Background

Historic Alabama Capitol 1826-1846: Echoes of Governance

Discover the ruins of Alabama's third capitol building in Tuscaloosa, a testament to the city's historical significance from 1826 to 1846.

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Explore the site of Alabama's third capitol building in Tuscaloosa, which served as the state's center of government from 1826 to 1846. Today, visitors can see the remnants of the original structure in Capitol Park, including the stone foundation and a few columns.

A brief summary to Historic Alabama Capitol 1826-1846

  • 2802 University Blvd, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, 35404, US

Local tips

  • Visit during daylight hours for the best views and photo opportunities of the Capitol ruins.
  • Combine your visit with a walk through historic downtown Tuscaloosa to see other nearby attractions.
  • Check the local tourism schedule for any special events or guided tours that may be available in Capitol Park.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the University of Alabama campus, head northwest on University Blvd towards 10th Ave. Continue straight for about 1.5 miles. You'll pass shops and restaurants. The Historic Alabama Capitol will be on your left at 2802 University Blvd. There is no fee to enter Capitol Park.

  • Public Transport

    You can take the Tuscaloosa public transit bus. Route 1 runs from downtown to the University area. Board the bus at a downtown stop and ride until you reach the intersection of University Boulevard and 28th Avenue East. From there, it is a short walk west to Capitol Park. A single ride fare is $1.

  • Parking

    If driving, dedicated parking is available on-site. Alternatively, free parking is available at the Tuscaloosa Intermodal Facility (IMF) at 2230 7th Street in downtown Tuscaloosa. From there, you can take the Tuscaloosa Transit bus or walk to the park. Limited parking is available near the Capitol Park entrance.

Unlock the Best of Historic Alabama Capitol 1826-1846

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Discover more about Historic Alabama Capitol 1826-1846

Capitol Park in Tuscaloosa marks the spot where Alabama's third capitol building once stood, serving as the state's seat of government from 1826 to 1846. Tuscaloosa was chosen as the capital due to its central location amidst the majority of white settlements at the time. The capitol building, completed in 1829, was a Greek Revival structure designed by William Nichols, featuring chambers for the Supreme Court, Senate, and House of Representatives. However, as Alabama's population shifted eastward, a more centrally located capital was desired, leading to the selection of Montgomery in 1846. The former capitol building in Tuscaloosa was then repurposed as the Alabama Central Female College. Tragedy struck in 1923 when the building was destroyed by a fire. Today, visitors to Capitol Park can still see remnants of the original structure, including the stone foundation and a couple of columns. The park offers a peaceful green space for reflection on Alabama's history. The park also features ample seating around the park and trail, as well as near the gazebo.

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