Visit the Gorgas House on the campus of the University of Alabama to admire the architecture of an early 19th-century mansion, to see displays of antique furniture and to learn about the history of the family of a former university president.
Built in 1929 as a university dining hall, Gorgas House is the oldest building on Tuscaloosa’s University of Alabama campus. It is also one of only seven campus buildings that survived the Civil War burnings by Union soldiers in 1865. In its long history this Greek Revival-style mansion has been utilized as a hotel, as the home of the university steward and as a hall of residence.
Today Gorgas House serves as a museum and offers a glimpse into the history of the family of Josiah Gorgas. Josiah Gorgas was a Confederate general and became president of the University of Alabama in 1878. Visit to admire displays of period furniture, a book collection, portraits and silverware that belonged to the Gorgas family members who occupied the house from 1879 to 1953. Look for an original Haines Brothers piano, which dates back to 1875.
Situated in the Gorgas-Manly Historic District of the University of Alabama campus, Gorgas House is a 10-minute drive from downtown Tuscaloosa. Trolleys travel between the university campus and the city’s downtown area. The university campus has three visitor parking areas, offering ample pay-and-display spaces.
Be sure to check out the other historic buildings located in the Gorgas-Manly Historic District. They represent the University of Alabama from its inception to the late 1800s. Among other buildings are the Gothic Revival-style Woods Hall and the octagonal-shaped Little Round House.
The Gorgas House is open from Monday to Friday. There is an inexpensive admission fee for visitors. University of Alabama students, staff and alumni can visit for free. The house is one of various stops on the guided tours arranged for prospective university students. Complete opening hours and admission fees are available on the house’s official website.
