Alabama State Capitol

Alabama State Capitol

Completed in 1851, this National Historic Landmark is a museum of state history and politics. Additions to the building were made several times. The Capitol was restored in 1992. The Confederacy began in the original Senate chamber and the Selma to Montgomery 1965 Voting Rights March ended on the street in front of the building. Today, the governor and other executive branch officers still occupy offices in the Capitol.

In 1846, following Cahawba and Tuscaloosa, Montgomery became Alabama's capital city. The first capitol building, a handsome Greek Revival structure designed by Philadelphia architect Stephen Button, was built in 1847. In 1849 the building burned. Between 1850-51, the present capitol building, also in the Greek Revival style, was constructed on the same site. A rear wing was added in 1885 and the two side wings between 1906 and 1912. A rear extension with a neoclassical portico similar to the original west front portico was completed in 1992.

The Alabama State Capitol was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1962. Not only is the Alabama State Capitol a revered symbol to thousands of Alabamians but a significant monument in American history.

A major effort to rehabilitate the Capitol began in the 1970s. While most of this work was finished in 1992, efforts to restore and enhance the historical character of the building are ongoing by the Alabama Historical Commission.

Alabama Historical Commission

600 Dexter Avenue, Montgomery, Alabama 36104

Saturdays: Use rear entrance at 1 North Union Street

Directions: Take exit 1, I-85, and turn north on Union Street. Continue 1/2 mile. The Capitol is on the left after Washington Avenue.

(334) 242-3188 Christy Carl, Site Director christine.carl@preserveala.org (334) 242-3935 Tour Office/Education capitoltours@preserveala.org

(334) 353-4969 Goat Hill Museum Store

Tours and Education

Contact the Tour Office at (334) 242-3935 or capitoltours@preserveala.org