Montgomery Tourist Attractions
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Montgomery, capital of Alabama, lies in the centre of the state on the east bank of the Alabama River. It can be said to be the birthplace of the Civil Rights Movement, and in the Baptist church in Dexter Avenue the first activities gathered around Martin Luther King. Nearby is the Civil Rights Memorial in memory of a man who gave his life for the movement. Old Alabama Town with its 19th C houses preserves something of the atmosphere of old Montgomery, once an important cotton market. Other places of interest are the Capitol and the White House, the oldest in the Confederate states. On the eastern outskirts of the town are the Museum of Fine Arts and the renowned Alabama Shakespeare Festival Theater. 43 mi. east of Montgomery is Tuskegee University, which originated as a college for the education of blacks founded by the former negro slave Booker T. Washington in 1881.
Alabama State Archives and History Museum
The State Archives and History Museum explore the development of Alabama through American Indian and pioneer artifacts. Other displays include Civil War regimental flags, portrait galleries, and a children's gallery.The State Archives in Montgomery was founded in 1901 as the first state archival agency in the nation. This turn of the century building features marble walls and staircases of Tennessee gray marble and Alabama white marble.The second floor of the archives is a room dedicated to former Vice President William Rufus King. The room displays King's personal furniture, silver, china, and some of this clothing. Documents on display allow visitors a glimpse of this fascinating man and the period in which he lived.
Jasmine Hill Gardens and Outdoor Museum
Jasmine Hill features over 20 acres of gardens with classical Greek sculptures. Jasmine Hill began as "A Little Corner of Greece" in the 1930s by Benjamin and Mary Fitzpatrick. It has grown into an outdoor museum featuring reproductions of famous Greek works of art.Olympic heroes and mythical gods are highlighted with statuaries throughout the gardens. A full-scale replica of the Temple of Hera ruins has also been added to the collection.
St John's Episcopal Church
St John's Episcopal parish in Montgomery was organized by a small group of pioneer settlers in 1834. By 1837, St John's parishioners had bought and occupied all 48 pews of the first brick church in town. The pew in which Jefferson Davis worshipped is marked.In 1855 a larger church was built at the other end of the same block. In 1865, St. John's along with all the other Episcopal churches in Alabama was closed by order of the Union Army. They re-opened again in 1866.
First White House of the Confederacy
The First White House of the Confederacy in Montgomery was the home of Jefferson Davis and his family after he was inaugurated in 1861.The First White House was moved 10 blocks to its present location in 1921 and then restored. The house features double parlors and a library. Mrs. Jefferson Davis donated many items for display including period furnishings, war relics and some of Davis' personal property.
Old Alabama Town
Old Alabama Town is a village depicting lifestyles of pioneers during the 19th and early 20th C. Buildings on the grounds include an 1850 three-story townhouse, salve quarters, a country doctor's office, a cotton gin, blacksmith shop and drugstore.The restored buildings feature a cross-section of lifestyles from pioneer living to the elegant life in a townhouse.
Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald Museum
The F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald Museum in Montgomery is located in the house where the Fitzgerald's lived during the writing of his 'Tender is the Night' and her 'Save Me the Waltz.' Two of the rooms pertain to Zelda, who was born and raised in Montgomery while other sections feature a collection of F. Scott Fitzgerald memorabilia.
Alabama State Capitol
The current State Capitol building in Montgomery was reconstructed in 1850 after the original was burned down after only 2 years. Built in Greek Revival style, as both the state Capitol and the Capitol of the Confederacy during the Civil War. The original governor's suite, house chamber, and senate chamber are open for tours.
Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church
Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church had the late Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr as its pastor from 1954-1960. The church can trace its roots back to 1877 where it was founded in a slave trader's pen. A mural inside the church features Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr's journey from Montgomery to Memphis.
Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts
Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts has a primary focus of American art including paintings, prints, and a graphics collection. Other highlights include 19th C American decorative arts, furnishings, porcelain and glass as well as European Masters.The museum also features traveling exhibtions and educational programs.
Montgomery Zoo
Over 500 animals call the Montgomery Zoo home. The exotic animals are from 5 different continents and are housed in natural habitats, grouped by geography in the outdoor settings. The Zoo has a number of rare and endangered species as well as an aviary with many birds that are native to the South American Tropics.
Mann Wildlife and Learning Museum
The Mann Wildlife and Learning Museum is located adjacent to the Montgomery Zoo. The collection features over 270 displays highlighting the family of North American Deer, Bear, Skunk, Grouse, Foxes and Cats. Each display provides 3-sided viewing in realistic settings allowing for an up-close and personal experience.
Alabama Shakespeare Festival
Alabama Shakespeare Festival operates year-round with presentations of classical and contemporary plays in two theaters, the 750-seat Festival Stage and 225-seat Octagon.
The Mooseum
The Mooseum is a children's museum devoted to the beef cattle industry. Interactive exhibits such as livestock or pioneers will appeal to all ages, including Dusty, who has a horn span of six feet from tip to tip.
Alabama War Memorial
The Alabama War Memorial was built to honor the Alabamians who fought in American wars.
Hank Williams Museum
Exhibits at the Hank Williams Museum in downtown Montgomery include the 1952 powder blue Cadillac, a Steinway piano, autographed record jackets, and costumes.
