historictuscaloosa157288

Historic Tuscaloosa Lecture Series

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 07:07:32 GMT

Come join us for a series of lectures that explores the fundamentals of historic preservation. Historic Tuscaloosa features live lectures from preservation professionals with a wide range of backgrounds and expertise, and includes interaction between participants and presenters through Q&A sessions

Time & Place

Sep 26, 2024, 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM

Farrah Hall - Room 214, 513 University Blvd, Tuscaloosa, AL

Information

Historic Tuscaloosa is excited to announce the return of its three-part lecture series, which explores the fundamentals and highlights broad aspects of heritage and historic preservation in Tuscaloosa.

This year’s lecture series will take place in Farrah Hall in Room 214 at the University of Alabama on July 25, August 22, and September 26. The series is not just about listening, but also about engaging. Each meeting includes interaction between participants and presenters through Q&A sessions at the end of each lecture, fostering a sense of community and shared learning.

Historic Tuscaloosa, formerly known as the Tuscaloosa County Preservation Society, is a non-profit organization that values the role of our local community in preserving our historical and cultural heritage. In our ongoing effort to engage and educate our community, we are thrilled to announce the return of our lecture series this year, offering a free and enriching experience to learn and expand one’s knowledge of our local history.

Beginning in July, the lectures will take place on the fourth Thursday of the month in room 214 in Farrah Hall at the University of Alabama. Lectures will start at 5:30 pm.

The series starts at 5:30 p.m. on July 25 with George Adair discussing his topic about the “Bryce Hospital Coal Mines.”

The series, sponsored by Historic Tuscaloosa, will continue at 5:30 p.m. on August 22 with Dr. Jennifer Feltman discussing “The Notre-Dame Restoration and Collaborative Research at UA.”

The final event will feature Dr. Sharony Green, who will discuss using the Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion as a lab for University of Alabama student discoveries concerning our complicated shared past at 5:30 p.m. on September 26.

All the events in this exclusive series are free and open to the public. We eagerly anticipate the privilege of welcoming you to this enriching event.

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Historic Tuscaloosa will conclude its summertime lecture series on Thursday, September 28, at 5:30 p.m. The final presenter of this year’s lecture series will be Dr. Sharony Green, an associate professor of art history at the University of Alabama. This event is open to the public and free of charge.

For over a decade, University of Alabama historian Dr. Sharony Green has taken her students to and through local historic sites like Tuscaloosa's Jemison-Van de Graaff mansion to get them to think about our complicated shared past.

Join her as she discusses how her students learned to "unflatten" stories hovering around this once state-of-the-art dwelling in antebellum Alabama. How do we find meaning in the 19th-century politician-businessman Robert Jemison Jr.'s relationship with the once-enslaved-turned-well-respected architect Horace King? Or in King's own messy ties to the slaveholding South? Or the compelling role that Priscilla Cherokee Jemison played in her husband's business affairs?

Building on her lectures and a recently released book, Dr. Green shows us how her students encountered Tuscaloosa's historical past through walking tours, a music video they made, and other assignments. In fact, she left them with many entry points to think through the possibilities of our complicated shared past, present, and future, no matter the sometimes-trying news headlines.

One running thread throughout all her work is her deep interest in how human beings encounter one another in complicated ways. She addressed this topic in Teaching Public History Creatively in Alabama: About (Public) Face (Global Perspectives on Public History) (Routledge, April 2024).

https://www.routledge.com/Teaching-Public-History-Creatively-in-Alabama-About-Public-Face/Green/p/book/9781032564364

Tuscaloosa Cameo Guild Christmas Tea

Sun, 14 Dec 2025 07:01:19 GMT

“Join us for a Victorian Christmas Tea — a conversational tea where guests are encouraged to mingle, share stories, and enjoy lively discussion while sipping tea and savoring treats.”

Time & Place

Dec 14, 2025, 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion, 1305 Greensboro Ave, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401, USA

The Tuscaloosa Cameo Guild is delighted to announce its newest holiday fundraiser, The Cameo Guild Christmas Tea, to be held on Sunday, December 14, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. at the Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion.

Guests are invited to step back in time for an elegant Victorian Christmas Tea, complete with charming seasonal activities, festive décor, and traditional holiday treats. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Tuscaloosa Cameo Guild Scholarship Program and Historic Tuscaloosa’s restoration projects, helping to preserve the city’s beloved historic landmarks.

Attendees will enjoy Victorian-themed crafts, including decorating a teacup ornament and creating mulling spice sachets to take home. Light snacks and punch will be served as guests rotate between conversational tea tables, craft stations, and a photo opportunity in the Mansion’s Conservatory.

Adding to the holiday spirit, the afternoon will feature Victorian parlor games like charades and pass the slipper, along with a reading of the classic poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas” (“’ Twas the Night Before Christmas”). Members of the Tuscaloosa Cameo Guild will appear in elegant period gowns, creating an immersive, old-fashioned Christmas experience.

The Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion will be adorned with ribbon candy, gumdrop trees, and mercury glass ornaments, transforming the historic home into a festive Victorian wonderland.

“The Cameo Guild Christmas Tea brings together everything we love about this season—community, tradition, and history,” said William Hawkins, Executive Director of Historic Tuscaloosa. “It’s a beautiful way to celebrate the holidays while supporting the next generation of preservationists and the continued restoration of our city’s treasured landmarks.”

��️ Tickets:

Guests 10 and under: $15.00
Guests over 10: $30.00
Due to limited space, only 100 tickets will be available for this exclusive event.

To purchase tickets or learn more, visit https://wl.donorperfect.net/weblink/WebLink.aspx?name=E333844&id=31 or call 205-758-2238.

Bourbon & Barbecue

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 08:37:30 GMT

Join us for an unforgettable evening at the Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion on Thursday, December 11, 2025, from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM for Historic Tuscaloosa’s third annual Bourbon & Barbecue fundraiser!

Join us for an unforgettable evening at the Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion on Thursday, December 11, 2025, from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM for Historic Tuscaloosa’s third annual Bourbon & Barbecue fundraiser !

Savor the flavors of Crimson Smokers’ catering with a mouthwatering barbecue dinner while enjoying a flight of three premium bourbons . Bourbon lovers will also have the chance to sip from our curated selection, plus enjoy wine, beer, and a special signature bourbon cocktail .

�� Tickets:

Individual: $65
Couple: $85

Limited availability: Only 56 tickets!

This event is a perfect way to celebrate Tuscaloosa’s rich history, support Historic Tuscaloosa, and enjoy a cozy evening of great food, drinks, and community.

Secure your spot today—these tickets go fast!

Time & Place

Dec 11, 2025, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion, 1305 Greensboro Ave, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401, USA

Bourbon & Barbecue | 2025

We invited guests to join us for an unforgettable evening at the Jemison–Van de Graaff Mansion on Thursday, December 11, 2025, from 6:00 PM–8:00 PM for Historic Tuscaloosa’s third annual Bourbon & Barbecue fundraiser!

