Raphael Semmes House, Mobile Bay Travel Guide

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Explore the historic home of Confederate Admiral Raphael Semmes in Mobile, a blend of Federal and Greek Revival architecture with a rich Civil War legacy.

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Raphael Semmes House

The Raphael Semmes House, located on Government Street in Mobile, Alabama, is a historic residence best known as the home of Raphael Semmes, a prominent figure in the Confederate States Navy during the American Civil War. Built in 1858, the house showcases a blend of Federal and Greek Revival architectural styles and offers a glimpse into Mobile's rich history.

A brief summary to Raphael Semmes House

804 Government St, Mobile, Central Business District, Alabama, 36602, US

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Raphael Semmes House.

Check with the First Baptist Church of Mobile for potential limited tour availability, as they own and maintain the property.
Combine your visit with a walk along Government Street to admire other historic buildings and landmarks in Mobile's downtown area.
Visit the History Museum of Mobile to learn more about Raphael Semmes and the city's Civil War history.

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Explore Raphael Semmes House on the Map

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Getting There

Walking

From Bienville Square, walk west on Government Street for approximately 0.3 miles (about 6-8 minutes). The Raphael Semmes House will be on your right, just past the First Baptist Church. Look for the white-painted brick building with a cast-iron porch at 804 Government Street.
Public Transport

The Wave Transit System has several routes that stop near Government Street. Check the Wave Transit website for the most up-to-date schedules and route information. From the nearest Wave Transit stop on Government Street, walk west until you reach 804 Government Street. A single ride fare is $1.25.
Taxi/Ride-Share

Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Mobile. Request a ride to 804 Government Street. The fare from downtown Mobile (e.g., the cruise terminal or a downtown hotel) typically ranges from $8 to $15, depending on traffic and demand.
Driving

From I-10, take the Water Street exit and head north. Turn right onto Government Street and continue east. The Raphael Semmes House will be on your left. Limited street parking is available on Government Street, metered at $1 per hour. Several parking garages and lots are also located within a few blocks, with hourly rates typically ranging from $3 to $10.

Discover more about Raphael Semmes House

The Raphael Semmes House, also known as the Horta-Semmes House, stands as a testament to Mobile's rich and complex history. Located at 804 Government Street, this historic residence is best known as the home of Raphael Semmes, captain of the commerce raider CSS Alabama. Semmes lived in this house from 1871 until his death in 1877, making it a significant landmark for those interested in Civil War history and Mobile's role in the Confederacy.The house itself was constructed in 1858 by Peter Horta, showcasing a blend of Federal and Greek Revival architectural styles. The two-story townhouse is built of white-painted brick and features a symmetrical facade typical of the Federal style. However, the addition of a Greek Revival-style doorway and surround adds a touch of classical elegance. A full-width cast-iron porch, added in the 1870s, graces the ground floor, its intricate floral design motif enhancing the building's aesthetic appeal.The interior layout features a stair hall on the west side of the house with a mahogany stairway. The stair hall opens onto a parlor and dining room on the first floor and three bedrooms on the second floor. The parlor and dining room retain their original fireplace mantles of cut-and-polished black marble. A two-story rear ell addition, once the service wing, houses a kitchen and storage room on the first floor, and two servant rooms on the second.In 1946, Joseph Linyer Bedsole and his wife donated the house to the adjacent First Baptist Church of Mobile in memory of their son, Lt. Joseph Linyer Bedsole Jr., who was killed in action during World War II. Today, the Raphael Semmes House stands as a reminder of a pivotal period in American history. While it may not always be open for public tours, its well-preserved exterior and historical significance make it a worthwhile stop for those exploring Mobile's architectural and historical landmarks.