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Oakleigh House Museum: A Glimpse into Mobile's Antebellum Past

Explore Mobile's captivating history at Oakleigh House Museum, a beautifully preserved Greek Revival mansion in the Oakleigh Garden Historic District.

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Step back in time at Oakleigh House Museum, a beautifully preserved 1833 Greek Revival mansion in Mobile, Alabama's Oakleigh Garden Historic District. Experience 19th-century life through period furnishings, exquisite art, and stories of the families who called this place home.

A brief summary to Oakleigh House Museum

  • Tuesday 10 am-4 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-4 pm
  • Friday 10 am-4 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-4 pm

Local tips

  • Check the museum's calendar for special events, workshops, and festivals that offer unique perspectives on Mobile's history and culture.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as the tour involves walking and standing.
  • Explore the Oakleigh Garden Historic District surrounding the museum, known for its beautiful architecture and charming streets.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    The Wave Transit System provides bus service in Mobile. Several routes may bring you within walking distance of Oakleigh. From the nearest bus stop along the Government Street corridor, orient yourself toward Savannah Street and Oakleigh Place. A single ride fare is $1.25.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    A taxi or ride-share from downtown Mobile to Oakleigh House Museum will typically cost between $8 and $15, depending on traffic and demand. Direct the driver to 300 Oakleigh Place, Mobile, AL 36604. The ride is usually short, around 5-10 minutes.

  • Driving

    From downtown Mobile, head west on Government Street. Turn left onto George Street and continue for three blocks until you reach Savannah Street. Turn right onto Savannah Street, then right again onto Oakleigh Place. The parking lot for the Minnie Mitchell Archives Building will be on your right. Additional parking is available on Roper Street behind the museum. Parking is free.

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Discover more about Oakleigh House Museum

Oakleigh House Museum, nestled in the Oakleigh Garden Historic District of Mobile, Alabama, offers a captivating journey into the past. Built in 1833 by James W. Roper, this stunning Greek Revival mansion stands as a testament to the city's rich and complex history. The name 'Oakleigh' evokes the oak-laden meadow on which it was built. Designed in a distinctive T-shape to maximize cross-ventilation, Oakleigh is one of the largest homes of its kind in Alabama. The lower level, originally a raised basement, served as a workspace and storage area. The main living quarters are located on the second floor, accessed by a cantilever staircase designed by James Roper. Oakleigh has witnessed pivotal moments in Mobile's development, from its prosperity as a cotton port to the challenges of urban slavery, railroad expansion, deadly epidemics, the Civil War, and emancipation. The museum's collection, comprising over 1,000 artifacts dating from 1830 to 1900, offers a tangible connection to these events. Visitors can admire the Conning silver collection, Haviland Limoges china, and fine art pieces. The Oakleigh Historic Complex encompasses the Union Barracks, the Cox-Deasy Cottage, and the Minnie Mitchell Archives. The Union Barracks, built in 1867, tells the story of post-Emancipation life in Mobile. The Cox-Deasy Cottage, built in 1850, is a Creole raised cottage, an architectural style unique to the Gulf Coast region. The Minnie Mitchell Archives house a collection of Mobile maps, documents, family papers, photographs, rare books, and memorabilia. Oakleigh House Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm, with tours starting on the hour and the last tour departing at 3 pm. Admission is $12 for adults, $10 for seniors, and $5 for children ages 6-17.

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