On our journey to visit all 50 capital cities and capitol buildings, we landed in Montgomery, Alabama this day. The building is a gorgeous and brilliant white. It sits upon a hill. As you approach, you are greeted with a large wooden door that's quite heavy to pull open. Security is quick and courteous. After we received wristbands, we were orientated on the history of the building and grounds. Points of interest include the room where the 7 state leaders met to vote for secession from the Union and the room where Jefferson Davis was elected President of the Confederacy. The seemingly floating cantilevered stairs leading to these rooms were designed and engineered by a former slave. The gift shop is large with a wonderful collection of Alabama pottery, jewelry, housewares, food items, and more. Bathrooms are clean and well kept. read more

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Cute capitol building even though it's very small. Security is very kind and informative. There is plenty street parking around. Interesting history in and around the building. read more

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I only got to explore the outside grounds of the Alabama State Capitol. I didn't have much time in Montgomery for personal time, so I packed a lot into an afternoon and this was a spot that was along the way. When you see the Capitol from down the street it feels miniscule. As you get nearer, you notice the enormously of, not only the building, but the complex that makes up the State Capitol. The building and the ground it sits on takes up a good amount of space. Being at a high point that overlooks a majority of the city, you kind of get that feeling you are on the higher ground. Surrounding the main Capitol building you have the complex that stores the offices of the two chambers that make up the state government. The connectivity of the complex can be seen and felt. If, you are like me, you tour the grounds on your own, you can see many memorials and statues. What stood out for me is the replica of the Liberty Bell, and the walkway that is lined with what feels like progression made. Along with the chamber buildings, the Capitol is surrounded by buildings that hold historical significance in not only the local level, but state and national level as well. The Alabama State Capitol definitely melds into the fabric of the city. It is nice to see the streets that branch out in all directions when you are at the top of this hill. read more

Alabama State Capitol - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Montgomery, Alabama

The Alabama State Capitol is a breathtaking building where a lot of history took place. In fact, the Confederacy began here in 1861, and so many more historical events happened that not only changed Alabama, but America as well. You can see where it all took place as it is open to the public free of charge. The Alabama State Capitol is a museum and a place where modern day decisions are made. Not every room and hallway are open to the public, but a lot are, and you will leave with a greater understanding of the past and memories that will last. Photos are allowed. George Vreeland Hill read more

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It's the state capital. A visit here is a must. The architecture and history behind the building can be fascinating. We visited with a tour guide who did a great job adding the purpose and history of various items. read more

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The building is very grand, quite the sight to behold, the monuments outside are of poor taste. The gallery inside the building is modern and unremarkable. The modern busts are not of the neoclassical style, maybe because they're too close to the new reality of how people look. You can actually look into people's offices which might be a little uncomfortable to the people working there. "Those who forget their history are condemned to repeat it." George Santayana, Spanish-American philosopher read more

I really enjoyed touring the state capitol with a group of curious 4th graders. It's a beautiful building with lots of history. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and shared lots of facts about Alabama's history. We didn't get a chance to meet Governor Ivey but we did see her office. read more

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No guided tours, but friendly and courteous employees. Facility was clean and well maintained and parking was not difficult.

It is closed to tours during COVID, but I still enjoyed walking around it. If you love history, walking, and architecture, it is worth a stop. You can also hit up the Dexter Church, Winter House, and Rosa Park monument nearby. There's a slight hill up to the Capitol, but it is a pretty easy jaunt. A great way to get out some extra COVID energy. read more

Alabama State Capitol - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Montgomery, Alabama

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Adding Montgomery Alabama to my collection of State Capitols. I was here briefly on a Sunday when everything was closed. But there's enough to stuff to see on the grounds with lots of historical markers and statues. It's an impressive structure with the large white dome and lots of white marble. On top of the dome, the US flag flies above the Alabama flag. I'm sure there are lots of people around that would rather see a different flag on top. There is a marker nearby that notes that the flags have been this way since April 12, 1865. Three days after the surrender in Appomattox. read more

Alabama State Capitol - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Montgomery, Alabama

