Alabama Governor's Mansion: A Neoclassical Gem
Tour Alabama's Governor's Mansion in Montgomery, a Neoclassical landmark offering free guided tours and special events in the Garden District.
Located in Montgomery's historic Garden District, the Alabama Governor's Mansion is a symbol of the state's history, culture, and leadership [4]. Designed in the Neoclassical Revival style by architect Weatherly Carter, the mansion was built in 1907 for Robert Fulwood Ligon, Jr., and became the official residence of Alabama's governors in 1951 [4, 9, 16]. For almost a century, Alabama's governors lived in private homes or hotels [11, 14]. The state acquired its first official residence in 1911 [8, 9, 14]. In 1950, Governor Jim Folsom favored purchasing the Ligon's Neoclassical Revival mansion [11]. The state purchased the 17-room residence from the Ligon heirs for $100,000, and allocated an additional $130,000 for renovations and furnishings [4, 9]. Governor Gordon Persons was the first to occupy the mansion in 1951 [4, 9]. The mansion boasts impressive architectural features and meticulously decorated rooms [4]. The Reception Hall welcomes visitors with a grand staircase, elaborate woodwork, and a French crystal chandelier from the Roosevelt Hotel in New Orleans [4, 16]. The Dining Room features a mahogany table and chairs commissioned in 1959, and a Czechoslovakian crystal chandelier purchased in 1974 [4, 16]. The Parlor showcases a late 19th-century gilt frame mirror acquired by the Ligon family in 1916 [16]. The Garden District, where the mansion is located, is known for its stately homes and tree-lined streets [4]. Examples of architecture include the Dr. C.A. Thigpen House and the Church of the Ascension [4].
Local tips
- Tours are available by appointment only on Tuesdays and Thursdays; book in advance through the Governor's website or by calling (334) 425-2818 [4, 5].
- Arrive at the Finley Avenue entrance and check in with security, providing a complete list of attendees' names [4, 5].
- Visit during the Holiday Candlelight Tours in December to see the mansion decorated for Christmas [4, 6, 15, 18, 22].
A brief summary to Governor's Mansion
- 1142 S Perry St, Montgomery, Garden District, Alabama, 36104, US
- +1334-834-3022
Getting There
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Public Transport
The Montgomery Area Transit System (The M) provides bus service in the city [4, 7, 12]. Route 5 travels along South Perry Street [12]. Disembark at the stop closest to the Governor's Mansion at 1142 S Perry St [12]. A single ride fare is $1.50 [4, 12].
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Taxi/Ride-Share
Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Montgomery [4, 20]. A ride from downtown to the Governor's Mansion will typically cost between $8 and $15, depending on demand and traffic [4, 12].
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Driving
From downtown Montgomery, head south on Perry Street. The Governor's Mansion is located on S Perry Street in the Garden District at 1142 S Perry St [4, 7, 12, 21]. Limited parking is available on Finley Avenue, near the Governor's Mansion Gift Shop at 30 Finley Avenue [4, 5, 6, 7, 12]. Street parking is also available, but check for time restrictions [4]. Parking is free [4].
