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Gorgas House Museum: A Step Back in Time

Explore 19th-century life at the University of Alabama's oldest building, the Gorgas House Museum, showcasing the legacy of the Gorgas family.

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The Gorgas House Museum, built in 1829, is the oldest structure on the University of Alabama campus. It served as a dining hall, hotel, and residence before becoming a museum dedicated to the Gorgas family, who lived there from 1879-1953. The house survived the burning of the university in 1865 and now displays original furnishings and 19th-century artifacts.

A brief summary to Gorgas House Museum

  • Tuesday 9 am-4:30 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-4:30 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-4:30 pm
  • Friday 9 am-4:30 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-4:30 pm

Local tips

  • Check the Gorgas House Museum website for the most up-to-date information on hours, special events, and closures.
  • Combine your visit with a tour of the nearby Alabama Museum of Natural History or the Paul W. Bryant Museum.
  • Consider visiting on a Saturday when parking in faculty/staff spaces is often free (except on UA Gameday Saturdays).
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Quad on the University of Alabama campus, walk west towards the Amelia Gayle Gorgas Library. The Gorgas House Museum is located one block west of the library, at the corner of Capstone Drive and McCorvey Drive. Look for the historic building at 810 Capstone Drive.

  • Public Transport

    If arriving via Tuscaloosa Transit, take any route that stops at the University of Alabama Transportation Hub. From there, walk north along Capstone Drive for approximately 0.2 miles. The Gorgas House Museum will be on your left at 810 Capstone Dr. A single ride on Tuscaloosa Transit costs approximately $1.25.

  • Driving

    When driving to the Gorgas House Museum, navigate to Capstone Drive on the University of Alabama campus. Limited visitor parking is available near Smith Hall, accessible from Hackberry Drive, with hourly rates of $1 for the first hour and $2 for each additional hour. Alternatively, parking ($5) is available in the North Ten Hoor and Student Center parking decks. Parking in Faculty/Staff parking spaces are free on Saturdays (except on UA Gameday Saturdays).

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Discover more about Gorgas House Museum

Step into the past at the Gorgas House Museum, a preserved landmark on the University of Alabama campus. Constructed in 1829, it's the oldest building on campus, witnessing the university's evolution. Designed by architect William Nichols, it showcases early Alabama architecture. Initially, the building functioned as a student dining hall, a campus hotel, and the residence for the university's steward. In the 1840s, it became a faculty residence. Remarkably, the Gorgas House is one of only four buildings to survive the burning of the university by Union troops in 1865, symbolizing resilience. The museum honors the Gorgas family, who resided there from 1879 to 1953. Josiah Gorgas, the eighth president of the University of Alabama, and his wife, Amelia Gayle Gorgas, left their mark on the institution. Josiah was the chief of ordnance for the Confederacy during the Civil War. Amelia served as the university librarian and expanded the school's collection. Today, the Gorgas House Museum displays original furnishings, artifacts, and memorabilia. Visitors can explore the rooms and learn about the university's founding, its role in the Civil War, and the Gorgas family's contributions. Guided tours are available, and the museum hosts special events.

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