Guests savored the flavors of Crimson Smokers’ catering with a mouthwatering barbecue dinner while enjoying a flight of three premium bourbons. Bourbon lovers also had the chance to sip from our curated selection, as well as enjoy wine, beer, and a special signature bourbon cocktail.

This event was a wonderful way to celebrate Tuscaloosa’s rich history, support Historic Tuscaloosa, and enjoy a cozy evening of great food, drinks, and community.

Holiday Open House 🎄

Sun, 07 Dec 2025 16:09:18 GMT

Celebrate the season with Historic Tuscaloosa at our Annual Holiday Open House on Sunday, December 7, 2025, from 2:00–4:00 PM! ��

Historic Tuscaloosa invites the public to celebrate the season at its Annual Holiday Open House on Sunday, December 7, 2025, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. This free event showcases five of Historic Tuscaloosa’s treasured properties located throughout downtown Tuscaloosa.

Bring your family and friends to stroll through history and enjoy the festive ambiance of Tuscaloosa’s historic landmarks. Guests can tour the Old Tavern (500 Nick’s Kids Avenue), Battle-Friedman Home (1010 Greensboro Avenue), Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion (1305 Greensboro Avenue), Murphy Collins Museum (2601 Paul W. Bryant Dr.), and the McGuire-Strickland House (2828 6th Street).

This year’s Holiday Open House will feature children’s activities, live holiday music, free museum access, photos with Santa, and more, providing a fun and educational experience for visitors of all ages. While admission is free, donations are welcome to support Historic Tuscaloosa’s ongoing preservation efforts.

“Our Holiday Open House is the perfect opportunity for those who have never visited our historic properties—or for anyone looking for a beautiful, festive backdrop for Christmas photos,” said William Hawkins, Executive Director of Historic Tuscaloosa. “It’s a wonderful way to bring the community together, celebrate the season, and share the stories that make Tuscaloosa so special. We hope everyone will come enjoy the history, music, and holiday spirit with us.”

For questions or more information, contact Historic Tuscaloosa at 205-758-2238 or

info@historictuscaloosa.org .

Time & Place

Dec 07, 2025, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion, 1305 Greensboro Ave, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401, USA

Information

Holiday Open House 2025

Historic Tuscaloosa's annual Holiday Open House featured five Historic Tuscaloosa properties, Sunday, December 7.

Guests took a stroll through history, celebrating the traditions of the season and enjoyed the ambiance in these beautiful historic structures ��

The Intriguing History and Architectural Significance of the John R Drish House

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 13:18:12 GMT

Drish House (from TCPS).pdf

The John R. Drish House stands as a remarkable witness to Tuscaloosa history, embodying stories of transformation, resilience, and architectural innovation. Built in 1837 by enslaved laborers, this historic home has experienced dramatic shifts in purpose and condition, reflecting broader social and economic changes in the region. Its unique architectural style, a blend of Greek Revival and Italianate elements, makes it a rare example of "Bracketed Greek Revival" architecture. This post explores the rich history and architectural significance of the Drish home, offering historians a detailed look at its evolution and enduring legacy.

Early History and Construction

The Drish home was originally constructed in 1837 as the main residence of the “Monroe Place” plantation. Slave labor built the house, a fact that anchors it deeply in the complex and painful history of the American South. John R. Drish, the plantation owner, lived in the house until his death in 1867. Afterward, the property passed through several owners, and the plantation itself was gradually subdivided, reflecting the changing economic landscape after the Civil War.

This period marks the beginning of the house’s transformation from a private plantation home to a public and commercial space, mirroring shifts in Tuscaloosa history and society.

Transition to Public Use and Decline

In 1906, the City of Tuscaloosa purchased the Drish home to serve as a public school. This new function lasted nearly two decades, from 1906 to 1925. Unfortunately, the heavy use as a school caused significant damage to the structure. The original landscaped grounds were stripped and repurposed as a playground, which further altered the estate’s historic character.

After the school closed, the city leased the property to Charles Turner in 1925. Turner operated an automobile wrecking company from the house, turning the once-elegant grounds into a junkyard filled with wrecked cars and assorted debris. This period of neglect and misuse starkly contrasts with the home’s original grandeur but adds a unique chapter to its story.

Photographic Documentation and Recognition

Two years later, Frances Benjamin Johnston included the Drish Mansion in her Survey of the Architecture of the South, sponsored by the Carnegie Foundation. Johnston’s work helped document and raise awareness of southern architectural heritage, including the unique features of the Drish home.

The Drish home’s unusual state during the 1930s attracted the attention of prominent American photographers. In 1936, Walker Evans captured the exterior of the house, producing a photograph titled “Tuscaloosa Wrecking Company.” This image has become one of Evans’ most famous works and is part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s collection. The photograph highlights the juxtaposition of decay and history, preserving a moment when the Drish home symbolized both neglect and endurance.

By 1940, the City of Tuscaloosa sold the house to Southside Baptist Church. The building was in a dilapidated state, but the church undertook restoration and remodeling efforts, particularly focusing on the interior. These changes helped stabilize the structure and gave it a new purpose as a place of worship and community gathering.

However, as the church congregation declined in the 1990s, the property was sold to the Tuscaloosa County Preservation Society. The society removed the additions made by the church and worked to stabilize the original structure. Their efforts have been crucial in preserving the Drish home as a historic landmark and a tangible piece of Tuscaloosa history.

Restoration and Preservation Efforts

The John R. Drish House is a rare example of the "Bracketed Greek Revival" architectural style. This style combines elements of Greek Revival, popular in the early 19th century, with Italianate features that became fashionable in the late antebellum period. The result is a distinctive hybrid that reflects changing tastes and influences in southern architecture.

Architectural Significance of the Drish Home

This architectural combination makes the Drish home an important study subject for historians and architects interested in southern building styles and cultural influences.

The story of the Drish home reflects broader themes in Tuscaloosa history, including the legacy of slavery, the transformation of southern plantations, urban development, and historic preservation. Each phase of the house’s life—from plantation residence to school, wrecking yard, church, and preserved landmark—mirrors shifts in the community’s social and economic fabric.

Studying the Drish home offers insights into:

The impact of slavery on architectural heritage
The challenges of adapting historic buildings to new uses
The role of photography in documenting and preserving history
The importance of local preservation societies in maintaining cultural landmarks

The Drish Home in the Context of Tuscaloosa History

For historians, the Drish home provides a rich case study in architectural evolution, social history, and preservation challenges. It invites ongoing research and engagement, ensuring that its stories remain part of the public consciousness.

