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Alabama State Capitol: A Symbol of History

Explore Alabama's rich history and witness pivotal moments in American history at the Alabama State Capitol in Montgomery.

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The Alabama State Capitol in Montgomery, a National Historic Landmark, stands as a testament to pivotal moments in American history. Completed in 1851, it served as the Confederacy's first capitol and later as the culmination point for the Selma to Montgomery Voting Rights March. Today, it functions as a museum, offering visitors a glimpse into Alabama's rich past.

A brief summary to Alabama State Capitol

  • Monday 9 am-4 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-4 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-4 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-4 pm
  • Friday 9 am-4 pm

Local tips

  • Take a guided tour to fully appreciate the historical significance and architectural details of the Capitol.
  • Check out the Goat Hill Museum Store for unique Alabama-made gifts and souvenirs.
  • Visit nearby attractions such as the First White House of the Confederacy, the Civil Rights Memorial, and the Museum of Alabama.
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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 short walk uphill. Head east on Dexter Avenue, and the Capitol building will be visible at the top of the hill. The walk is approximately 0.3 miles and takes about 5-10 minutes. Be mindful of the incline.

  • Public Transport

    Montgomery Transit (MAX) bus routes serve the Alabama State Capitol area. Several bus lines, including routes 1, 2, 4, 5, and 8, have stops within a few blocks of the Capitol. The closest bus stops are typically at Madison & Bainbridge or Bainbridge & Dexter. A single ride fare on MAX is $1.25.

  • Driving

    If driving, use the address '600 Dexter Avenue, Montgomery, AL 36104' for GPS navigation. Metered street parking is available around the Capitol for 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. Note that buses unload passengers at the kiosks on Union Street.

Unlock the Best of Alabama State Capitol

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Discover more about Alabama State Capitol

Perched atop Capitol Hill in Montgomery, the Alabama State Capitol is more than just a building; it's a living museum of state history and politics. Completed in 1851 in the Greek Revival style, it replaced an earlier structure that was destroyed by fire. The Capitol has witnessed events of national and international significance. In 1861, the Confederate States of America was formed in its Senate Chamber. A brass star on the west portico marks the spot where Jefferson Davis was inaugurated as the Confederacy's first president. Over a century later, the Capitol served as the destination for the 1965 Selma to Montgomery Voting Rights March, a watershed moment in the Civil Rights Movement. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. addressed an estimated 25,000 people at the foot of the Capitol steps. The building itself is an architectural marvel, featuring Corinthian columns, a trompe l'oeil ceiling in the Senate Chamber, and eight murals in the Rotunda depicting scenes from Alabama history. While the Alabama Legislature no longer meets here, the Governor's office is located in the building, and the Capitol functions as a museum. Visitors can explore the historic House of Representatives, the Senate Chamber, and the Old Supreme Court Chamber & Library. The five-acre grounds surrounding the Capitol feature monuments, statues, and gardens. The Goat Hill Museum Store, located inside the Capitol at the Union Street entrance, offers a variety of Alabama-made gifts, books, and souvenirs.

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