During your visit to this Alabama attraction, learn how early Americans of all backgrounds lived and worked in Central Alabama. As you explore Old Alabama Town’s Working and Living Blocks, authentically restored 19th and early 20th century structures will invite you to step back in time to the days of one-room schoolhouses, grist mills and cotton gins. Costumed interpreters throughout Old Alabama Town are available to answer any questions you may have. You can also enjoy a guided tour of the Ordeman House. Be sure to stop by the Old Alabama Town Museum Shop to browse items unique to Old Alabama Town.
Working and Living Blocks
The Working Block
Old Alabama Town’s Working Block illustrates how Alabamians worked during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Marking the entrance to the Working Block is the Rose-Morris House and the Shotgun House dating back to the late 1800s. Explore the working area and discover buildings that recreate 19th and early 20th century workplace scenarios such as a cotton gin, a blacksmith shop, a carpenter’s shop and a grist mill.
The Lucas Tavern
Opening the way to the Living Block is the Lucas Tavern dating back to 1818. During the early 19th century, the Lucas Tavern was a prime stopping point for travelers passing through. In addition to serving food and drink, the tavern offered overnight accommodations. It is known as the location where revered Revolutionary War hero, Marquis de Lafayette stayed in 1825. Like most buildings on the Working and Living Blocks, Lucas Tavern was not originally located in Old Alabama Town, but moved to the location during the late 20th century and restored to reflect its original 19th century appearance.
The Living Block
The Living Block includes a restored one-room schoolhouse, a doctor’s office, a church and a carriage house. Also located in this area of Old Alabama Town is North Hull Street, lined with residential buildings of varying size and grandeur. Illustrating the architecture of 19th century Alabama, buildings range from the relatively modest Bush Cottage from the 1860s, to the Nall-Young House and the stately Ware-Farley-Hood House from the 1850s.
Ordeman House
Don’t miss a guided tour of the Ordeman House dating back to the 1850s. As the centerpiece around which Landmark’s Old Alabama Town has grown, the Ordeman House’s design characteristics pertain to the “new style” that was gaining in popularity during the time. Among the house’s innovative features are a basement and bathing house, both uncommon additions for the time. An upper-class appeal characterizes the Ordeman House which is Italianate in design and features Rococo touches and Empire furnishings throughout. Outbuildings on the site include slave quarters and kitchens.
Shopping in Old Alabama Town Museum Shop
Stop by Old Alabama Town Museum Shop, located in the Loeb Reception Center. Unique educational and old-fashioned items including books toys, clothing and trinkets are available to purchase.
- While Old Alabama Town does not have lunch facilities on site, food services are available at several nearby eateries. Be sure to ask Old Alabama Town staff for recommendations.
- Upon arrival, you will receive a property map to assist in planning your visit to Old Alabama Town’s Working and Living Blocks.
- Guided tours of the Ordeman House are available Monday through Friday at 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 1 p.m., and 2 p.m.