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Learn more about Historic Tuscaloosa's property, the Old Tavern. The Old Tavern has been listed in the National Register as a historic site. Old Tavern 500 Nicks Kids Avenue Tuscaloosa, AL 35403 Brief History The Old Tavern was built in 1827 by William Dunton, a local hotel keeper of early Tuscaloosa. Through the years, the structure has been a tavern, a stagecoach inn, and a residence. The Old Tavern illustrates several French influences. There are French designs, such as an overhanging balcony, an asymmetrical plan, and an exterior chimney breast. The layout of The Old Tavern consists of six rooms— three upstairs and three downstairs— with a narrow staircase connecting. The kitchen was once held in the basement but was later abandoned after the inn was moved to its current location. During the nineteenth century, The Old Tavern played host to many individuals, such as weary travelers, Civil War soldiers, and members of the state legislature. Several state committee meetings were held under this roof. The state’s 7th Governor, John Gayle, even temporarily called The Old Tavern “home” during his administration, from 1831-1835. The property was used as a hotel tavern until 1882, when it was sold to the Robert Wilson family as their residence. During much of the 1900's, the Old Tavern was used as a private residence. It was the home of Taylor Robinson, a violinist, from 1900-1930. During the 1930's the Tavern was photographed and evaluated by the Historic American Building Survey. It may have had several other residents through the mid-1900's years. But by the 1960's the Tavern and her history were in danger. In 1964, Miss Emma Wilson sold The Old Tavern to Egerton Harris, Jr., who deeded it to Historic Tuscaloosa. Due to bridge construction, Historic Tuscaloosa was forced to move the tavern to a new location or see its destruction. In 1966, with the help of citizens, money was raised to move The Old Tavern to its current home in Capitol Park. Saving the Tavern In 1966, the Old Tavern was in danger of being demolished and forgotten. The Hugh Thomas Bridge over the Black Warrior River was being built and the Tavern's location put it right in the middle of the construction bustle. A group of Tuscaloosa citizens formed and raised funds and volunteers to move the Tavern from its location on University Blvd. to Capitol Park where now resides. During the move and further construction of the Thomas Bridge, numerous artifacts where discovered at the Old Tavern original site and are now on display inside the tavern. Significant People William Dunton: The Old Tavern was built in 1827 by William Dunton. Dunton was a successful hotelkeeper in early Tuscaloosa. In addition to The Old Tavern, he also managed the Golden Ball Hotel (located where the restaurant DePalma’s now stands). S.A.M. Wood: Sterling Alexander Martin Wood was born in Florence, Alabama on March 17, 1823. As a young adult, Wood practiced law in Tennessee, served in the Alabama legislature, and was a newspaper editor. When the nation became divided by the Civil War, Wood enlisted in the Confederate Army as part of the “Florence Guard” on April 3, 1861. Wood took part in numerous battles and campaigns, including the Battle of Shiloh, Battle of Pennyville, Battle of Stones River, Tullahoma Campaign, and the Battle of Chickamauga. During the Civil War, The Old Tavern was host to many Confederate soldiers, including Wood. After he and his family were forced from their Florence home by Union troops, they decided to flee to Tuscaloosa and temporarily moved into The Old Tavern. Wood later made his home in Tuscaloosa, where he became a state representative for Tuscaloosa County. Wood died in Tuscaloosa on July 26, 1891. John Gayle: John Gayle was the 7th Governor of the state of Alabama, from 1831 to 1835. During his term as Governor, the state bank was expanded, Alabama’s first railroad, the Tuscumbia Railway, was completed, and The Bell Factory, the state's first textile mill, was incorporated. During his administration, the capitol of Alabama was Tuscaloosa and Gayle made his home, briefly, at The Old Tavern. He also served in the United States House of Representatives from 1847 to 1849. Gayle died on July 21, 1859, at the age of 66 in Mobile, Alabama. Wilson Family: The Old Tavern was used as a hotel tavern until 1882, when it was sold to the Robert Wilson family as their residence. The home remained in the family until 1964. Miss Emma Wilson sold The Old Tavern to Egerton Harris, Jr. who deeded it to the Tuscaloosa County Preservation Society. Visit the Tavern The Tavern is available for touring every Tuesday-Friday at 1:30 pm. Click here to learn more Tour Virtually Tour in Person What They’re Saying About Us HANNAH T. Had a great afternoon adventure touring the Old Tavern and the Capitol Park next door with my mom and sister! The Old Tavern was full of historical tidbits and knock knacks. We learned a lot about Tuscaloosa’s early history and place in the Alabama political realm too. STACY S. Great place to see how things were in Tuscaloosa in the 1800's and what it was like when Tuscaloosa was the state capital. APRIL W. My wife took me to The Old Tavern Museum as she knows I love history. The museum has a great tour guide and it is laid back when you visit. I'd definitely recommend visiting if you're in Tuscaloosa, or interested in Alabama or southern history. Want to add a review from your trip to see the Old Tavern? Leave your review for us on our Trip Advisor page. Review Us Peek Inside Look around the inside and outside of the Old Tavern with our interactive tool below. You can read stories, see pictures and different views of the building, and learn interesting facts about its history. If you're looking for more information on the Tavern, make sure to click the "Tour Virtually" link above.

