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Condé-Charlotte Museum: A Journey Through Mobile's Five Flags

Explore Mobile's captivating history at the Condé-Charlotte Museum, a unique house reflecting French, British, Spanish, Confederate, and American influences.

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The Condé-Charlotte Museum in Mobile, Alabama, offers a unique glimpse into the city's rich history under French, British, Spanish, Confederate, and American rule. Housed in a Federal-style home built on the foundation of Mobile's first jail, the museum showcases period furnishings and architectural details reflecting each era.

A brief summary to Condé-Charlotte Museum

Local tips

  • Check for special events like Spanish wine and cheese tastings in the Spanish Courtyard.
  • Allow at least 1-2 hours to fully explore the museum and its exhibits.
  • Take advantage of the guided tours for a more in-depth understanding of the museum's historical context.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Bienville Square in downtown Mobile, the Condé-Charlotte Museum is a 10-15 minute walk. Head south on N Jackson Street and turn right onto Theatre Street. The museum will be on your left. This is a free way to reach the museum and enjoy the city's architecture.

  • Public Transport

    The Mobile Transit Authority (MTA) offers bus routes that stop near the Condé-Charlotte Museum. Check the MTA website or app for schedules and routes. A single ride fare is about $1.25. From the bus stop, it's a short walk to the museum.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in Mobile. A ride from downtown to the Condé-Charlotte Museum will likely cost between $8 and $12, depending on traffic and demand. Provide the driver with the museum's address: 104 Theatre St, Mobile, AL 36602.

  • Driving

    If driving, take I-10 to exit 26B for Water Street. Continue onto Water Street, then turn right onto Government Street. Turn left onto N Jackson Street, then turn right onto Theatre Street. The museum will be on your left. Street parking is available, with hourly rates around $1.00 - $2.00, but can be limited during peak hours.

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Discover more about Condé-Charlotte Museum

The Condé-Charlotte Museum, often called the Kirkbride House, stands as a testament to Mobile's layered past. Built in 1822 as Mobile's first courthouse and jail, the structure was transformed in 1850 into a family home by Jonathan and Elizabeth Kirkbride. Today, it operates as a historic house museum, offering visitors a unique journey through the city's history under five different flags: French, British, Spanish, Confederate, and American. The museum's exhibits are thoughtfully arranged to represent each historical period. Visitors can explore a British Commandant's room, an American Federal dining room, Confederate parlors, a French sitting room and bedroom, and American bedrooms. The house also features a walled Spanish garden designed in the late 18th-century style and a kitchen filled with late 19th and early 20th-century equipment. Authentic antiques and period furnishings fill each room, carefully researched and selected to reflect the history and culture of the time. Evidence of the building's earlier use as a jail can still be seen, including cell doors and a portion of the original jail foundation. The Condé-Charlotte Museum is owned, preserved, and operated by The National Society of The Colonial Dames of America in the State of Alabama. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on December 12, 1973. A visit to the museum typically lasts between one and two hours, with guided tours available to enhance the experience.

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