Alabama State Capitol!

What Is the Alabama State Capitol?

It’s the Alabama State Capitol building!

What Makes It Historical?

Like many states, the capital of Alabama hopped around in its formative years: from St. Stephens in 1818 to Huntsville in 1819, Cahaba in 1820 to Tuscaloosa in 1826! Then, in 1846, the state legislature decided to make Montgomery the permanent capital, as long as the city of Montgomery footed the bill to build the capitol building!

Designed by Stephen Decatur Button, the new capitol was placed atop Goat Hill at the end of Dexter Avenue, the main commercial (and slave trading) center of the city. George Nichols was the superintendant of construction, but after a fire destroyed the first building on December 14, 1849, the roles reversed! Mr. Button was in Philadelphia and begame superintendant of construction while Mr. Nichols was made architect! This second building, which we see today, was completed on October 1, 1851!

Ten years later, six Southern states met in this capitol from February 4-8, 1861 to finalize their secession, then drafted a constitution on March 11 for their new Confederate States of America! Though Montgomery would only be the Confederate capital for a few months, it’s important to note that this same capitol building would be the destination of the voting rights march and the stage for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “Our God Is Marching On!” speech on March 25, 1965!

How Can I #HelpTheHelpers?

Pay the entrance fee to help maintain trails, signs, structures, and other visitor services!
Become a member of the Alabama Historical Association!
Donate to the Alabama Historical Association!
Be a responsible visitor! Please respect the signs and pathways, and treat all structures and artifacts with respect. They’ve endured a lot to survive into the present. They’ll need our help to make it into the future!