The First White House of the Confederacy, Montgomery Travel Guide

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.