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The Dowe Houses: A Glimpse into 19th-Century Montgomery

Explore the legacy of the Dowe family through these well-preserved historic homes in the heart of Montgomery, Alabama.

The Dowe Houses, a trio of historic residences on Washington Avenue, serve as a reminder of Montgomery's 19th-century residential neighborhood. Built by and for the Dowe family, the houses showcase architectural evolution and offer a glimpse into the lives of a prominent local family.

A brief summary to The Dowe Houses

  • 334 Washington Ave, Montgomery, Alabama, 36104, US

Local tips

  • Take a stroll around the neighborhood to appreciate the architecture and imagine life in 19th-century Montgomery.
  • Check out the historical marker on site to learn more about the Dowe family and the history of the houses.
  • Combine your visit with other nearby historical sites, such as the Alabama State Capitol and the Rosa Parks Museum, for a comprehensive tour of Montgomery's past.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Dowe Houses are located at 334 Washington Avenue in downtown Montgomery. From the Alabama State Capitol, walk west on Washington Avenue for approximately 5 blocks. The Dowe Houses will be on your left, just past Hull Street. The walk is relatively flat and should take about 10-15 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    The Montgomery Area Transit System (The M) provides bus service to the downtown area. Check The M's website or app for the most up-to-date routes and schedules. Several bus routes have stops within a few blocks of the Dowe Houses. From the Intermodal Center, take any bus that services Court Square and walk for 10 minutes. A single ride fare is $1.50.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Montgomery. A short taxi or ride-share trip from the Intermodal Center or downtown hotels to the Dowe Houses will typically cost between $5 and $10. Be sure to confirm the fare before you begin your trip.

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Discover more about The Dowe Houses

The Dowe Houses consist of three distinct residences that reflect the changing architectural styles and the enduring presence of the Dowe family in Montgomery. The main family residence, dating back to 1863, was originally constructed in the Italianate style. However, in 1908, it underwent a significant transformation, with the addition of a two-story columned portico in the Greek Revival style. This alteration gave the house its current appearance. In 1885, Joanna Dowe, then a widow, commissioned the construction of a second house just west of the original family home. This residence was celebrated for its eclectic style, hailed as an architectural revolution. The third house, built around 1890 in the American Queen Anne style, faces Hull Street, behind the main residence. The Dowe family occupied these houses for nearly 150 years, with John Dowe III, the last family member to reside there, passing away in 2007 at the age of 97. The Dowe Houses were added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1988 and are protected by a preservation easement held by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

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