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The Alabama State Capitol is located in Montgomery, which is the fifth capital of Alabama after moving there in 1846 from Tuscaloosa. The building was designated a National Historic Landmark on December 19, 1960.
History of the Alabama State Capitol
The original Alabama State Capitol was built in 1847 on top of what was then known as Goat Hill. It burned down in 1849. The current building was built on the same spot and opened in 1851. It briefly served as the Confederate Capitol from February to May 22, 1861, before moving to Richmond, Virginia. On April 12, 1865, the US flag was once again raised over the capitol.
Visiting
The Alabama State Capitol is open to visitors. It’s free of charge and open 8am to 4pm Monday through Friday, and 9am to 3pm on Saturdays. Several historic chambers, including the House of Representatives, Senate, Old Supreme Court and Library, and the Rotunda, are open to the public.
Exterior
Unfortunately, we weren’t able to enter the building because it was closed for Veteran’s Day, but we did have a chance to admire it from the outside. The main steps of the building, on the west side, have hosted some important historic events. Jefferson Davis took his oath of office as the President of the Confederate States of America on the steps on February 18, 1861. The spot where he stood is marked with a six pointed star, while a statue of him stands out front. Martin Luther King Jr. gave his How Long, Not Long speech from the steps after the Selma to Montgomery Voting Rights March on March 25, 1965.
On the south side is the Avenue of Flags, with each state flag lining a circular driveway. A native stone from each state is at the base of each flagpole. A monument called Duty Called (1986) by Branko Medenica is in front of the flags. The First White House of the Confederacy is located across the street.
On the north side of the building is the controversial Confederate Memorial Monument, which was dedicated on December 7, 1898. It stands 88 feet tall and is dedicated to Alabama’s 122,000 Confederate veterans. Critics have called for its removal but have been met by resistance from preservationists.
Other Government Buildings
Other important government buildings surround the Alabama State Capitol, including the Alabama State House to the southeast. This building, completed in 1963 as the Alabama Highway Department Building, has held the House and Senate chambers since 1985. The Lieutenant Governor’s office is also located there.
To the northwest is the Lurleen B. Wallace State Office Building, named for the state’s first female governor, Lurleen Wallace. She was the wife of George Wallace and held the role for just over a year, dying in office from cancer on May 7, 1968. The building was completed in 1954 as the State Office Building and was renamed in 1991.
To the southwest is the former Public Safety Building, which now holds the office of the Attorney General. It was completed in 1937, and the wings were later extended.
Museum of Alabama
Finally, to the south is the Alabama Department of Archives and History, which was formed in 1901. The building opened in 1940, and the second and third floors contain the Museum of Alabama. Admission to the museum is free (as of September 2023), and it’s open Monday through Saturday from 8am to 4pm.
In front is a relief map of Alabama, with important historic events marking each city. For example, Montgomery is represented by the bus boycott and Confederate Capitol, while Selma is represented by the Voting Rights March.
