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Arlington Antebellum Home & Gardens: A Step Back in Time

Discover Birmingham's only antebellum mansion, showcasing 19th-century decorative arts and offering a glimpse into the Old South's elegant past.

4.5

Experience the elegance of the Old South at Arlington Antebellum Home & Gardens, Birmingham's only antebellum mansion. This historic house museum, dating back to the 1840s, showcases a remarkable collection of 19th-century decorative arts and offers a glimpse into the lives of a prominent Southern family. Explore the meticulously preserved rooms and stroll through the six acres of landscaped gardens.

A brief summary to Arlington Antebellum Home & Gardens

  • Tuesday 10 am-3 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-3 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-3 pm
  • Friday 10 am-3 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-3 pm

Local tips

  • Check the official website for the latest information on opening hours, special events, and possible closures.
  • Consider visiting during one of Arlington's special events, such as the Christmas at Arlington celebration or a ghost tour, for a unique experience.
  • Allow ample time to explore both the interior of the mansion and the surrounding gardens.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From the Birmingham Intermodal Facility (Central Station), take the MAX bus Route 3 towards Jefferson/Wenonah. Get off at the intersection of 31st St N and Cotton Ave SW. Walk west on Cotton Ave SW for about 0.5 miles. Arlington Antebellum Home & Gardens will be on your right. A one-way bus fare is $1.50.

  • Driving

    If driving from downtown Birmingham, head southwest on I-20 W/I-65 N. Take exit 124 for US-11/AL-149 toward Ensley/Brighton. Turn right onto US-11 N/AL-149 N/Bessemer Rd. Continue straight onto Cotton Ave SW. Arlington Antebellum Home & Gardens will be on your right. Parking is available on-site. Expect to pay around $5 for parking.

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Discover more about Arlington Antebellum Home & Gardens

Arlington Antebellum Home & Gardens, located in Birmingham, Alabama, is a captivating reminder of the city's rich and complex past. As the only antebellum mansion in the city, it offers visitors a unique opportunity to step back in time and experience the elegance of the Old South. The story of Arlington begins in 1822 when Stephen Hall, a settler from Georgia, acquired 475 acres of land. In 1842, William S. Mudd, a prominent jurist and one of the founders of Birmingham, purchased the property and transformed it into a grand eight-room mansion in the Greek Revival style. Mudd named his estate "The Grove". The house was constructed between 1845 and 1850, showcasing the architectural trends of the time. During the Civil War, Arlington served as the headquarters for General James H. Wilson while he planned his raid to destroy Confederate factories and munitions in Selma. Remarkably, the house emerged from the war unscathed. After Mudd's death, the property changed hands several times. In 1902, Robert S. Munger, a wealthy cotton gin manufacturer, purchased the estate and renamed it "Arlington," making extensive renovations, adding modern amenities. In 1953, a group of concerned citizens and the City of Birmingham joined forces to purchase Arlington, ensuring its preservation for future generations. Today, Arlington Antebellum Home & Gardens serves as a decorative arts museum, featuring a collection of 19th-century furniture, textiles, silver, and paintings. The restored garden room is used for special events. Throughout the year, Arlington hosts a variety of special events, including ghost hunts, exhibitions, and seasonal activities.

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