View our calendar to see opening days. Visit Historic Tuscaloosa's five historic landmarks in Tuscaloosa, AL. The Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion, the Battle-Friedman House & Gardens, the Old Tavern, the Murphy-Collins Museum, and the McGuire-Strickland home. Contact Us Tour Times Mailing Address Please call the Executive Office at (205) 758-2238 info@historictuscaloosa.org for more information on any of our locations Old Tavern 1:30 PM Battle-Friedman House 2:30 PM Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion 3:30 PM Tours are $5/person/structure and are offered every Tuesday-Friday, when no private events are being held at the location. Please refer to the calendar below for closings. You may also call 205-758-2238 to check on the weekly tour and event schedule. Historic Tuscaloosa P.O. Box 1665 Tuscaloosa, AL 35403 Calendar Daily Tour Calendar

Learn more about Historic Tuscaloosa's property, the Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion. The Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion has been listed in the National Register as a historic site. Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion 1305 Greensboro Avenue Tuscaloosa, AL 35403 Brief History The Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion was constructed by state senator Robert Jemison, Jr. between 1859-1862. Being a prominent politician and businessman, Jemison wanted a home closer to Tuscaloosa, which had served as the state capital from 1826 to 1846. Jemison originally built this mansion for entertaining and housing visiting colleagues. The Jemison’s spared no expense creating this state-of-the-art city home. 14 different types of wood were used in the construction of the house. All but two came through Jemison Land Holdings. He wanted to showcase not only his personal wealth but also the wealth of the region. This house, Jemison’s weekend house, cost him $89,000 to build. The state of Alabama spent $50,000 building the state capital building, and that was for the land, materials, labor, and so forth. Jemison did not pay for the labor. He did not buy the materials. He obtained them from his own mill and land companies. Jemison spent almost twice the amount it took for the state capitol building just in the frills. The Italianate-style house was designed by Philadelphia architect John Stewart who was in Tuscaloosa supervising the construction of Bryce Hospital. The Jemison home incorporated the latest innovations in design and technology including an elaborate plumbing system that included running water, flush toilets, and a copper bathtub; a large conservatory to be warmed by a central heating plant (which was never installed due to the Yankee blockade) and indoor lighting fueled by coal gas manufactured in a machine located in the basement. Other modern features incorporated in the design were a boiler for producing hot water, a gas stove, an early form of “refrigerator” and a dumb waiter from the basement kitchen to the pantry located above. The Jemison Mansion had the first built-in bathtub in the state. It was also the first house built with an indoor toilet as well. The home remained in the family well into this century. Four generations of Jemison’s and Van de Graff's have lived in the home carrying on the tradition of service to the community and the University. Among them are Colonel Andrew Coleman Hargrove, the Confederate Army Office and one-time dean of the University Law School who married Jemison's daughter Cherokee Mims Jemison. Their daughter, Minnie Cherokee Hargrove married A.S. Van de Graff, a circuit court judge. After the Van de Graaff’s sold the house in 1936, the mansion was used as an apartment complex for numerous years. The mansion saw its second set of owners in 1945 when the home was purchased by J.P. & Nell Burchfield. They returned it to a single-family residence and made some major renovations. Mrs. Burchfield painted everything white and green and added a few modern touches, as well. The structure was in danger of being demolished in 1955, at which time, Hugo Friedman (Battle-Friedman Home) bought the mansion and presented it to the Tuscaloosa County Commission to be used as a public library. Between 1955-1957, the structure was renovated to meet the needs of a public library. The house served a generation of Tuscaloosans as the Friedman Public Library before it once again returned to private hands. In 1979, Gray Boone purchased the property to serve as offices for Antique Monthly, with expectations that the house be restored, preserved, and maintained. The house was jointly purchased August 8, 1991, by Historic Tuscaloosa (TCPS) and the Heritage Commission of Tuscaloosa County with block grant funds made available