Alabama State Capitol, River Region Travel Guide

The Alabama State Capitol, crowning Capitol Hill in Montgomery, is more than just a building; it's a living museum of Alabama's intricate history. Completed in 1851 in the Greek Revival style, it replaced an earlier structure that fell victim to fire. The building has witnessed pivotal moments in American history, serving as the birthplace of the Confederacy in 1861 when Southern states convened here to establish a new nation. A brass star on the west portico marks the spot where Jefferson Davis was inaugurated as the Confederacy's first and only president.Over a century later, the Capitol steps became a symbol of the Civil Rights Movement, as the 1965 Selma to Montgomery Voting Rights March culminated here with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. addressing an estimated 25,000 people. The building itself has been carefully restored, with the Senate Chamber reflecting its 1861 appearance and eight murals in the Rotunda depicting significant events in Alabama's past.Today, the Alabama State Capitol houses the Governor's office and other executive branch officers, and functions as a museum. Visitors can explore the historic House of Representatives, Senate Chamber, Old Supreme Court Chamber & Library, and Rotunda. The grounds feature monuments, statues, and gardens, offering a serene space for reflection. The Goat Hill Museum Store, located inside the Capitol at the Union Street entrance, offers a variety of Alabama-made gifts, specialty foods, and souvenirs.