Background

Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion: A Step Back in Time

Explore Tuscaloosa's history at the Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion, a stunning example of Italianate architecture and 19th-century innovation.

4.6

The Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, is a beautifully preserved Italianate mansion dating back to the pre-Civil War era. Built between 1859 and 1862 for Senator Robert Jemison Jr., it showcases the wealth and innovation of the time, with features like running water and gas lighting. Today, it operates as a historic house museum offering guided tours.

A brief summary to Jemison-Van De Graaff Mansion

Local tips

  • Check the Historic Tuscaloosa website for the most up-to-date tour schedule and any special events.
  • Allow at least 45 minutes for a guided tour to fully appreciate the mansion's history and architecture.
  • Parking is available on 14th Street, accessible from the right side of the mansion.
  • Consider combining your visit with a tour of other nearby historic sites, such as the Battle-Friedman House.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Walking

    The Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion is located a short walk south of downtown Tuscaloosa. From the downtown area, head south on Greensboro Avenue. The mansion will be on your left, set back from the road. The walk is generally flat and takes about 10-15 minutes. There are sidewalks along Greensboro Avenue. No costs are associated with walking.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Tuscaloosa. Request a ride to the Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion at 1305 Greensboro Avenue. A typical ride from downtown Tuscaloosa will cost approximately $8-$14, depending on the service and time of day.

  • Driving

    From downtown Tuscaloosa, take Greensboro Avenue south. The mansion is located at 1305 Greensboro Avenue. Guest parking is located on the right side of the mansion, accessible off 14th Street. Parking is free.

  • Public Transport

    The Tuscaloosa Transit Authority (TTA) provides bus service throughout the city. Several routes run near the Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion. Check the TTA website or app for the most up-to-date route information and schedules. Fixed bus route fares are $1 for adults.

Unlock the Best of Jemison-Van De Graaff Mansion

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Jemison-Van De Graaff Mansion

The Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion offers a glimpse into Tuscaloosa's rich history and antebellum opulence. Constructed between 1859 and 1862 for Robert Jemison Jr., a prominent state senator and businessman, the 26-room mansion was a state-of-the-art residence. Jemison built the mansion to entertain and house visiting colleagues. The mansion boasts many innovative features for its time, including running water, gas lighting, a hot water boiler, and even an indoor toilet—some of the earliest modern plumbing in the state. The house also features 14 different types of wood, most of which came from Jemison's own land holdings, showcasing the region's natural resources. The Italianate-style house was designed by Philadelphia architect John Stewart, who also designed Bryce Hospital. Jemison spared no expense, spending almost twice the amount it took for the state capitol building just in the frills. After remaining in the Jemison family for several generations, the mansion served as Tuscaloosa's public library from 1955 to 1979. Today, it operates as a historic house museum, offering guided tours that delve into the Jemison family history, the mansion's architecture, and Tuscaloosa's past. Some visitors have reported feeling cold spots and strange presences within the mansion. Legend says that the spirits of Jemison's daughter, Priscilla Cherokee, and her husband, Andrew Coleman Hargrove, haunt the premises after Hargrove tragically took his own life in the mansion's library in 1895.

Popular Experiences near Jemison-Van De Graaff Mansion

Popular Hotels near Jemison-Van De Graaff Mansion

Select Currency