This was an amazing experience - among the best I had over my weekend of exploring Montgomery. A LOT of history has taken place in this state capitol building! The House Chamber was where the ordinance of secession that withdrew Alabama from the United States of America was passed. The Senate Chamber was where the provisional constitution for the Confederate States of America was drawn up. On February 18, 1861, Jefferson Davis stood on the steps leading up to the front entrance and took his oath of office to become the only president of the Confederate States of America (a brass marker in the shape of a star commemorates the spot). This is also where George Wallace gave his 1963 inaugural address after being elected Governor of Alabama (famous for the phrase "segregation now, segregation tomorrow, segregation forever"). Also here? It was at the foot of the steps in front of this building that the third Selma-to-Montgomery march ended on March 25, 1965, with 25,000 protesters present. Governor Wallace refused to allow the civil rights marchers (who included Martin Luther King, Jr., Ralph Abernathy, Coretta Scott King, Roy Wilkins, A. Philip Randolph, Bayard Rustin, John Lewis, Harry Belafonte, James Baldwin, and more) to step onto the Capitol grounds. Martin Luther King, Jr. gave his "How Long, Not Long" speech on the bed of a truck raised on the street in front of the capitol. The history is amazing, and the building is beautiful. But what really made this an amazing experience was my guide - Aroine Irby. Mr. Irby is an Air Force veteran who served in Vietnam who marched from Selma to Montgomery in 1965 and was on the Edmund Pettus Bridge on Bloody Sunday (where the first Selma-to-Montgomery march ended). He is also a historian and was full of interesting and important and often personal knowledge about the history of Alabama. Being guided through this building by someone who was personally affected by the events that took place within in and who was active in the civil rights movement in Alabama was a treasure. I don't think any tour of any other capitol building could measure up to this. A simply wonderful experience! read more

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When visiting Montgomery, AL, why not make your way to the state capitol, where the civil rights marchers arrived demanding the right for us to vote. My family and I had to make this trip. read more

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What a beauty ! Super cool experience, finally was able to check my first capital off the list. Walking around, reading the signs, talking with employees and learning so much, simply being in Alabama was a time I will never forget. read more

Alabama State Capitol - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Montgomery, Alabama

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Apparently a lot went down here. I am now just realizing the significance of this historic site. Free to view on your own, the capitol features a rotunda with impressive artwork, a gift shop, dedication to fallen AL soldiers, and much more. Metal detectors and a security guard are at the door, so know your bags will be searched. The outside garden areas are also very well maintained. We were trying to figure out how the landscapers cut the grass on the steep slope. If anyone ever finds out, please let me know. You will park on the street with parking meters, so make sure to have coins. read more

Alabama State Capitol - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Montgomery, Alabama

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Looks great at night as you're driving up the street. The view from the fountain all the way to the Capitol building is amazing great picture opportunities. Make sure you walk all the way down the street to check out the fountain by the roundabout and get both views of the Capitol building from up close and far away. read more

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I have lived in Montgomery my entire life, and I have never had the chance to visit the Alabama State Capitol, until yesterday. I had the pleasure of taking my two little sisters (who had never been either), and we all had a blast! We had just made it in time for the 2:00pm tour, which was led by a tour guide. Let me just say the tour guide was PHENOMENAL. She really knew so much about Alabama's history. The tour guide also asked several times if anyone had any questions, and she answered every question thoroughly. The one cool thing about our tour was that Dr. Richard Bailey stopped in and spoke a few words on Horace King. I learned in the tour that Horace King built the wonderful stairs that are placed in the Capitol building. For those who don't know, Dr. Bailey is an Alabama historian, author, and has an award-winning radio documentary. I thought that was so cool. It felt great being in the midst of so much history. The tour was awesome and is an activity that everyone should try to do! read more

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June 26, 2013, I arrived in Montgomery with my husband, daughter and her best friend. We parked the call and decided to walk around downtown Montgomery. This was my husband and my second trip to this lovely town. Some History about the building itself: The current capitol building was built from 1850 to 1851, with Barachias Holt as supervising architect.[4][7][8] Holt, originally from Exeter, Maine, was a master mechanic by trade. Following his work on the capitol he created a successful sash, door, and blind factory in Montgomery. The new building utilized the brick foundations and general layout of Button's previous structure, with modifications by Holt. The modifications included a full three-story building over a basement and a three-story front portico, this time without a pediment. Holt's dome was a departure from the previous work also, this time the wood and cast iron dome was supported on a ring of Corinthian columns and topped with a simple twelve-sided glazed lantern. John P. Figh and James D. Randolph were the principal contractors. Figh had previously completed extensive brickwork on the William Nichols-designed campus for the University of Alabama at Tuscaloosa. Randolph was in charge of the carpentry work, which was at least partially accomplished by subcontractors.[10] Nimrod E. Benson and Judson Wyman were the building supervisors. The new capitol building was first occupied by the Alabama Legislature on October 1, 1851. The clock over the portico was installed in February 1852. The clock, along with a bell, was purchased by the City of Montgomery and presented to the state in 1852. In proportion to the capitol building, the clock appears as a square white box with black dials and crowned with a gabled roof. The dials are 10 feet (3.0 m) in diameter with 4-foot (1.2 m) minute hands and a 3-foot (0.91 m) hour hands. It has been criticized as architecturally inappropriate on various occasions since its initial installation. With the secession of Alabama and six other Deep South states and subsequent formation of the Confederacy in February 1861, the building served as its first capitol until May 22, 1861.[2] A commemorative brass marker in the shape of a six-pointed star is set into the marble floor of the front portico at the precise location where Jefferson Davis stood on February 18, 1861 to take his oath of office as the only President of the Confederate States of America read more

