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Historic Alabama Capitol: Echoes of Governance

Discover the historic ruins of Alabama's third capitol in Tuscaloosa's Capitol Park, a peaceful reminder of the state's early governance.

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Explore the remnants of Alabama's third capitol building in Tuscaloosa, which served as the state's center of government from 1826 to 1846. Today, Capitol Park offers a glimpse into the past with its preserved ruins and tranquil green space.

A brief summary to Historic Alabama Capitol 1826-1846

  • 2802 University Blvd, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, 35404, US

Local tips

  • Visit during daylight hours for the best views and photo opportunities of the Capitol ruins.
  • Combine your visit with a walk through historic downtown Tuscaloosa to see other nearby attractions.
  • Check the local tourism schedule for any special events or guided tours that may be available in Capitol Park.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the University of Alabama campus, head northwest on University Blvd. Continue for approximately 1.5 miles. The Historic Alabama Capitol will be on your left at 2802 University Blvd. The walk is mostly flat and should take around 30 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    Take the Tuscaloosa public transit bus. Route 1 runs from downtown to the University area. Board the bus at a downtown stop and ride until you reach a stop near Capitol Park on University Boulevard. Check the Tuscaloosa Transit Authority website for the most up-to-date route information. A single ride fare is $1.25.

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    From downtown Tuscaloosa, a taxi or ride-share service (Uber/Lyft) to Capitol Park will typically cost between $8 and $12, depending on traffic and demand. The ride is approximately 3 miles and should take around 5-10 minutes.

Unlock the Best of Historic Alabama Capitol 1826-1846

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Discover more about Historic Alabama Capitol 1826-1846

Capitol Park in Tuscaloosa marks the site of Alabama's third capitol building, a structure that played a vital role in the state's history when Tuscaloosa was the seat of government from 1826 to 1846. Tuscaloosa was chosen as the capital due to its central location amidst the majority of white settlements at the time. The capitol building, completed in 1829, was designed by English architect William Nichols and was an impressive Greek Revival structure. It housed chambers for the Supreme Court, Senate, and House of Representatives. As Alabama's population shifted eastward, a more centrally located capital was desired, leading to the selection of Montgomery in 1846. The former capitol building in Tuscaloosa was then repurposed as the Alabama Central Female College. In 1923, tragedy struck when the building was destroyed by a fire. Today, visitors to Capitol Park can still see remnants of the original structure, including the stone foundation and a few columns. The park serves as a peaceful green space where visitors can reflect on Alabama's history. The park also features a gazebo and ample seating, making it ideal for picnics and family time.

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