University of Alabama, President's House, University Boulevard, Tuscaloosa

Source document Quoted word for word from HABS ALA,63-TUSLO,3B-. Not written, edited or summarised by this site.

This report is based on written documentation donated by the Birmingham Historical Society, reformatted to HABS/HAER guidelines. Description: Designed by Philadelphia architect William Nichols, who also designed the Tuscaloosa Capitol, this Greek Revival residence is considered one of the state's finest structures. The three-story brick (covered with stucco) structure features second and third story Ionic columned open porches, plaster cornices, medallions, and frescoes said to be made by slaves of Tuscaloosa physician Dr. John R. Drish. The balustrade was added in the exterior stair railing in Inside, on each of the three floors, the central hall is flanked by two rooms. A renovation installed central heat, restored plaster friezes and restuccoed the exterior.

Two brick servants' quarters also remain on the grounds. One served as kitchen and smokehouse, the other contained a well and dairy. Historical Overview: This residence was designed and built as the residence of the president of the University of Alabama. Refusing to leave the property, Garland, wife of president Landon Garland, ordered Federal troops to put out the fire they had kindled, thus saving the residence from destruction during the Civil War, when many university buildings were destroyed. UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA, PRESIDENT'S HOUSE HABS No. AL-2 07 (Page 4) Sources Consulted HABS Tuscaloosa County Site Survey National Register, Tuscaloosa Landmarks Gamble, Robert; The Alabama Catalog, 357