Weiss Cottage: A Glimpse into Cullman's Past
Step back in time at Cullman's oldest home, Weiss Cottage, and discover the life of a 19th-century physician and his family.
Nestled in the heart of Cullman, Alabama, Weiss Cottage offers a tangible connection to the city's earliest days [4, 5]. Constructed in 1873 by the Louisville & Nashville Railroad, the cottage was intended to encourage settlement in the newly founded German colony [4]. This small, wood-framed house served as both the home and medical office of Dr. Aldo Weiss, who purchased the property in 1875 [4, 5]. Imagine Dr. Weiss tending to patients in one room while his family went about their daily lives in another [4]. Local lore even suggests that Dr. Weiss kept goats in the cellar, leading some to affectionately call the house "The Goat House" [5, 6]. Over the years, the cottage changed hands several times [4, 5]. In 1976, then-owner Inez Ruehl donated it to the City of Cullman [4, 6]. To preserve this piece of history, the city moved the cottage to its current location at 401 1st Avenue SW [4, 6]. The Cullman Federation of Women's Clubs undertook a meticulous restoration project to return it to its original 19th-century appearance [4, 5]. Today, visitors can step inside and experience life as it was for a physician and his family in the late 1800s [4]. The cottage is furnished with period-appropriate items, and the grounds are beautifully maintained by the Cullman Federation of Garden Clubs [5, 7]. Weiss Cottage is listed on the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage and the National Register of Historic Places [3, 5].
Local tips
- Call the Cullman County Museum in advance to schedule a tour of Weiss Cottage, as it is open by appointment only [4, 5].
- Combine your visit to Weiss Cottage with a stroll through downtown Cullman to explore other historic sites and local shops [5].
- Check the Cullman County Museum's website or social media pages for special events or open house days at Weiss Cottage [5].
A brief summary to Weiss Cottage
- 401 1st Ave SW, Cullman, Alabama, 35055, US
Getting There
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Walking
If you're already in downtown Cullman, for example, visiting the Cullman County Museum at 211 2nd Ave NE, Weiss Cottage is easily accessible on foot [5]. Head southwest on 2nd Ave NE. Continue onto 1st Ave SW. Walk for approximately 0.5 miles [5]. Weiss Cottage will be on your left at 401 1st Ave SW [5]. The walk is relatively flat and should take about 10-15 minutes [5]. There is no cost for walking.
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Public Transport
Cullman Area Rural Transportation System (CARTS) provides public transportation within Cullman County [5]. From a location near the Cullman County Courthouse, walk to the nearest bus stop on 2nd Ave SW [5]. Take the local bus heading toward downtown. Get off at the 1st Ave SW stop [5]. From there, walk north on 1st Ave SW for about 0.1 miles [5]. Weiss Cottage will be located at 401 1st Ave SW, just ahead on your right [5]. Contact CARTS at 256-734-1246 to schedule a ride. Rides must be scheduled the day before [5]. Standard fares apply, with discounts for seniors and individuals with disabilities. Exact fare is required each time you board the bus [5]. The standard fare is $2.00 for one way within 7 miles. Additional stops are $1.00 [5].
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Taxi/Ride-Share
From anywhere in downtown Cullman, a taxi or ride-share to Weiss Cottage is a short and convenient option [5]. Direct the driver to 401 1st Ave SW, Cullman, AL 35055 [5]. Expect to pay around $8-$12, depending on the company and demand [5].
