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The First White House of the Confederacy

Step back in time at President Jefferson Davis's Montgomery home, showcasing original 1850s-60s furnishings and Confederate history.

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Visit the First White House of the Confederacy in Montgomery, Alabama, the executive residence of President Jefferson Davis and his family in 1861. This Italianate-style home, meticulously furnished with period pieces, offers a glimpse into the political and domestic life during the Confederacy's formative months.

A brief summary to The First White House of the Confederacy

  • Monday 8 am-3:30 pm
  • Tuesday 8 am-3:30 pm
  • Wednesday 8 am-3:30 pm
  • Thursday 8 am-3:30 pm
  • Friday 8 am-3:30 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-3:30 pm

Local tips

  • The house is closed on State holidays, so check the calendar before planning your visit.
  • Consider exploring the nearby Alabama State Capitol and the Alabama Department of Archives and History to enrich your understanding of Alabama's history.
  • Parking is limited; consider parking near the Alabama State Capitol or in downtown Montgomery and walking to the house.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Alabama State Capitol, walk south across Washington Avenue. The First White House of the Confederacy is located directly across the street, next door to the Alabama Department of Archives and History. The walk is short and straightforward.

  • Public Transport

    Montgomery Transit (The M) provides public transportation in the city. Check the M's website or app for routes and schedules to reach downtown Montgomery. From the nearest bus stop, walk to 644 Washington Avenue. A single ride fare is $2.

  • Driving

    If driving, navigate to 644 Washington Avenue, Montgomery, AL 36130. Limited street parking is available nearby. Consider parking near the Alabama State Capitol or in downtown Montgomery and walking to the house. Parking is free on the street with a permit distributed at the Montgomery Area Visitor Center, located in Union Station at 300 Water Street. Metered street parking is available on several surrounding blocks. All street parking is free after 5:00 PM and on weekends.

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Discover more about The First White House of the Confederacy

The First White House of the Confederacy, located in Montgomery, Alabama, served as the executive residence for Confederate President Jefferson Davis and his family during the early months of 1861. Montgomery was the capital of the Confederacy at that time. The house, an Italianate-style structure built around 1835, is a significant historical landmark, offering visitors a glimpse into the lives of the Davis family and the political climate of the Confederacy's beginnings. The house is believed to have been built by William Sayre, a Montgomery merchant. Later, J.G. Winter remodeled it before it was sold to Edmond Harrison. In February 1861, the Confederate Congress authorized the leasing of a furnished mansion for the president, and Harrison's house was chosen. The annual rent was $5,000, with an additional $987 for extra furnishings requested by the Davis family. The two-story house features a distinctive design with five bays across the front and four on each side. A one-story wing extends from the rear. The cornice is ornamented with a Liberty cap design. Inside, visitors can explore rooms furnished with original period pieces from the 1850s and 1860s. In 1919, the house was moved to its current location to prevent it from being demolished for a filling station. Today, the First White House of the Confederacy is open to the public, offering free admission. It is located across from the Alabama State Capitol and next to the Alabama Department of Archives and History.

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