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Old Tavern Museum: A Step Back in Time

Discover Tuscaloosa's captivating past at the Old Tavern Museum, a preserved 19th-century inn showcasing early Alabama life and architecture.

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The Old Tavern Museum in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, built in 1827, offers a glimpse into the city's past as a stagecoach stop and temporary capital. It showcases early 19th-century architecture and artifacts, providing insight into the lives of early settlers and significant historical events.

A brief summary to Old Tavern Museum

Local tips

  • Check the museum's limited opening hours (Tuesday to Saturday, 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM) before visiting.
  • Combine your visit with a walk through Capitol Park to see the ruins of the old Alabama State Capitol.
  • Consider visiting other nearby attractions such as the Murphy African American Museum or the Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater, walk southwest on Jack Warner Pkwy towards 27th Ave NE for about 0.5 miles until you reach 15th St NE. Turn right onto 15th St NE and walk for 0.3 miles, then turn left onto 6th Ave NE and walk for approximately 0.2 miles. The Old Tavern Museum will be on your left at 500 Nicks Kids Ave. There are no costs associated with walking.

  • Public Transport

    From the Tuscaloosa Transit Center at 1901 University Blvd, take the Route 1 bus towards Northport. Get off at the stop near the intersection of 15th St NE and 6th Ave NE. Walk south on 6th Ave NE for about 0.2 miles, then turn left onto Nicks Kids Ave. The Old Tavern Museum is on your right at 500 Nicks Kids Ave. A single bus fare is approximately $1.25.

  • Driving

    From the University of Alabama campus, head north on Campus Dr, then turn left onto 10th Ave NE. Continue to 6th St NE, turn right, and follow 6th St NE until you reach 15th St NE, where you will turn left. After about 0.5 miles, turn right onto Nicks Kids Ave. The Old Tavern Museum will be on your right at 500 Nicks Kids Ave. Guest parking is encouraged on University Boulevard; parking costs vary.

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Discover more about Old Tavern Museum

The Old Tavern Museum, located in Capitol Park in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, transports visitors to the early 19th century. Built in 1827 by William Dunton, it served as a tavern and hotel along the stagecoach route. The Tavern played a significant role in Tuscaloosa's social and political life, especially when the city served as Alabama's capital from 1826 to 1846. It hosted legislators, Confederate soldiers, and travelers, and even served as a temporary residence for Governor John Gayle from 1831 to 1835. The building itself is a rare example of early Tuscaloosa commercial architecture, showcasing French influences in its design. Originally located three blocks away, the Tuscaloosa County Preservation Society moved the Tavern to Capitol Park in 1964 to prevent its demolition. Today, the museum features furnished rooms, including a tavern room with a large fireplace and antique bar, offering a vivid representation of life in the 1800s. The museum displays a collection of artifacts, documents, and exhibits that detail the lives of early settlers and the evolution of the region. It also hosts events and educational programs, enhancing the visitor experience. The Old Tavern provides a unique glimpse into Alabama's history and the daily lives of those who shaped Tuscaloosa.

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