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The First White House of the Confederacy

Step back in time at President Jefferson Davis's Montgomery home, filled with original period furnishings, and explore the Confederacy's beginnings.

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Visit the historic Montgomery home where Jefferson Davis, the President of the Confederacy, lived with his family in 1861. This Italianate-style house, fully furnished with period pieces, offers a glimpse into a pivotal moment in American history and is free to tour.

A brief summary to The First White House of the Confederacy

  • Monday 8 am-4 pm
  • Tuesday 8 am-4 pm
  • Wednesday 8 am-4 pm
  • Thursday 8 am-4 pm
  • Friday 8 am-4 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-3:30 pm

Local tips

  • Allow at least 1-2 hours to fully explore the house and its exhibits.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Alabama State Capitol and the Alabama Department of Archives and History.
  • Check the opening hours before your visit, as the house is closed on state holidays.
  • Groups with more than 10 individuals need to make reservations at least two weeks prior to your arrival.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Alabama State Capitol, walk south across Washington Avenue. The First White House of the Confederacy is located directly across the street, next to the Alabama Department of Archives and History. The walk is short and straightforward.

  • Public Transport

    The First White House of the Confederacy is easily accessible by public transportation. Several bus routes stop near the Alabama State Capitol, a short walk from the house. A single ride on a Montgomery Area Transit System (MATS) bus costs $2.00.

  • Driving

    If driving, navigate to 644 Washington Avenue, Montgomery, AL 36130. Limited metered street parking is available nearby, costing approximately $1 per hour. All street parking is free after 5:00 PM and on weekends. Free parking is available with a permit distributed at the Montgomery Area Visitor Center, located in Union Station at 300 Water Street.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Montgomery. A short taxi ride from downtown Montgomery will typically cost between $8 and $15, depending on traffic and the specific service used.

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Discover more about The First White House of the Confederacy

The First White House of the Confederacy in Montgomery, Alabama, served as the executive residence of President Jefferson Davis and his family during the early months of the Confederacy in 1861. Built in 1835, this Italianate-style house is now a museum, offering visitors a glimpse into the lives of the Davis family and the political climate of the time. Located in downtown Montgomery, across from the Alabama State Capitol, the house is furnished with original period pieces from the 1850s and 1860s. Visitors can explore the restored rooms and learn about the events that unfolded during the Confederacy's brief time in Montgomery. The house is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage, ensuring its preservation for future generations. The house was initially built by William Sayre, a merchant in Montgomery, between 1832 and 1835. Later, it was owned by J.G. Winter, who remodeled it before selling it to Edmond Harrison. In February 1861, the Confederate Congress authorized the leasing of an executive mansion, and Harrison offered his house for $5,000 per year. Jefferson Davis, his wife Varina, and their family moved in shortly after. The house served as a hub for Confederate political and social life, hosting numerous gatherings and events. However, Montgomery's time as the Confederate capital was short-lived, as the capital moved to Richmond, Virginia, in May 1861. In 1919, the house was moved to its current location at 644 Washington Avenue with the help of funds from the Alabama Legislature. Today, the First White House of the Confederacy is open to the public as a museum, offering guided tours and exhibits that explore the history of the house, the Davis family, and the Confederacy.

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