Continuing Legacy and Importance

Today, the Drish home stands as a symbol of resilience and change. Its preservation allows historians and visitors to connect with Tuscaloosa history in a tangible way. The house’s layered past encourages reflection on the complexities of southern history, including difficult chapters like slavery and neglect, alongside stories of restoration and community effort.

Historic Structures Report (part 1) – John R Drish House.pdf

Historic Structures Report (part 2) – John R Drish House.pdf

Historic Structures Report (part 3) – John R Drish House.pdf

AL Register Nomination - Drish House 1974.pdf

Historic American Buildings Survey.pdf

Drish House .pdf

Old Tavern Work Day

Sun, 16 Nov 2025 16:05:13 GMT

Join Historic Tuscaloosa for an afternoon of hands-on community service and historic preservation at one of our city’s most cherished landmarks—the Old Tavern!

Time & Place

Nov 16, 2025, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Old Tavern, 500 Nicks Kids Ave, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401, USA

Information

��️ Volunteer Workday at the Old Tavern ��️Hosted by Historic Tuscaloosa

�� Date: Sunday, November 16, 2025

�� Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM (Drop in anytime!)

�� Location: Old Tavern, 500 Nick’s Kids Avenue, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401

Join Historic Tuscaloosa for an afternoon of hands-on community service and historic preservation at one of our city’s most cherished landmarks—the Old Tavern!

This Volunteer Workday is a great opportunity to:

�� Meet new people
�� Give back to your community
�� Help preserve an important piece of Tuscaloosa’s history

Whether you’re passionate about history, enjoy working outdoors, or simply want to make a difference, we’d love to have you! Tasks may include light landscaping, cleanup, painting, trail maintenance, and more. No prior experience necessary—just bring your enthusiasm!

�� Free T-Shirt! Volunteers who RSVP will receive a free Historic Tuscaloosa T-shirt upon arrival. Be sure to include your name and T-shirt size when you RSVP.

�� RSVP Today! �� Call: 205-758-2238

�� Email: info@historictuscaloosa.org

Historic Tuscaloosa proudly maintains five historic properties across the city. Your participation helps us keep these sites clean, open, and accessible for all to enjoy.

This day isn’t just about work—it’s a way to connect with local history , meet like-minded individuals , and contribute to a cause that strengthens our community and preserves its stories for future generations.

We also welcome civic groups and organizations to join us. Together, we can make a lasting impact. ��

Haunting Tuscaloosa

Wed, 29 Oct 2025 15:37:21 GMT

Join the Gorgas House Museum and Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion on October 29, 2025 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. for a free event to hear the tales of the people who lived and died right here in Tuscaloosa. Learn more about grieving and burial practices throughout time and space with our new exhibit “The Veil Between: Mortuary Practices Through the Ages”. Detailing funerary and mortuary practices in Tuscaloosa and Thailand, “The Veil Between” will guide visitors through the rites and rituals that surround death in the past, present, near, and far. This event is for all ages. Costumes are welcome!

This exhibit is in collaboration with the Murphy African-American Museum with Historic Tuscaloosa, and the Siriraj Museum and the Museum of Cultural Anthropology at Mahidol University in Bangkok, Thailand.

Admission

Admission to this event is free. However, we kindly ask for your donations to support the preservation of these historic homes and continuing such events. Your contributions are crucial for the upkeep of these homes and for continuing our educational programs. We greatly appreciate your support.

Locations:

The Gorgas House Museum is located at 810 Capstone Drive, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487, just off the Quadrangle of The University of Alabama campus (one block west of the Amelia Gayle Gorgas Library, at the corner of McCorvey and Capstone Drives).
The Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion is located at 1305 Greensboro Ave, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401.

Parking

During this event, parking in The University of Alabama campus is free! Check out UA’s online map of campus for parking options.

Contact Information:

If you have questions about this event, please contact Sonya Harwood-Johnson (Director, Gorgas House Museum) by calling 205-348-5906 or emailing sonya.harwood@ua.edu

Time & Place

Oct 29, 2025, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion, 1305 Greensboro Ave, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401, USA

Information

Haunting Tuscaloosa

Event Date: October 8, 2025

Historic Tuscaloosa’s Haunting Tuscaloosa event brought together the Gorgas House Museum and the Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion for an unforgettable evening of history, folklore, and reflection on October 29, 2025. From 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., guests explored the stories of those who lived—and died—right here in Tuscaloosa, while discovering how cultures across time have honored life and death.

Visitors experienced the captivating exhibit “The Veil Between: Mortuary Practices Through the Ages,” which offered a fascinating look at funerary and mortuary traditions in both Tuscaloosa and Thailand. The exhibit guided attendees through the rites and rituals that have shaped humanity’s understanding of death across centuries and continents.

Costumes, curiosity, and community spirit filled both museums as guests of all ages participated in this free event. “The Veil Between” was made possible through collaboration between the Murphy African-American Museum, Historic Tuscaloosa, the Siriraj Museum, and the Museum of Cultural Anthropology at Mahidol University in Bangkok, Thailand.

Admission was free, though visitors generously contributed donations to help preserve these historic homes and support future educational programming. Historic Tuscaloosa extends its heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended and helped make Haunting Tuscaloosa a night to remember.

The Gorgas House Museum, located at 810 Capstone Drive on The University of Alabama campus, and the Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion, located at 1305 Greensboro Avenue, provided the perfect historic backdrops for an evening celebrating Tuscaloosa’s layered past and shared heritage.

Historic Tuscaloosa Lecture Series | 2025

Thu, 25 Sep 2025 14:23:49 GMT

Come join us for a series of lectures that explore the fundamentals of historic preservation. Historic Tuscaloosa features live lectures from preservation professionals with a wide range of backgrounds and expertise, and includes interaction between participants and presenters through Q&A sessions

Time & Place

Sep 25, 2025, 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM

Lloyd Hall Room 38, 503 6th Ave, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401, USA

Information

September 2025 Press Release

September Lecture PR 2025.docx

Our speaker, John Allen

Virginia Tunstall Clay

Historic Tuscaloosa will conclude its summertime lecture series on Thursday, September 25, at 5:30 p.m. Our speaker, Mr. John Allen, will present his lecture on “Virginia Tunstall Clay - the most fascinating woman in America” in room 38 in Lloyd Hall at the University of Alabama. This event is open to the public and free of charge.

Mr. Allen will discuss the life of Virginia Tunstall Clay, a woman whose legacy continues to echo through the streets of Tuscaloosa. Known as the “Belle of the Fifties,” Virginia was a symbol of the vanished Old South and a remarkable author and figure in American history. She spent her formative years in the historic Collier House and Battle-Friedman House—two local landmarks still standing today. Discover how her memoir, Belle of the Fifties, offers a rare and intimate portrait of Southern life before and after the Civil War. This presentation is a must for anyone interested in Southern heritage, women’s history, or the untold stories rooted in Tuscaloosa.