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...OF GREAT HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE! The capitol building is a very stately building, (as one would expect) that sits atop a hill and dominates what was once referred to as Goat Hill. There is no other place that this building could have been built because it is perfectly situated so that when you stand at the center of town where the grand fountain is located, you have an unobstructed view of this beautifully designed grand structure. When the Selma marchers saw that building in the distance, they had to just be suddenly filled with renewed energy and excitement knowing that they were just minutes away from completing their historic journey. The front features a grand façade, marble staircase and beautifully landscaped lawn with mature magnolia trees. A statue of Jefferson Davis, (President of the Confederacy) is directly to the left of the steps. As you travel around to the left side of the building at the top of the steps, is a very impressive, (huge at 88 feet tall and very detailed. It was erected to recognize the 122, 000 men who fought in the war. As someone who is very interested in Civil War history, this monument was a "Wow" for me and I found it difficult to pull away. However, you can't really look at this monument without wondering how the people of Montgomery feel about its presence in today's political climate. Moving to the rear of the capitol, you will notice an expansive lawn along with a copy of the liberty bell and a sculpture of a policeman designed to honor fallen officers. The standout feature is the avenue of flags which form a semi-circular pattern framing the liberty bell and each flag has an engraved plate at its base to identify the state of origin. ` When you finally enter the building, you will have a security check before moving on. I immediately went to the second floor to check out the main rotunda which is always a cool visual when you lean over and look up and down. This floor is where the old house chamber is located. This chamber is very significant because this is where the vote for succession was discussed and eventually approved. Yes, this little room is where the Confederacy was born! Now wrap your head around that! If you decide to return to the main floor without using the elevator, you may use one of the twin spiraling stair cases which are stunning (as is the chandelier that sits between them). It is ironic to know that they were actually designed by a former slave, Horace King (Yaz Honey!). Access to this building is limited because it contains government offices with employees who are hard at work. Even so, tourists are allowed to wander into non-restricted areas and look at various artifacts and displays. I asked one particular woman how she felt about strangers wandering into her office during work hours and she gave a brilliant speech about how much she appreciated the visitors and what a privilege it is to work in such a beautiful building. I am not buying it! I will be the voice in her head which would say the following: "I think it's creepy and weird but since I am at the mercy of the powers that be and have no control over my own work environment, I have to just deal with it! Ugghhh!" There was probably a lot more to see in this building but my personal agenda was very narrow so I saw what I wanted to see and was off to the next landmark. Nevertheless, I really appreciated everyone who warmly greeted us graciously allowed us to peek into their offices and personal space. Thank you! read more

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We love coming here for the Saturday tours. I have been 5 times in 2.5 years. It's always a pleasure. The guide is a historian and a gem with enthusiasm for his work. I can recommend a visit whole heartedly. Tip: first tour on Saturday morning. read more

I visited the Alabama State Capitol in the spring of 2005. It was my 11th State Capitol. Alabama's Capitol is not going to knock you on your ass with its grandeur or opulance. But it will suck you in with its Southern charms and its fascinating history. It is because of this historical significance that the Alabama State Capitol gets five stars. It is, quite simply, the most interesting Capitol I have visited. The Alabama Capitol's "money shot" is the view from the rotunda floor up into the inner dome. It is a jaw droppingly beautiful sight. The inner dome is wonderfully rendered in soft pastel colors, pinks, purples and yellows. The overall effect is one of pure class. This is a damn nice capitol. While most of the legislative functions have long since left the Alabama Capitol to newer buildings closeby, the governor of Alabama still maintains his office in this building. The historic legislative chambers have been lovingly restored to their appearance during the Civil War era. In fact, it was in the Assembly chamber that representatives of the southern states voted to secede from the Union and form the Confederacy. It's pretty amazing to stand in the very chamber where this momentous decision was made. The Alabama Capitol has been the site of many turning points in American history. On the front steps of the Capitol is a plaque marking the spot where Jefferson Davis stood to take the oath of office of the presidency of the Confederacy. Not far from this spot was where Martin Luther King stood 100 years later to deliver some of the important early addresses in the Civil Rights Movement. At the Alabama Capitol, a lot of different strands come together to make one fascinating, and beautiful, state capitol experience. read more