by the City of Tuscaloosa. Significant People of the Mansion Senator Jemison was not the only important historical figure in this family. Colonel Andrew Hargrove , the senator's son-in-law, was originally a colonel in the Civil War, but went on to be Speaker of the Alabama House and dean of the UA Law School. Hargrove's grandsons also went on to make names for themselves. Jemison served in the Alabama state legislature, initially in the Senate and then in the House, from 1840-1851. He returned to the Senate from 1851-1863. In 1861, he was a Delegate to the Convention and voted against the Ordinance of Secession. He was elected unanimously to be President of the Alabama Senate in 1863; soon after, he was elected to the Confederate States Senate, replacing William Lowndes Yancey, who had died of a kidney ailment. Jemison owned multiple businesses. A primary source of capital was his plantations. His papers show that he owned 120 slaves in 1851, including 44 children under the age of 10. He owned six plantations in western Alabama, totaling 10,000 acres. In 1858, he attempted to sell the plantations, 70 slaves and other land in Tuscaloosa, including another residence, a livery stable and the Indian Queen Hotel. Jemison's other ventures included a stagecoach line, toll roads, toll bridges, grist mills, sawmills, turnpikes, stables, a hotel, and plank roads. His largest enterprise was a 4,000-acre Cherokee Place plantation in what is now Northport where he lived before building the Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion in Tuscaloosa. Jemison advocated for the creation of a state-owned mental hospital which eventually became Bryce Hospital, and hired the same Philadelphia architectural firm to design both his private Tuscaloosa mansion and the hospital. After the Civil War, Jemison's wealth was significantly diminished, and eventually he lost his family mansion due to debt. One of his businesses was the Tuscaloosa Bridge Company. It built two of the first covered bridges across the Black Warrior River. Jemison hired Horace King, a skilled multiracial enslaved person from Russell County to build bridges in eastern Mississippi. King became one of the most respected bridge designers and builders in the Deep South. In 1846, Jemison, along with King's owner, John Godwin, obtained his freedom through an act of the Alabama Legislature, which exempted King from the manumission laws. King built the last covered bridge at Tuscaloosa and Northport over the Black Warrior in 1872 just a few months after Jemison's death on October 16, 1871. Jemison made an arrangement with Tuscaloosa County for King to build the bridge and this bridge was the first of many that the county would build. William Van de Graaff was Alabama's first All-American football player and his brother, Robert Van de Graaff was a brilliant physicist most well-known for his invention of the Van de Graaff Generator. Robert Van de Graaff's accomplishments led to his legacy in the science community as the Father of Modern Physics. Visit the Mansion The Mansion is available for historic tours Tuesday-Friday at 3:30 pm. Group and school tours are also available by calling or emailing Historic Tuscaloosa Call: 205-758-2238 Email: info@historictuscaloosa.org Tour Virtually Tour in Person Peek Inside Want to see more of the Mansion before you visit? Check out the video below for some beautiful footage and fun facts about the Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion. Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion Play Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied What They’re Saying About Us STACY S. A History Buff's Dream. Grounds and house are beautifully done and well worth the visit. The historical background is excellent. DEBBIE K. Welcomed at the door as if we were family. The docent explained all the rooms and was very amenable to questions. Take the time to look at everything. The second floor has the first copper tub in the state. I can't imagine polishing it! The whole place is wonderful and I can picture a houseful of children and teenagers inhabiting it with their parents. A MUST when you are in Tuscaloosa! J. RUNDLES Step back in Time: Beautifully maintained, historically accurate, wonderfully friendly staff. A Tuscaloosa must-see treasure. Want to add a review from your trip to see the Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion? Leave your review for us on our Trip Advisor page. Review Us

8b7a767a-bf14-4cdf-8dce-24ec1b62fd4d In the News... We work hard to get our efforts noticed by the media and are so proud when this goal comes to fruition. Take a look at some of our latest coverage and help spread the word about all the amazing developments at Historic Tuscaloosa!!