John Allen is a longtime local historian and community leader. He is a past president of the Tennessee Valley Civil War Round Table and the Huntsville-Madison County Historical Society, serving during Alabama’s Bicentennial. John has presented at the Alabama Association of Historians at Jacksonville State University and the Alabama Historical Association in Mobile and Huntsville. He also chaired the committee establishing Huntsville’s tree ordinance, tree commission, and city arborist. A University of Alabama graduate, John retired as training manager of the Amana Corporation in Fayetteville, Tennessee. He served as a Boy Scout leader for 12 years. Originally from Tuscaloosa, he and his wife, a retired schoolteacher, have two grown children and two grandchildren.

Although lectures were held in the Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion in past years, Historic Tuscaloosa is pleased to reveal that attendance has tripled over the past three years. To accommodate our guests, this will be the second year that our lecture series will take place on the University of Alabama campus.

Lectures will begin at 5:30 pm, with a pre-lecture gathering at 5:00 pm. Admission is always free.

For more information on the Lecture Series, follow our Historic Tuscaloosa Facebook event page .

For questions concerning Tuscaloosa’s Preservation Society, contact the Historic Tuscaloosa office at (205) 758-2238 or by email at info@historictuscaloosa.org .

HISTORIC TUSCALOOSA: Historic Tuscaloosa is a nonprofit organization that develops an appreciation and awareness of the city's historical and cultural heritage. Historic Tuscaloosa chronicles its rich history through its research archives, exhibits, and educational programs. For more information about Historic Tuscaloosa, please visit www.historictuscaloosa.org and follow us at www.facebook.com/HistoricTuscaloosa .

Tuscaloosa Curb Market

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 13:37:16 GMT

patch.com

Historic Tuscaloosa Memory Of The Week: Downtown Curb Market (1930)

For the first installment in our ongoing series, Historic Tuscaloosa offered up a photo of the Curb Market in downtown Tuscaloosa.

Tuscaloosa Curb Market.pdf

Tuscaloosa Curb Market - The Digest.pdf

Tuscaloosa Curb Market 1927 - Bulletin board of prices at the Tuscaloosa curb market while a vendor sells jellies, candies, vegetables, and plants

Tuscaloosa Curb Market 1938

The Tuscaloosa Curb Market has been part of a rich local tradition that dates back to 1924, when Tuscaloosa County’s first curb market officially opened.

The Preservationist — 2025

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 06:22:20 GMT

The official Newsletter of Historic Tuscaloosa — Spring 2024

Spring 2025 Newsletter.pdf

Preservation Awards Banquet | 2025

Thu, 21 Aug 2025 12:41:04 GMT

Historic Tuscaloosa will present five awards to individuals, businesses, and organizations at its annual meeting and preservation awards banquet at 5:30 p.m., Thursday, August 21, 2025, at the Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion.

Time & Place

Aug 21, 2025, 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM

Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion, 1305 Greensboro Ave, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401, USA

Information

At this meeting, the board reviews Historic Tuscaloosa's work and progress for the fiscal year. Immediately following the meeting will be the Preservation Awards Banquet, where the awards will be presented. The 2025 Preservation Awards, which recognize outstanding contributions to historic preservation, go to:

DAN SUTTON has received the 2025 Work Day Excellence Award in recognition of the outstanding service contributed during Historic Tuscaloosa’s Work Days.

NIKKI AND MATT RAY have received the 2025 Brick and Mortar Award in recognition of the time, effort, and dedication to the restoration of their property in Tuscaloosa’s Historic District.

GLENNA BROWN has received the 2025 Volunteer of the Year Award in recognition of the countless hours of volunteer service and for the fundraising she has done on behalf of Historic Tuscaloosa.

CLAIRE FRIDAY has received the 2025 Emeritus in recognition of the many years of dedicated service and generous support of Historic Tuscaloosa.

JAMES BRAZIL has received the 2025 Community Partner Award in recognition of the time and professional expertise that have been generously donated to Historic Tuscaloosa.

The first time individual contributions to the Preservation Society were recognized was in 1974. That year, “Brick & Mortar” preservation awards were also given to those who had completed a restoration effort within the previous year.

Historic Tuscaloosa deeply appreciates all contributions that aim to ensure the preservation of the city's history for current and future generations. We are truly grateful for your dedication and service.

Annual Awards Reception 2025

This year's Annual Awards Reception was held Thursday, August 21, 2025 at the Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion.

DAN SUTTON received the 2025 Work Day Excellence Award in recognition of the outstanding service contributed during Historic Tuscaloosa’s Work Days.

NIKKI AND MATT RAY received the 2025 Brick and Mortar Award in recognition of the time, effort, and dedication to the restoration of their property in Tuscaloosa’s Historic District.

GLENNA BROWN received the 2025 Volunteer of the Year Award in recognition of the countless hours of volunteer service and for the fundraising she has done on behalf of Historic Tuscaloosa.

CLAIRE FRIDAY received the 2025 Emeritus in recognition of the many years of dedicated service and generous support of Historic Tuscaloosa.

JAMES BRAZIL received the 2025 Community Partner Award in recognition of the time and professional expertise that have been generously donated to Historic Tuscaloosa.

Dining Through Time: A Taste of Historic Tuscaloosa

Thu, 08 May 2025 12:04:56 GMT

Time & Place

May 08, 2025, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Shirley Place, 512 Main Ave, Northport, AL 35476, USA

Information

We are excited to announce that our Progressive Dinner Dining Through Time: A Taste of Historic Tuscaloosa will be Thursday, May 8th this year. Each year, this event is designed as a fund-raiser to benefit a designated area within Historic Tuscaloosa. As we prepare to observe the momentous celebration of the 200th birthday of the Old Tavern, there are improvements and repairs that must be made to the structure and the surrounding grounds. The proceeds from the 2025 Progressive Dinner will be used to accomplish these goals.

We are seeking sponsors to help make this event successful and to meet our fundraising goals. This is also a wonderful opportunity to share these beautiful structures with supporters of historical preservation in our county.

The event will begin with hors d’oeuvres, drinks, and entertainment at The Shirley Place in Historic Downtown Northport. Guests will then move to the Jemison Mansion in downtown Tuscaloosa, where a gourmet meal and drinks will be served. Afterward, our guests will be treated to delectable desserts at the Dearing-Swaim House.

We would be honored by your sponsorship of this unique event. The funds raised will benefit not only Tuscaloosa County residents but also visitors to our city by helping to fund projects necessary for the preservation of the structures that Historic Tuscaloosa oversees: the Battle-Friedman House and Gardens, the Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion, the McGuire-Strickland Home, the Murphy-Collins Home (Murphy African American Museum), and the Old Tavern.

