The First White House of the Confederacy at 644 Washington Avenue in Montgomery, Alabama is an antebellum Italianate frame villa that served as the official executive residence of Confederate President Jefferson Davis from February to May 1861, during the five months when Montgomery functioned as the first capital of the Confederate States of America. The two-story structure, built around 1835 and acquired by the Confederate government upon secession, features bracketed eaves, a columned entrance porch, and interior woodwork characteristic of the antebellum Deep South. Davis lived here with his wife Varina and their children during the formative weeks of the Confederacy's political organization, including the drafting of the Confederate Provisional Constitution and early military planning that preceded the Civil War's first engagements. The Confederate capital relocated to Richmond, Virginia in May 1861 following Virginia's secession, ending the house's brief role as the seat of Confederate executive power.
The house was later moved from its original site to its present location directly adjacent to the Alabama State Capitol, where it was restored and opened as a museum in 1921 under the White House Association of Alabama. Guided tours move through the parlors, dining room, library, and Davis's private study. The interior is furnished with period antiques and a significant collection of Jefferson Davis family artifacts including personal correspondence, silverware, china, textiles, and Civil War–era objects, many donated by the Davis family themselves. Interpretive material in each room addresses both the domestic character of Confederate executive life and the broader political circumstances of the Confederacy's founding in Alabama.
The house is managed by the White House Association of Alabama in partnership with the Alabama Department of Archives and History. Admission is free, and the house is open weekdays only. Its location within steps of the State Capitol and one block from the Alabama Department of Archives and History Museum makes it a natural component of a walking tour of Montgomery's antebellum and Civil War–era landmarks.
Why it matters
This antebellum Italianate villa served as the official residence of Confederate President Jefferson Davis from February to May 1861 when Montgomery was the Confederacy's first capital, making it the primary site in the United States for understanding the political founding of the Confederate States of America.
Location
644 Washington Ave, Montgomery, AL 36104
32.3762, -86.3095 View on map
Highlights
- Original 1835 Italianate villa preserved with period furnishings and Jefferson Davis family artifacts
- Jefferson Davis's private study with personal correspondence and Civil War–era objects on display
- Period parlors and dining room reflecting antebellum domestic life at the Confederate executive residence
- Location immediately adjacent to the Alabama State Capitol, enabling a combined visit to multiple Civil War sites
- Free admission with guided interpretation by trained docents throughout opening hours
Tips for visiting
- Combine the visit with the Alabama State Capitol and the Alabama Department of Archives and History Museum, both within a one-block walk
- Ask at the entrance desk for the next scheduled guided tour time; docents provide significant additional context
- The house is closed on weekends; plan visits for weekday mornings or early afternoons before 4:30 PM
- Allow 45–60 minutes for a thorough guided tour of all rooms
- Photography is generally permitted in most rooms; check with staff regarding flash restrictions near textiles
When to visit
Weekday mornings offer the quietest experience; visits pair naturally with the adjacent State Capitol grounds, which are at their most comfortable in spring and fall.
Accessibility
The historic frame structure has limited accessibility modifications; some rooms, particularly on the upper floor, may not be reachable by wheelchair. Visitors with mobility needs are advised to contact the White House Association of Alabama in advance.
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Frequently asked questions
Is there an admission fee for the First White House of the Confederacy?
Admission is free to the public. Donations to the White House Association of Alabama are welcomed.
How long does a typical visit take?
A guided tour of the house generally takes 45–60 minutes, covering all principal rooms on both floors.
Is the site accessible for visitors with mobility limitations?
The historic structure has limited accessibility modifications; upper-floor rooms may not be reachable by wheelchair. Visitors with specific mobility needs are encouraged to contact the site in advance to discuss access arrangements.
Can children visit the First White House of the Confederacy?
Yes; the house offers an accessible look at 19th-century domestic life and Civil War–era history that is often engaging for older children and teenagers, particularly when combined with the nearby State Capitol.