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Historic Alabama Capitol: Echoes of Governance in Tuscaloosa

Discover the historical ruins of Alabama's former capitol in Tuscaloosa's Capitol Park, a significant landmark from 1826-1846.

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Explore the remnants of Alabama's third capitol building, which served as the state's center of government from 1826 to 1846, now preserved in Capitol Park in Tuscaloosa. Though the original building was destroyed by fire in 1923, the site offers a glimpse into Alabama's early political history and architectural heritage.

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

    Capitol Park is located at 2802 University Blvd, a short walk from many points in the University of Alabama campus area. From the intersection of University Boulevard and 6th Avenue, head west on University Boulevard for approximately 1.5 miles. The park will be on your left. Sidewalks are available for the majority of the route.

  • Public Transport

    The Tuscaloosa Transit Authority (TTA) operates several routes that stop near Capitol Park. From downtown Tuscaloosa, take any of the TTA routes to the University of Alabama campus. From there, it is a short walk to the park. A single ride fare is $1.

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    Taxi and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Tuscaloosa. A ride from downtown Tuscaloosa to Capitol Park typically costs between $8 and $15, depending on demand and traffic.

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 site of Alabama's third capitol building, which functioned as the state's center 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 designed by William Nichols and featured a Greek Revival style. It housed the chambers for the Supreme Court, the Senate, and the House of Representatives. However, as Alabama's population shifted eastward, a more centrally located capital was desired, leading to the selection of Montgomery as the new capital in 1846. Following the move to Montgomery, the former capitol building in Tuscaloosa was repurposed as the Alabama Central Female College. Unfortunately, tragedy struck in 1923 when the building was destroyed by a fire. Today, visitors to Capitol Park can still view the stone foundation and a couple of columns from the original structure. The park serves as a tranquil green space for reflecting on Alabama's history. The park also features historical markers detailing Tuscaloosa's complex history.

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