Sponsorship levels and benefits are provided below:

Dining Through Time: A Taste of Historic Tuscaloosa

Premier Sponsor

$5,000

● Name on event flyer

● Name on event program

● Name shown prominently at each structure during event

● Name featured on all social media leading up to the event

● 8 event tickets

● Special give-away

● Complimentary use of the Battle-Friedman House, Jemison Van de Graaff Mansion or the Old Tavern for an event of your choice, valid through April 2026

Partners in Preservation

$2,500

● Name on event flyer

● Name on event program

● Name displayed prominently at each structure during event

● Name featured on all social media leading up to the event

● 6 event tickets

● Special give-away

Heroes of History

$1,000

● Name on event flyer

● Name on event program

● Name featured on all social media leading up to the event

● 4 event tickets

● Special give-away

Supporters

$500

● Name in event program

● Name in all social media leading up to the event

● 2 event tickets

● Special give-away

Friends

$250

● Name in event program

Please note: Tickets for non-sponsors will be available for purchase on April 26th. To be put on the ticket pre-sale waitlist, please contact 205-758-2238.

We look forward to hearing from you and would appreciate any contribution you can make. Please respond by April 25th by emailing info@historictuscaloosa.org or calling 205- 758 -2238.

Jemison-Van de Graaff Spring Cleaning

Sat, 19 Apr 2025 12:26:53 GMT

Time & Place

Apr 19, 2025, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion, 1305 Greensboro Ave, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401, USA

Information

Join us for our volunteer workday on Saturday, April 19, 2025, from 9 AM to 2 PM at the Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion. It's an opportunity to have fun, meet new people, and positively impact our community.

We invite community members who care about our local historic sites to join us for our spring-cleaning workday. �� Your participation will make a significant difference in maintaining the Jemison Mansion property's beauty and accessibility for everyone. ��

Volunteers who RSVP will receive a free Historic Tuscaloosa T-shirt upon arrival. Please include your T-shirt size and name.

To RSVP, call our office at 205-758-2238 and/or email info@historictuscaloosa.org .

Historic Tuscaloosa operates and maintains five historic properties in the city of Tuscaloosa. Our Workday aims to keep our historical sites clean, open, and accessible for the enjoyment of all. ��

In the past, our other sites have utilized Workday for various activities, including landscaping, trash removal, erecting or repairing fences, moving, setting up or taking down artillery, installing markers and interpretive signs, tree planting, building and clearing trails, and painting. ��

This goes beyond volunteering; it's a chance to explore our local history and connect with others who share similar interests. It can serve as a valuable and effective source of volunteer effort aimed at maintaining and preserving our landmarks, while also highlighting their distinctive history.

Historic Tuscaloosa is fortunate to have many friends and volunteers who help with various projects. We would welcome the participation of any other civic groups.

Volunteers can arrive anytime between 9 AM and 1 PM.

Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion

1305 Greensboro Avenue

Tuscaloosa, AL

Tuscaloosa Cameo Guild's Annual Easter Egg Hunt

Sun, 13 Apr 2025 12:18:24 GMT

Time & Place

Apr 13, 2025, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Battle-Friedman House, 1010 Greensboro Ave, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401, USA

Information

The Tuscaloosa Cameo Guild of Historic Tuscaloosa will host its fifteenth annual Easter Egg Hunt at the historic Battle-Friedman Home on Sunday, April 13, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.

This event provides participants a memorable setting to celebrate the holiday while ensuring a safe environment. The Easter Egg Hunt will be held at the Battle-Friedman Home in downtown Tuscaloosa and include games, a petting zoo, a raffle, and refreshments.

This event is open to the public with ticket admission. Tickets cost $5 per person. Tickets can be purchased at the gate or in advance by visiting the link below. The organization's goals for this event are to raise money for the Tuscaloosa Cameo Guild Scholarship Program, generate funds to support one of the Historic Tuscaloosa restoration projects (i.e., the Battle-Friedman House), and provide a fun, safe, and historically themed setting for an Easter egg hunt.

WHO: The junior members of the Tuscaloosa Cameo Guild of Historic Tuscaloosa

WHAT: Fundraiser - Easter Egg Hunt for children ages two and above

WHEN: Sunday, April 13, 2025, 2:00-4:00 PM

WHERE: Battle-Friedman House & Gardens | 1010 Greensboro Avenue Tuscaloosa, AL 35401

HOW TO PURCHASE TICKETS:

Click this link - https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E333844&id=22

Pay at the gate — this year, we will be accepting cash and cards at the gate.

For more information about this event, contact the Historic Tuscaloosa Office at (205) 758-2238.

Annual Work Day | 2025

Sat, 18 Jan 2025 11:56:19 GMT

Time & Place

Jan 18, 2025, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Battle-Friedman House, 1010 Greensboro Ave, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401, USA

Information

Join us on Saturday, January 18, 2025, from 10 AM to 2 PM at the Battle-Friedman House & Gardens for our Battle-Friedman volunteer workday. It's a chance to have fun, meet new people, and positively impact our community.

We invite helpful community members who care about our local historic sites to attend our annual Workday. Your participation will make a significant difference in keeping the Battle-Friedman property beautiful and accessible for everyone.

Volunteers who RSVP will receive a free Historic Tuscaloosa T-shirt upon arrival. Please include your T-shirt size and name.

To RSVP, call our office at 205-758-2238 and/or email info@historictuscaloosa.org

Historic Tuscaloosa operates and maintains five historic properties in Tuscaloosa. Our Workday aims to keep our historical sites clean, open, and accessible for the enjoyment of all.

In the past, our other sites have used Workday for activities such as landscaping, clearing brush, trash removal, erecting or repairing fences, moving, setting up or taking down artillery, installing markers and interpretative signs, tree planting, building and clearing trails, and painting.

Workday is not just about volunteering; it's also an opportunity to learn about our local history and meet like-minded individuals. It has the potential to be an advantageous and productive source of volunteer labor for the maintenance and upkeep of our landmarks and an opportunity to promote its unique history.

Historic Tuscaloosa is lucky to have many friends and volunteers to help with projects. We would welcome the participation of any other civic groups.

Volunteers can arrive anytime between 10 AM and 1 PM.

Battle-Friedman House and Gardens

1010 Greensboro Avenue

Tuscaloosa, AL

Holiday Open House 🎄

Sun, 01 Dec 2024 11:43:02 GMT

Visit Historic Tuscaloosa's 5 historic properties & enjoy the ambiance of these historic structures. Admission is free, donations are welcome.

Time & Place

Dec 01, 2024, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Tuscaloosa, 1305 Greensboro Ave, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401, USA

Information

We have 5 historic structures that will be open for tours!!