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Don’t miss out on our exclusive events, discounts, and lectures. Members are always the first to know whenever there is something new happening at Historic Tuscaloosa, and they enjoy exclusive events as well. Get great benefits, discounts and savings by becoming a member of Historic Tuscaloosa. Membership: Be a part of Living History Our members are what keep Historic Tuscaloosa alive. Members help run our society through a recommendation board and donate their time and efforts to help us preserve our historical sites. Our members enjoy free tours of all Society structures, free admission to lectures, and premier access to Society sponsored events, such as our annual homes tours, fundraisers, member-only parties, and our yearly Ramble trip. We would love to have you as a member of Historic Tuscaloosa! The purpose of the Society shall be to develop an awareness and appreciation of the historical and cultural heritage of Tuscaloosa County Its objectives are as follows: To seek to educate all citizens of the county about its heritage To collect, organize, and catalog information and materials related to local heritage To encourage and participate in the identification and preservation of old homes, buildings, and historic sites throughout Tuscaloosa County and to promote the use and appreciation of these assets To encourage tourism by arranging and organizing tours and pilgrimages To involve local governments, educational institutions, and other organizations in specific projects promoting the purpose of the Society. Membership Membership in the Society is open to anyone interested in historical preservation. A person who is current in payment of membership dues established by the Society is a voting member. Honorary membership is a title that may be conferred upon any person, with the approval of the Board of Directors, who should receive special recognition for valued service in the preservation of Tuscaloosa County’s heritage. Honorary membership is non-voting. Your membership includes many benefits. Click here for a description of our Membership levels and related benefits. It takes a community to preserve one! You can also renew a membership or join the Society by calling during our office hours: 9am to 4pm Tuesday through Friday at 205-758-2238 Remember that you can give the gift of history, too! Historic Tuscaloosa Regular Activities / Events Lecture Series – A series of monthly lectures are offered to the public during the summer. Topics address people, places, and events of local historical interest. Holiday Open Houses – Historic Tuscaloosa structures are decorated by local garden clubs and will be open to the public on a selected Sunday in early December each year. Rambles – The Historic Tuscaloosa “Rambles” by bus to a nearby city each spring to tour historical homes and other structures. Families and experts are available to share background and details. The 2022 Ramble was to Columbus, MS, and other recent trips have been to such locations as Camden, Huntsville, Selma, Marion, and Greensboro. An overnight Ramble is under way for Spring 2023. Century Club Party – In the spring of each year, a special event is planned to honor members of the Century Club. Structures – The Old Tavern, the Battle-Friedman House, and the Jemison Mansion are open daily for tours. The Murphy-Collins House is open daily, Tuesday-Friday, and tours can be arranged by appointment. Want to Join? Do you already know you want to be a part of our mission? Whether you are new to the area or a Tuscaloosa native, we'd love to have you in our society. CLICK HERE to join Historic Tuscaloosa!

16869334-675c-4b6c-bb8e-b1633d6b1c32 In the News... We work hard to get our efforts noticed by the media and are so proud when this goal comes to fruition. Take a look at some of our latest coverage and help spread the word about all the amazing developments at Historic Tuscaloosa!!

The Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion event/wedding photography collection: Outdoor Events Part 2 Outside the Mansion Load More Outside Events Part 2

2022 Lecture Series explored some of the fundamentals of historic preservation. Each year, we feature live lectures from preservation professionals with a wide range of backgrounds and ability. Becky Davenport “Preserving Greenwood Cemetery: How Preserving Revolutionary War Patriot Gravesites Led To Community Interest and Support” Thursday, June 23 5:30 PM Kelly Fitts “East Margin Avenue (Queen City) Historic Homes" Thursday, August 25 5:30 PM Richard Rhone “Lafayette's 1825 Visit to Alabama” Thursday, July 21 5:30 PM

Tuscaloosa Formal Dinner The Tuscaloosa Cameo Guild’s Formal Dinner is held each year in honor of the senior class members. It is an opportunity for members and their dates to practice the elements of formal dining etiquette that have been covered throughout the year. 1/1

1a0227be-c891-414b-b9dd-8fdfc647581f In the News... We work hard to get our efforts noticed by the media and are so proud when this goal comes to fruition. Take a look at some of our latest coverage and help spread the word about all the amazing developments at Historic Tuscaloosa!!

00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000005 In the News... We work hard to get our efforts noticed by the media and are so proud when this goal comes to fruition. Take a look at some of our latest coverage and help spread the word about all the amazing developments at Historic Tuscaloosa!!