Background

Alabama State Capitol: A Historic Landmark

Explore Alabama's history at the State Capitol in Montgomery, from its Confederate origins to its role in the Civil Rights Movement.

4.8

The Alabama State Capitol in Montgomery is a National Historic Landmark with a rich history. Completed in 1851, it served as the Confederacy's first capitol and was the site where the Selma to Montgomery Voting Rights March ended in 1965. Today, it functions as a museum, offering visitors a glimpse into Alabama's past.

A brief summary to Capitol Historic Building Tour

Local tips

  • Take a guided tour for in-depth insights into the Capitol's history and architecture; reservations are required for groups of 15 or more.
  • Visit the Goat Hill Museum Store inside the Capitol for unique Alabama-made gifts and souvenirs.
  • Combine your visit with nearby historical sites like the Civil Rights Memorial and Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church for a comprehensive experience.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Walking

    From downtown Montgomery, including areas around Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church or the Civil Rights Memorial, the Alabama State Capitol is a relatively short walk uphill. Head east on Dexter Avenue, and you'll see the Capitol building at the top of the hill. The walk is about 0.3 miles and takes approximately 5-10 minutes. Be mindful of the incline as you approach Capitol Hill.

  • Public Transport

    The Montgomery Area Transit System (MATS) provides bus service to the vicinity of the Alabama State Capitol. Several bus routes, including routes 1, 2, 4, 5, and 8, have stops within a short walking distance of the Capitol. The closest bus stops are Bainbridge & Dexter and Madison & Bainbridge. A single ride fare on MATS is $1.25.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Montgomery. A ride from downtown Montgomery to the Alabama State Capitol typically costs between $8 and $12, depending on traffic and demand.

  • Driving

    If driving, use the address '600 Dexter Avenue, Montgomery, AL 36104' for GPS navigation. Metered street parking is available around the Capitol, costing approximately $0.50 per hour, with a two-hour limit. Metered parking is free on Saturdays and Sundays. Free parking is also available at Cramton Bowl Stadium or Paterson Field, with a shuttle or a longer walk to the Capitol. The Alabama Center for Commerce Parking Deck is also nearby.

Unlock the Best of Capitol Historic Building Tour

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Capitol Historic Building Tour

The Alabama State Capitol, perched atop Capitol Hill (originally known as Goat Hill), has been a symbol of Alabama's history and politics for over 150 years. The building, completed in 1851 in the Greek Revival style, replaced an earlier structure that burned down. It holds the distinction of being the first capitol of the Confederacy, where delegates from Southern states voted to establish a new nation in 1861. A brass star on the west portico marks the spot where Jefferson Davis was inaugurated as the Confederacy's first president. More than a century later, the Capitol steps became the final destination of the Selma to Montgomery Voting Rights March in 1965. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. addressed an estimated 25,000 people, delivering a powerful speech that underscored the importance of voting rights. Today, the Alabama State Capitol is recognized as an official destination on the U.S. Civil Rights Trail. The Capitol building houses the governor's office and other executive branch officers. Visitors can explore the restored House of Representatives, Senate Chamber, Old Supreme Court Chamber and Library, and the Rotunda. The Goat Hill Museum Store, located inside the Capitol at the Union Street entrance, offers Alabama-made gifts and souvenirs.

Popular Experiences near Capitol Historic Building Tour

Popular Hotels near Capitol Historic Building Tour

Select Currency