Sunday December 1, 2024

2:00 pm to 4:00 pm

Free Admission

Structures open for tours:

▷ Old Tavern 500 Nick's Kids Avenue Tuscaloosa, AL 35401

▷ Battle-Friedman Home 1010 Greensboro Ave Tuscaloosa, AL 35401

▷ Jemison Van de Graaff Mansion 1305 Greensboro Ave Tuscaloosa, AL 35401

▷ Murphy Collins Museum 2601 Paul W. Bryant Dr Tuscaloosa, AL 35401

▷ McGuire Strickland House 2828 6th St Tuscaloosa, AL 35401

Visit Historic Tuscaloosa's 5 historic properties & enjoy the ambiance of these historic structures. Admission is free; donations are welcome.

Stroll the homes of Historic Tuscaloosa from 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Children's activities include crafts, writing letters to the North Pole, and visiting Santa.

Hot chocolate and cider and cookies and snacks.

Member Tailgate Party

Sat, 16 Nov 2024 11:29:57 GMT

Time & Place

Nov 16, 2024, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Battle-Friedman House, 1010 Greensboro Ave, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401, USA

Information

We invite all Historic Tuscaloosa members to join us on Saturday, November 16th, before the Alabama Crimson Tide takes on the Mercer Bears. Join us for drinks and refreshments at our Battle Friedman Home and Gardens! Admission is free, but all donations are appreciated.

2024 Ramble to Athens, AL

Sat, 02 Nov 2024 11:19:11 GMT

Time & Place

Nov 02, 2024, 7:00 AM – 6:30 PM

Athens, Athens, AL, USA

Information

Take a trip to Athens, AL, on November 02, 2024, from 7:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. as we tour six beautiful historic homes.

The bus will pick up guests from the Battle-Friedman House on Saturday morning. Guests are welcome to leave their vehicles in the Battle-Friedman parking lot.

The cost is $100 per person; this includes lunch at Ro's Grille in downtown Athens.

Tickets Include :

Bus ride - includes trip to and from Athens and all stops in between

6 in-depth tours of prominent homes in Limestone County, AL

Lunch at Ro's Grille in downtown Athens

Snacks & Refreshments will be served on the bus

There are only 40 spots available, so reserve yours today!

Contact our office at: 205-758-2238 info@historictuscaloosa.org

Homes included in this year's ramble:

1. Cotton Hill circa 1824 23789 Huntsville Brownsferry Road The house, designed in the Federal architectural style, was built in the middle of a 1,000-acre plantation by William Parham for Luke Matthews in the 1830s.

2. Walker-Kuykendall Home circa 1851 309 S. Clinton Greek Revival home of Judge Wm Walker and wife Sarah Ryan, last county judge before the creation of Probate Court.

3. Vasser-Lovvorn House circa 1824 301 E. Washington Street One of the oldest remaining structures in Athens.

4. Beaty-Mason House circa 1826 211 S. Beaty Street The home was sold in 1961 to Athens College for use as a home for the campus presidents.

5. The Cedars circa 1859 22877 Garrett Road The Cedars is one of Limestone County's loveliest antebellum homes and one of the few that remains in the hands of the same family that built it. The towering cedar trees that line the front entrance gave the mansion its name. Built in 1859, The Cedars is a working plantation and family home.

6. The Donnell House circa 1840 601 S. Clinton Street The home was part of a 250-acre estate that Union soldiers took over during the Civil War and later fell into bankruptcy. Also known as Pleasant Hill, as shown on its historical marker, it has been part of a school campus since the 1930s.

Mourning Matters 👻

Tue, 29 Oct 2024 16:11:54 GMT

The Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion and the Gorgas House Museum are collaborating for a Halloween celebration!

Time & Place

Oct 29, 2024, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion, 1305 Greensboro Ave, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401, USA

Information

The Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion and the Gorgas House Museum are collaborating for a Halloween celebration!

On October 29, 2024, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., the Gorgas House Museum and the Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion invite visitors to step inside some of the oldest historic homes in Tuscaloosa. This is a unique and intriguing opportunity to delve into the sociocultural expectations and practices of mourning and grieving after the Civil War and the greater Victorian Era.

Through a joint exhibit titled Mourning Matters: Grieving and Etiquette in the Antebellum South and Further, guests can actively learn about the history of mourning and hear firsthand about the ghosts that haunt this town. A free shuttle bus will be available to escort guests between museums. From 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm, guests will tour both homes, view the exhibit, and listen to ghost stories from the volunteers who have experienced them! Costumes are welcome, and the event is accessible to everyone.

With historical research and letters from the Gorgas family and others closest to them discussing life and loss, Mourning Matters will provide a deep understanding of the deaths of those within the Gorgas House and present visitors with a historical knowledge of 19th-century practices related to funerals and societal grieving standards. To bring these stories to life, guests can watch “Dead History” videos of actors reading the letters and take a guided tour given by volunteers in costumes, telling the spookiest ghost stories of the house.

The Gorgas House Museum is located at 810 Capstone Drive, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487, just off the Quadrangle of The University of Alabama campus (one block west of the Amelia Gayle Gorgas Library, at the corner of McCorvey and Capstone Drives).

The Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion is at 1305 Greensboro Ave, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401.

Historic Tuscaloosa Lecture Series | 2024

Thu, 26 Sep 2024 10:10:45 GMT

Time & Place

Sep 26, 2024, 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM

Farrah Hall - Room 214, 513 University Blvd, Tuscaloosa, AL

Information

Beginning in July, the lectures will take place on the fourth Thursday of the month in room 214 in Farrah Hall at the University of Alabama. Lectures will start at 5:30 pm.

The series starts at 5:30 p.m. on July 25 with George Adair discussing his topic about the “Bryce Hospital Coal Mines.”

The series, sponsored by Historic Tuscaloosa, will continue at 5:30 p.m. on August 22 with Dr. Jennifer Feltman discussing “The Notre-Dame Restoration and Collaborative Research at UA.”

All the events in this exclusive series are free and open to the public. We eagerly anticipate the privilege of welcoming you to this enriching event.

———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

https://www.routledge.com/Teaching-Public-History-Creatively-in-Alabama-About-Public-Face/Green/p/book/9781032564364

The University Club

Fri, 24 May 2024 07:36:16 GMT

The Preservationist — Spring 2024 .pdf

Other Names: Dearing-Bagby House/Governor’s Mansion

421 Queen City Avenue

Tuscaloosa, AL

ca. 1834

The Preservationist — Spring 2024 .pdf

The Preservationist — Spring 2024

Tue, 23 Apr 2024 07:21:34 GMT

The Preservationist — Spring 2024 .pdf

The official Newsletter of Historic Tuscaloosa — Spring 2024

The April 3, 1865 Wedding

Thu, 14 Mar 2024 14:38:00 GMT

Many know that April 3, 1865, was the day that General John T. Croxton and Union troops arrived in Tuscaloosa to burn the University of Alabama campus. Their mission was to destroy Tuscaloosa’s factories and ironworks. They were also to burn the University of Alabama. It was a training center for Confederate cadets (young military students).

