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Weiss Cottage: A Step Back in Time

Visit Cullman's oldest home, Weiss Cottage, and step back into the 19th century to experience the life and legacy of the city's early German settlers.

Weiss Cottage, Cullman's oldest house, was built in 1873 by the Louisville & Nashville Railroad to encourage settlement in the newly founded German colony. Dr. Aldo Weiss purchased the home in 1875 and used it as both his family residence and medical office. Today, the cottage is a preserved landmark offering a glimpse into 19th-century life.

A brief summary to Weiss Cottage

  • 401 1st Ave SW, Cullman, Alabama, 35055, US

Local tips

  • Call the Cullman County Museum in advance to schedule a tour of Weiss Cottage, as it is open by appointment only.
  • Combine your visit to Weiss Cottage with a stroll through downtown Cullman to explore other historic sites and local shops.
  • Check the Cullman County Museum's website or social media pages for special events or open house days at Weiss Cottage.
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Getting There

  • 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. Head southwest on 2nd Ave NE. Continue onto 1st Ave SW. Walk for approximately 0.5 miles. Weiss Cottage will be located at 401 1st Ave SW, on your left. The walk is relatively flat and should take about 10-15 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    Cullman Area Rural Transportation System (CARTS) provides public transportation within Cullman County. From a location near the Cullman County Courthouse, walk to the nearest bus stop on 2nd Ave SW. Take the local bus heading toward downtown. Get off at the 1st Ave SW stop. From there, walk north on 1st Ave SW for about 0.1 miles. Weiss Cottage will be located at 401 1st Ave SW, just ahead on your right. Contact CARTS at 256-734-1246 to schedule a ride. Rides must be scheduled the day before. Standard fares apply, with discounts for seniors and individuals with disabilities. Exact fare is required each time you board the bus. The standard fare is $2.00 for one way within 7 miles. Additional stops are $1.00.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    From anywhere in downtown Cullman, a taxi or ride-share to Weiss Cottage is a short and convenient option. Direct the driver to 401 1st Ave SW, Cullman, AL 35055. Expect to pay around $8-$12, depending on the company and demand.

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Discover more about Weiss Cottage

Weiss Cottage, located in the heart of Cullman, Alabama, offers a glimpse into the city's past. Constructed in 1873 by the Louisville & Nashville Railroad, the cottage was intended to attract settlers to the newly established German colony. This small, wood-framed house served as both the home and medical office of Dr. Aldo Weiss, who purchased the property in 1875. For many years, Weiss Cottage was the center of the Weiss family's life. Local legend even suggests that Dr. Weiss kept goats in the cellar, leading some to affectionately call it "The Goat House". In 1976, the cottage was donated to the City of Cullman by then-owner Inez Ruehl. The City of Cullman's Federated Women's Club took on the task of restoring the cottage. The cottage was moved from its original location to its current site at 401 1st Avenue SW. Today, visitors can step inside Weiss Cottage and experience life in the late 1800s. The cottage is furnished with period-appropriate items, and the grounds are maintained by the Cullman Federation of Garden Clubs. Weiss Cottage is listed on the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage and the National Register of Historic Places.

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