportunity to experience life in 18th and 19th-century agrarian New Mexico.</p>

El Rancho de Las Golondrinas, Santa Fe, New Mexico

El Rancho de Las Golondrinas, or ‘the ranch of the swallows’, is a living history museum dating to the early 1700s. Situated along the Camino Real, the Royal Road connecting Mexico City and Santa Fe, this historic rancho was once a popular stopping place for caravans en route to the big city, as well as a trading post for goods. Today, this 200-acre site strives to preserve this heritage and culture, offering visitors the unique opportunity to experience life in 18th and 19th-century agrarian New Mexico.

<p>The museum was established in 1972 by Leonora Curtain and her husband, Yrjö Alfred (Y.A.) Paloheimo. During the Great Depression, Curtain had previously founded Santa Fe’s Native Market, a venue for local artisans to sell their work in an effort to re-establish and preserve traditional techniques of Santa Fe artistry. Curtain demonstrated the same historical enthusiasm in reviving the old ranch site, originally purchased by her mother in 1932. She tirelessly restored original buildings, imported others from across New Mexico, and erected historically informed replicas. </p>

The museum was established in 1972 by Leonora Curtain and her husband, Yrjö Alfred (Y.A.) Paloheimo. During the Great Depression, Curtain had previously founded Santa Fe’s Native Market, a venue for local artisans to sell their work in an effort to re-establish and preserve traditional techniques of Santa Fe artistry. Curtain demonstrated the same historical enthusiasm in reviving the old ranch site, originally purchased by her mother in 1932. She tirelessly restored original buildings, imported others from across New Mexico, and erected historically informed replicas.

<p>The buildings on display at El Rancho are representative of the range of architectural structures common in New Mexico in the 19th century, and are reflective of the cultural influence of both the native Pueblo People, and the Spanish settlers who arrived in the late 17th century. The majority of the buildings are made of adobe plastered with mud, giving them the characteristic soft red color. However, some of the more recent buildings constructed towards the end of the 19th century, such as the mill and schoolhouse, are more reminiscent of Western log cabins.</p>

The buildings on display at El Rancho are representative of the range of architectural structures common in New Mexico in the 19th century, and are reflective of the cultural influence of both the native Pueblo People, and the Spanish settlers who arrived in the late 17th century. The majority of the buildings are made of adobe plastered with mud, giving them the characteristic soft red color. However, some of the more recent buildings constructed towards the end of the 19th century, such as the mill and schoolhouse, are more reminiscent of Western log cabins.

<p>Once a bustling trading post, the museum features 47 different sites, most of them dedicated to the practice of a specific trade or craft. Artisans demonstrate traditional techniques including hide tanning, carpentry, wool dying, blacksmithery, or the making of wine, among many others. Visitors can also explore traditional century homes, speak with costumed interpreters, and learn about the daily chores and activities of the farmers and traders who inhabited the ranch hundreds of years ago.</p> <p>Loved this? <strong><a href="https://bit.ly/3JcEUcY">Follow us on Facebook</a></strong> to see more incredible historic homes</p>

Once a bustling trading post, the museum features 47 different sites, most of them dedicated to the practice of a specific trade or craft. Artisans demonstrate traditional techniques including hide tanning, carpentry, wool dying, blacksmithery, or the making of wine, among many others. Visitors can also explore traditional century homes, speak with costumed interpreters, and learn about the daily chores and activities of the farmers and traders who inhabited the ranch hundreds of years ago.

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