If you happen to be in Montgomery on a Saturday don't miss the opportunity to take a Capital tour with Mr. Aroine Irby. Mr. Irby is a retired Air Force Colonel who was on the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma when violence broke out and turned a peaceful march into a Bloody Sunday. His knowledge of the building and state history is incredible. He is charismatic and obviously loves his job. So glad I didn't decide to blow off the tour! read more

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If you're down in Montgomery you should know its free to walk around and explore the inside of this building. I'm really glad we made a stop here. The staff inside the building are super friendly and welcoming to visitors. When you first walk inside you pass through a small and quick security point with a metal detector and bag check. Be sure to really check out the interior of the rotunda while inside. It makes for great photos and has a lot of cool murals painted on it. Also, there are some other cool historic rooms to check out while inside along with pictures and sculptures of past governors. read more

Alabama State Capitol - The interior of the rotunda at the Alabama Capitol Building. - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Montgomery, Alabama

Parking was incredibly easy, parked on the street for free in a space that was almost right in front of the famous Capitol steps. I've been to several State Capitols, and this had the easiest access to any of them, although this may be because nothing was in session, and the downtown area seemed pretty dead. The guard (big guy with a shaved head, wish I remembered his name) was really nice and told us where to go after we went through the scanner. Some of the offices, like the governor's, are closed off, but you can check out the historical legislative chambers, and see the beautiful rotunda area. When we were done, we headed around the corner to the 1861 White House. This is open a half-hour later than the Capitol. It was apparently moved from its original location, but much of the furniture inside is from the family. It is free, and you self-guide your way through the house with the help of a binder with descriptions of each of the rooms. The lady working in the gift shop was very helpful here. MLK's church is basically right across from the Capitol steps, so we were able to take a look, although it wasn't open. Must visit area, very interesting from a historical standpoint. read more

Five stars simply because of the historical events that have taken place in this building. Starting with the vote to form the Confederate States of America which occured in the senate chambers on February 4, 1861. Jefferson Davis was sworn in as the President of the CSA on the front steps of this building on February 9, 1861. It was from these same steps in 1962 that Governor Wallace gave his speech which included these words "segregation now, segregation tomorrow, segregation forever" . And it was to these steps that the Selma to Montgomery voters right march ended in March of 1965. (the marchers weren't allowed on the steps or into the building because of the color of their skin) The building is open for self guided tours Monday through Friday or you can take a guided tour on Saturdays at 9, 11, 1 or 3 - we would highly recommend the guided tour - hopefully Aroine Irby will be your guide. He is a wealth of knowledge, both of a historical nature and on a personal level. read more

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Had to visit this place to see where Dr. King and many others completed the march from Selma. There is a plaque outside dedicated to the march and they allow tours of the inside for free. The building and architecture are beautiful, and there is tons of history preserved. This is another one of those places that is a challenge for me based on what transpired historically with slavery and the American Indians in Alabama. Inside are murals of historical events and rooms preserved from the 1800s with homage to confederate leaders that are nicely decorated; but made me a bit aggy knowing human rights were discarded and discounted by those revered in these halls. Nonetheless, beautiful building with accurate historical design; despite my feelings I am glad to have visited this place and would recommend it to others. It is history and an important part so it should not be missed when you are in Montgomery. read more

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Great place to take family pictures. Lovely on the outside, I feel conflicted about the inside. Oh history.

