The Alabama State Capitol has been the government seat since the mid-19th century. It has undergone multiple renovations and additions, including a fire in 1847 and the addition of a Beaux Arts design in 1906. The state legislature was forced to move during renovations from 1985 to 1992 but returned afterward. Visitors can now tour the Capitol and see period rooms and a small museum.
The Alabama State Capitol is the administrative and government seat of the state of Alabama. Many of the state’s elected leaders, including the governor, maintain official offices within this structure. The history of the Alabama State Capitol building dates back to the mid-19th century, when heads of state moved the capital to numerous locations before finally settling on its current location in Montgomery. Since that time, the property has seen numerous renovations and additions that have helped it keep pace with growing state government.
In the early 19th century, the capital of Alabama was moved from city to city until officials decided to create a permanent capital in Montgomery in 19. In an effort to avoid using tax revenues, the state issued a series of building bonds in 1846 and 1846 to finance a new Capitol building. Construction began in 1847 at a location known as Goat Hill. The structure was completed in 1846, and the Alabama Legislature began meeting in the Capitol building in December of that year. Just two years later, the Alabama State Capitol burned to the ground during a major fire in December 1847.
By 1851, the state had completed the construction of a new building, which stood on the foundations of the old capital. This structure was built in the Greek Revival style, complete with a front porch, large columns, and a magnificent central dome. In October 1851, the state legislature was once again able to meet in the Capitol building. In 1861, the Alabama State Capitol also became the first official seat of the Confederate government before being relocated to Virginia. Jefferson Davis, the first president of the Confederacy, was also sworn in on the steps of the Alabama State Capitol in 1861.
During the next 150 years, the Alabama State Capitol underwent multiple additions. The original three story structure was expanded in 1885 with a large later addition. In 1906, an addition was created to the south end of the building using a Beaux Arts design style that was extremely popular at the time. Rich murals were added to the inner surface of the central rotunda in 1930.
From 1985 to 1992, the Alabama Legislature was forced to move operations elsewhere due to extensive renovations and rehabilitation. When this work was completed, the legislature elected to remain in the state house, where it continues to meet to this day. The state governor and other elected officials returned to the Capitol and resumed operations. The legislature met briefly at the Alabama State Capitol in 2009 for the state house floods. Today, visitors can tour certain sections of the Capitol to see period rooms and a small museum dedicated to the history of the state.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