However, many may not know that April 3, 1865, was also the day Miss Emily Leach married Captain James Slaughter Carpenter, C.S.A., in Tuscaloosa. The wedding date had been set for April 6, three days later, but he simply could not wait.

Why is this interesting/important???

BECAUSE…….

Croxton’s troops arrived at the bridge over the Black Warrior River at Northport on the evening of April 3.

Croxton sent a small group of volunteers to reconnoiter, but they discovered Confederate forces already beginning to remove the span's flooring. They found 14 men taking up the bridge’s floor planks to prevent anyone from advancing into Tuscaloosa. Croxton ordered his men to capture the bridge, which they accomplished after a brief firefight with Confederate sentries. The Union force then moved into Tuscaloosa around 10-11 PM, entering a very dark town.

The only lights and sounds came from the Jemison Mansion, where a wedding had just ended……..

��️SIDE NOTE ABOUT THE JEMISON MANSION:

While building the mansion, Senator Jemison called for a modern furnace to heat the entire house, but the war intervened before it could be installed.

Jemison did succeed in lighting his own house with piped gas. Thus, it was brightly lit in an otherwise dark town, which attracted Croxton's raiders to the wedding party that fateful April 1865 night.

When it was built (1859-1861), the house boasted some of the state's most luxurious features, like running water, flushable toilets, and even a copper bathtub.

—————————— back to why this is interesting/important

It was the brightly lit Jemison Mansion (Cherokee Place), in an otherwise dark town, that attracted Croxton’s raiders to the wedding party that fateful night.

According to local folklore, Union soldiers burst in and went straight for the wedding cake before taking the groom, Capt. James Carpenter, prisoner, and sending him back to Gen. Croxton’s headquarters.

Carpenter was granted leave to properly say goodbye to his new wife; some believe he helped raise the alarm on the UA campus while on this reprieve.

This wedding went down in history, as it was a scene in the 1916 Pageant of Tuscaloosa—Centennial Celebration. Episode 6 reenacted Miss Emily Leach's wedding to Captain James Carpenter in 1865. Croxton's Raiders interrupted the wedding and festivities and took the groom. General Croxton allowed him to return to the bride once he recognized Carpenter as a former school friend since they were both from Lexington, Kentucky.

The next day, on April 4, Croxton’s troops burned all but three university buildings. They were in Tuscaloosa for an odd 40 hours. After the war, the U.S. Congress gave the University of Alabama public lands to pay for the damages.

If you visit the Jemison Mansion today, you can view a piece of their wedding China that Miss Emily Leach and Capt. Carpenter used that day.

�� To see the details of the interrupted wedding, view the 1916 Pageant of Tuscaloosa Program on our website ⬇️

https://www.historictuscaloosa.org/post/the-pageant-of-tuscaloosa

About the wedding — On April 3rd, 1865

On Greensboro Avenue, he encountered Miss Mary Matthews and her companion, both close friends of his intended bride.

“I cannot stay,” Captain Carpenter explained, “but I am afraid that I cannot come back. Times are so precarious, so our marriage must take place right now.” And then he added, “By the way, where does Em live?”

“Em” was Emily Leach, the daughter of Dr. Sewell J. Leach, a Tuscaloosa physician and businessman. She had met Carpenter while visiting Demopolis, and romance had blossomed. Now, her betrothed was at her doorstep, imploring her to marry him that very evening. She agreed.

The Leach household turned topsy-turvy. Everything had to be ready immediately. Guests and relatives had to be notified, the house had to be decorated, and a wedding supper had to be prepared. Nevertheless, when the guests arrived that night at 8:30, all was ready.

The ceremony was a handsome affair with Miss Matthews as one of the bridesmaids. Afterwards came the wedding supper, and when someone began playing the piano, the bride and groom led the others in a cotillion. The dancing ended when Mrs. Leach, mother of the bride, called out in a cheery voice, “Make way for the bride’s cake. Let us cut for the ring and see whose wedding we shall next attend.”

The following details of the event were extracted from a document compiled by Mathew W. Clinton, President of the Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Historical Society, dated April 1965, entitled “The Federal Invasion of Tuscaloosa, 1865.”

“There was a romantic side to it all, for the romance did not die when war came to the land; in fact it flowered in full bloom all through the dark days. Tuscaloosa was in a romantic state of mind that day for the reason that there was to be a wedding that night in one of the best homes in town. Miss Emily Leach, daughter of Dr. Sewell J. Leach, was to be married to Captain James S. Carpenter, a gallant young confederate soldier from Kentucky, then on duty at Demopolis. Invitations had been issued and an elaborate “war time” supper was being prepared. All society was in a state of excitement and anticipation, and for the moment they forgot their many troubles, and there was no fear in the minds of the people, as they prepared their shabby finery for the night’s great event, which was to take place at 8 o’clock.

Dr. Leach’s home was on Fourth Street and only two blocks from the top of the river hill. There were then several other fine homes in the neighborhood and these were naturally the first places to be visited by the hungry and loot-seeking raiders, who were even then silently drawing nearer and nearer. Soon after dark, the entire street from one end to the other was filled with the carriages and buggies of the assembled guests.

The wedding ceremony was performed at 8 o’clock by Reverend Phillip Fitts, a relative of the bride. Young Tom Leach, only a boy soldier, just home from the battle of Nashville, with two old felt hats tied around his partly-frozen feet, a brother of the bride, was present. He had carried the colors, and having them shot from the staff, he hid the precious colors in his shirt and brought them home. This Confederate battle flag became the central motif of the decorations, being draped from the central chandelier under which the bride and groom stood as they were being wed.

Captain Carpenter was dressed in his best Confederate uniform, and his attendants, all soldiers on leave or local duty, were uniformed. The bridesmaids, all dressed in borrowed finery, were: Misses Mary and Laura Matthews, Belle Woodruff, a local beauty, Louella Cochrane, Alice Stafford, Lydia Peck and Mollie Fink of Selma, Alabama. Miss Mary Matthews, who later became Mrs. Force of Selma, and who served that city as postmistress for many years, wrote, in her later years, a most gripping and romantic story of the wedding and it was from this and local stories that the account of this social affair has been documented and can be considered authentic.

Following the ceremony, an elegant dinner, considering the times, was served. The ladies were served first, and as was the custom, the men were left in the dining room for the drinks, such as they were. The ladies repaired to the parlors where they engaged in singing wartime songs. As the men drifted in, the couples paired off for dancing, and by nine o’clock happiness reigned supreme with never a thought of trouble. Suddenly firing was heard in the distance, down towards the bridge, and instantly every face blanched with fear and dread; only too well they knew what it might mean. They knew right then that the war had at last come to Tuscaloosa. Much excitement was apparent in the street outside, and as much inside. Valuables were hastily removed and hidden, the men passing their watches to the ladies who placed them in their slippers and beneath their garters, while their capacious bustles were stuffed with other valuables. A negro slave snatched the confederate flag from the chandelier and stuck it in the kitchen stove, a most thoughtful act.