This is my favorite capitol in all of Alabama. It is historic yet manages to accomplish all the basic functions of a state government. Expectations should not run high, however, as basic means no frills: it only operates 30 days or less per year without a special call from the Governor, and ethics rules are the bare bones essentials at best, but it gets the job done. read more

This beautiful and impressive capitol building is a must see if you're in Montgomery. It is right across the street from the first confederate white house as well as the Civil Rights Museum. It's easy to find parking in this lightly populated state capitol. read more

I was amazed with how many historical things took place here, along with all of the markers everywhere giving you a quick blurb here and there. The building was closed, but I pressed on and had a good time. read more

While in Pensacola Florida we met some friends in Montgomery and toured the Alabama State Capitol Building. The thing we noticed as we walked up was the giant set of steps. This is actually where the Selma to Montgomery march ended, at the foot of the steps. The steps have continued to be the rallying point for civil demonstrations over the succeeding years. We also noticed the Avenue of Flags, which is a major feature of the Alabama State Capitol grounds. It is a grouping of the flags of the U.S. states, with a native stone from each state, engraved with its name, set at the base of each flagpole. The flagpoles are arranged in a semi-circle between the Ionic portico of the capitol building's south wing and Washington Avenue. We eventually made our way inside and were given a map to begin our self-guided tour. Some of the highlights were the old senate floor, the house floor, the supreme court room and library, the rotunda and dome. We decided to start in the rotunda, and found that it is the most beautiful part of the capitol with portraits of recent governors along with amazing murals recounting Alabama history. It was amazing. We had a great time, but I really wish we had been able to take a guided tour. I mean, we learned a few things from some of the workers walking around, but I think we would have enjoyed it a lot more if we had been on a docent lead tour. Oh well, we still enjoyed our visit and highly recommend exploring the capitol when in the area. Read more about the capitol, and our visit, on my travel blog post. read more

Alabama State Capitol - Avenue of the Flags - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Montgomery, Alabama

My husband and I took the guided tour of the Alabama State Capitol and I highly recommend it. Our tour guide was a wealth of information and stories. The interior of the building has a beautiful rotunda...best picture taking is by laying down on the floor directly below and centered on the rotunda. How do I know that? That's what our guide told us to do...he was right! The twin spiral staircases are also quite impressive. There is a lot of history in this building....not to be missed. read more

Architecturally this state capitol is rather ho-hum, nothing too special.. When you go upstairs and look at the rotunda from under and all the murals which surround it, you are seeing the only truly impressive architectural feature.. As other reviewers mentioned, historical context makes this quite interesting, as this was the first capitol of the Confederacy. It is also rather a strange place.. Most legislative functions are now performed across the street, so this place has become almost a museum, although some governmental functions and offices are still in the building.. Some visitors may find the place offensive, or perhaps even find it to be a monument to racism and segregation, but I guess it is all just history now, that is up to the visitor to decide.. There is a very large painting of former Alabama Governor George Wallace ( a segregationist and racist) hung prominently in the central hall. There is an enormous monument to the Confederate veterans of the civil war just outside.. There is a statue of what I believe is Jefferson Davis, President of the Confederacy, outside also.. And plaques in both legislative chambers pointing out this is where Alabama succeeded from the Union and the Confederate States of America was formed.. The first "Confederate White House", where Jefferson Davis resided, is across the street.. All this effort put into honoring the Confederacy and a segregationist governor seemed a bit shocking to me, but I suppose it gives one a good understanding of Alabama history and of what the Civil Rights movement was up against in a place like this, so very interesting.. Visiting the capitol won't take long, because it is relatively small , which is why as a capitol it ranks very low amongst the many state and national capitols I have visited in terms of architectural splendor, but high in terms of historical interest.. The capitol is within walking distance of several other Montgomery attractions, such as the Civil Rights Memorial, so a must see if you are a tourist in Montgomery.. read more

There must have been a recent incident here because the state police were very uppity during my recent visit. I've visited 34 state capitols over the years and let me tell you the southern hospitality AIN'T at the AL capitol. Only in Trenton NJ did I feel almost unwelcome as a visitor, but in Jersey you kinda expect to be treated rudely. Not to say the cops there were rude, I just had never felt more uncomfortable emptying my pockets before entering the metal detector. This is typical practice in most capitol buildings, but the cop here was almost expecting me to pull out a weapon as his mannerisms showed anxiety. And don't even venture near the governors office. Open in most capitol buildings, upon approaching the office here, the cop outside the office stands up assumes a ready stance with hand on weapon and asks me what I am up to. With my camera in hand, looking like a typical tourist I told him I was just looking around, to which his reply was 'you ain't goin no further' or something like that. I just rolled my eyes and reversed direction. This is all very unfortunate as Alabama has great history, and otherwise I liked the architecture. These experiences left a bad taste in my mouth for the entire visit. You must think I look threatening by this point, but contrarily I am a middle aged white guy with greying hair with a slight build. Not sure what all the hype was about though. read more