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Arlington Antebellum Home & Gardens: A Glimpse into Birmingham's Past

Step back in time at Birmingham's Arlington Antebellum Home & Gardens, exploring 19th-century history, architecture, and decorative arts on six scenic acres.

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Arlington Antebellum Home & Gardens, Birmingham's only remaining antebellum mansion, offers a glimpse into 19th-century life. Built in the Greek Revival style between 1845 and 1850, the house museum features period furnishings, decorative arts, and six acres of landscaped grounds, providing a historical and cultural experience.

A brief summary to Arlington Antebellum Home & Gardens

  • Tuesday 10 am-3 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-3 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-3 pm
  • Friday 10 am-3 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-3 pm

Local tips

  • Check the Arlington Antebellum Home & Gardens website for special events, including ghost hunts and the popular Fish Fry Fridays.
  • Arrive early in the day to avoid crowds and allow for a more leisurely exploration of the house and grounds.
  • Consider visiting during the Christmas season to see the house decorated in period holiday style.
  • Reservations are encouraged for lunch at Fish Fry Friday. Call 205-780-5656 to reserve your spot.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From the Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority (BJCTA) Central Station, take a MAX bus route that services the west end. Disembark at a stop along Bessemer Road near Cotton Avenue SW. Walk south on Cotton Avenue SW to reach the Arlington Antebellum Home & Gardens. A one-way fare is $1.50, or $0.75 for seniors (62+), people with disabilities, military personnel, or those with a Medicare card.

  • Driving

    If driving from downtown Birmingham, head west on I-20/I-59. Take exit 123 for US-11/AL-149 toward Ensley/Brighton. Merge onto US-11/AL-149 N/Bessemer Rd. Turn right onto Cotton Ave SW. Arlington Antebellum Home & Gardens will be on your right. Parking is available on-site. Parking is free.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    From downtown Birmingham, a taxi or ride-share (Uber/Lyft) to Arlington Antebellum Home & Gardens will cost approximately $10-$15, depending on traffic and demand.

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Discover more about Arlington Antebellum Home & Gardens

Arlington Antebellum Home & Gardens, nestled in Birmingham's Arlington-West End neighborhood, stands as a reminder of the city's complex history. This meticulously preserved mansion, the only antebellum home remaining in Birmingham, offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience the elegance of the Old South. The history of Arlington begins in 1822 when Stephen Hall, a settler from Georgia, acquired 475 acres of land. William S. Mudd, a prominent jurist and one of the founders of Birmingham, purchased the estate in 1842. Between 1845 and 1850, enslaved laborers and skilled craftsmen constructed the two-story frame structure in the Greek Revival style. The mansion features six Doric columns and a symmetrical facade. During the Civil War, Arlington served as the headquarters for General James H. Wilson, commander of the Union cavalry, in 1865. The house remained unscathed. In 1902, Robert S. Munger, a cotton gin manufacturer, purchased Arlington and added modern amenities. In 1953, the City of Birmingham transformed Arlington into a historic house museum. Today, managed by the Arlington Historical Association, visitors can explore the mansion's rooms, furnished with period antiques and decorative arts. The restored garden room hosts special events, and the grounds offer a picturesque setting. Arlington hosts events throughout the year, including ghost hunts and fish fry Fridays.

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