The street was in an uproar, and the firing was increasing and drawing nearer and soon bullets were heard striking the walls of the house. The men might have escaped to the deep gulley in the rear, but they chose to remain with the ladies for whatever protection they might afford. One of them, just out of prison, bemoaned the fact that he would have to return to its horrors. One fellow hid under the back steps but a vicious dog ran him back indoors.

Dr. and Mrs. Leach remained calm under it all, and comforted their guests as best they could. The bride and her maids repaired to the upstairs, where they tried to comfort her in her distress. The men decided to surrender as resistance would have been useless, and would have brought on more serious trouble. One young lady attempted to leave by the front door and the first soldier to come on the porch fired at her, but Mrs. Leach, who had followed her out, managed to throw the gun up and no one was hurt. The enemy swarmed in in a short while, first placing all the men under arrest except Dr. Leach, who was an old man and in a low state of health. Following this they demanded food. Mrs. Leach graciously served them what was left, much to the disgust of the negroes. She apologized that she had no wine to serve them. Then the looting began, which continued all through the night and they made a clean job of it. Herding the men together, they prepared to take them across to the camp over the river. Captain Carpenter pleaded for the right to say farewell to his bride, and with a guard he was allowed to go upstairs, where he took a hasty, if tearful, farewell less than an hour after his marriage. Leaving the room, blinded with tears, he stumbled and fell down the steps, to the amusement of his captors. He was carried away and across to Newport. It is said that after reaching camp, Captain Carpenter was recognized by an old school mate, and he persuaded General Croxton to allow him to return to his bride under promise that he would not attempt to escape. He later returned to the camp and remained a prisoner for several days, being later paroled and allowed his freedom.”

The Pageant of Tuscaloosa

Thu, 14 Mar 2024 06:53:41 GMT

Tuscaloosa Centennial Celebration May 30, 1916 — The Pageant of Tuscaloosa Presented in Guild Woods, Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

The Preservationist

Wed, 29 Nov 2023 13:56:56 GMT

The Preservationist - 2023 Newsletter.pdf

The official newsletter of Historic Tuscaloosa

The Jemison Papers

Wed, 12 Jul 2023 11:40:40 GMT

The papers reflect the varied business and political interest of Robert Jemison, Jr. and his family as well as their personal & family life

Select The Jemison Papers 1835-late 19th century.pdf

Robert Jemison, Jr. papers

1835 - late 19th century

About this collection

The Robert Jemison, Jr. Papers span the period from 1797 to 1960 and include both the personal and business papers of Robert Jemison Jr., along with papers of Robert Jemison (grandfather), William Jemison (father), Priscilla Jemison (wife), Cherokee Jemison Hargrove (daughter), and Andrew Coleman Hargrove (son in law), and Robert Jemison Jr. of Birmingham (1878 1973).

The papers reflect the varied business and political interest of Robert Jemison, Jr. and his family as well as their personal and family life. Included are the records of his grist and lumber mills, plantations, stage line, the Tuskaloosa Plank Road, toll bridges, ferries, postal contracts, and the North East and South West Railroad. His political activities are documented as well, including his anti secession stand at the Secession Convention in Montgomery, Alabama in 1861.

The bulk of the material was passed down from Robert Jemison, Jr (1802-1871) and his wife Priscilla Cherokee Jemison to their daughter Cherokee Mims Jemison who married Andrew Coleman Hargrove and from them to their daughter Minnie Cherokee Hargrove who married Adrian S. Van de Graaff.

Tuscaloosa Plank Road

Wed, 28 Jun 2023 09:15:29 GMT

New Title

Tuscaloosa Plank Road.pdf

Tuscaloosa (1865-1880) Reconstruction

Fri, 17 Feb 2023 07:03:30 GMT

Tuscaloosa (1865-1880) Reconstruction.pdf

The History of Tuscaloosa 1816-1880

Tue, 31 Jan 2023 09:41:40 GMT

Check out this article written by Archibald Bruce McEachin recalling some of Tuscaloosa's earliest history from 1816-1880.

A Historical Sketch of Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Wed, 25 Jan 2023 08:34:37 GMT

This 22-page outline sketches the early beginnings of Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

A Historical Sketch of Tuscaloosa, Alabama.pptx

Fall 2022 Newsletter

Wed, 12 Oct 2022 13:26:22 GMT

Want to read more?

Subscribe to historictuscaloosa.org to keep reading this exclusive post.

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Historic Tuscaloosa Lecture Series

Time & Place

Tuscaloosa Cameo Guild Christmas Tea

Time & Place

Bourbon & Barbecue

Time & Place

﻿ Bourbon & Barbecue | 2025

Holiday Open House 🎄

Time & Place

Information

Holiday Open House 2025

The Intriguing History and Architectural Significance of the John R Drish House

Early History and Construction

Transition to Public Use and Decline

Photographic Documentation and Recognition

Restoration and Preservation Efforts

Architectural Significance of the Drish Home

The Drish Home in the Context of Tuscaloosa History

Continuing Legacy and Importance

Drish House .pdf

Old Tavern Work Day

Time & Place

Information

Haunting Tuscaloosa

Time & Place

Information

Haunting Tuscaloosa

Historic Tuscaloosa Lecture Series | 2025

Time & Place

Information

Tuscaloosa Curb Market

Historic Tuscaloosa Memory Of The Week: Downtown Curb Market (1930)

Tuscaloosa Curb Market.pdf

Tuscaloosa Curb Market - The Digest.pdf

The Preservationist — 2025

Spring 2025 Newsletter.pdf

Preservation Awards Banquet | 2025

Time & Place

Information

﻿ Annual Awards Reception 2025

Dining Through Time: A Taste of Historic Tuscaloosa

Time & Place

Information

Jemison-Van de Graaff Spring Cleaning

Time & Place

Information

Tuscaloosa Cameo Guild's Annual Easter Egg Hunt

Time & Place

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Annual Work Day | 2025

Time & Place

Information

Holiday Open House 🎄

Time & Place

Information

Member Tailgate Party

Time & Place

Information

2024 Ramble to Athens, AL

Time & Place

Information

Mourning Matters 👻

Time & Place

﻿ Information

Historic Tuscaloosa Lecture Series | 2024

Time & Place

Information

The University Club

The Preservationist — Spring 2024 .pdf

The Preservationist — Spring 2024 .pdf

The Preservationist — Spring 2024

The Preservationist — Spring 2024 .pdf

The April 3, 1865 Wedding

The Pageant of Tuscaloosa

The Preservationist

The Jemison Papers

Select The Jemison Papers 1835-late 19th century.pdf

Tuscaloosa Plank Road

New Title

Bourbon & Barbecue | 2025

Annual Awards Reception 2025

Information