John Tyler Morgan House: A Glimpse into Selma's Past

The John Tyler Morgan House stands as a testament to both architectural elegance and historical significance in Selma, Alabama. Constructed in 1859 by Thomas R. Wetmore, the Greek Revival-style house was purchased in 1865 by John Tyler Morgan, who would become one of Alabama's most honored political and military leaders. Morgan, a key figure in the Secession Convention, served as a Brigadier General in the Confederate Army before embarking on a distinguished legal and political career. Elected to the U.S. Senate in 1876, he served for 30 years. During his time in the Senate, Morgan became known as the 'Father of the Isthmian Canal' and for his work on the Bering Sea Fisheries Commission. The house itself is a contributing property to Selma's Old Town Historic District and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972. Today, the Alabama Historical Commission's Old Cahawba Administrative Offices are located in the house. While the house is only open by appointment or during special events, it remains an important landmark in Selma, offering a glimpse into the life and times of a pivotal figure in Alabama's history.