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Sturdivant Hall: Selma's Antebellum Masterpiece

Step back in time at Sturdivant Hall, a beautifully preserved Greek Revival mansion showcasing Selma's rich history and antebellum splendor.

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Sturdivant Hall, also known as the Watts-Parkman-Gillman House, is a historic Greek Revival mansion and house museum in Selma, Alabama [3]. Completed in 1856, it stands as one of the finest examples of antebellum architecture in the Southeast [3, 16]. Visitors can explore its opulent rooms, admire period furnishings, and stroll through the beautiful formal gardens [2, 10].

A brief summary to Sturdivant Hall Museum

Local tips

  • Check the Sturdivant Hall Museum's website or Facebook page for information on special events, including Christmas celebrations and educational programs [2, 15].
  • Allow at least 1.5 to 2 hours to fully explore the mansion, detached kitchen/gift shop, and formal gardens [10].
  • Consider visiting nearby attractions such as the Edmund Pettus Bridge and the National Voting Rights Museum to learn more about Selma's history [2, 4].
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Edmund Pettus Bridge and the National Voting Rights Museum, Sturdivant Hall is approximately a 15-20 minute walk [2]. Head northeast on Broad Street, then turn right onto Mabry Street [2, 6]. The museum will be on your left [2]. This is a straightforward walk through a residential area [2].

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    A taxi or ride-share from downtown Selma (e.g., the St. James Hotel or the Edmund Pettus Bridge area) to Sturdivant Hall is a short ride, typically costing between $8 and $12 [2]. Request a ride to 713 Mabry Street [2]. The journey should take no more than 5-10 minutes, depending on traffic [2].

  • Driving

    If driving, navigate to 713 Mabry Street, Selma, AL 36701 [2]. From Broad Street, turn onto Mabry Street [2]. The museum will be on your left [2]. Limited free parking is available on-site [2].

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Discover more about Sturdivant Hall Museum

Sturdivant Hall, located in Selma, Alabama, is a testament to the grandeur and complex history of the antebellum South [2]. Completed in 1856, this Greek Revival mansion, also known as the Watts-Parkman-Gillman House, was designed by Thomas Helm Lee for Colonel Edward T. Watts, a prosperous planter [2, 3]. The mansion quickly became a symbol of Watts's wealth and status, showcasing elaborate craftsmanship and imported materials [2, 8]. The construction cost approximately $69,900 at the time [2, 8]. Artisans from Italy were brought in to do the plaster and marble work [8, 16]. Following its completion, Watts and his family resided in the house until 1864 when it was sold to John McGee Parkman, a local banker [3, 7]. After the Civil War, Parkman faced financial difficulties and was imprisoned [3, 7]. He died during an attempted escape in 1867, and legend says his ghost still roams the halls [2, 8]. In 1870, Emile Gillman, a prominent Selma merchant, purchased the house [2, 3]. The Gillman family owned the house until 1957, when it was sold to the City of Selma [2, 3]. A significant portion of the funds for the purchase came from a bequest from Robert Daniel Sturdivant, a local philanthropist, with the stipulation that the mansion be used as a museum [2, 3]. Since then, Sturdivant Hall has operated as a historic house museum, offering visitors a glimpse into the past [2]. Today, Sturdivant Hall Museum features period antique furnishings, porcelain and doll collections, and an impressive array of art [2, 8]. Visitors can take guided tours of the mansion, learning about its history, architecture, and former residents [2]. The museum also offers educational programs for school groups and other organizations, providing a valuable resource for learning about Alabama's history and culture [2]. The formal gardens provide a peaceful setting for a stroll [2].

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