Historic Tuscaloosa, a non-profit preservation organization, operates & maintains three historic properties in Tuscaloosa that are available to rent for events & weddings. The funds acquired from event rentals are returned to these aging structures. Choose from three historic Tuscaloosa venues: the Old Tavern, the Battle-Friedman House, or the Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion. Event, wedding, and micro-wedding packages are available in Tuscaloosa. Venues Our Click on a venue below to get started Getting Started Packet Rental Calendar Submit an Inquiry The Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion A grand, historic venue with 150 years of stories. Learn More The Battle-Friedman Home Elegant and welcoming, ideal for gatherings. Learn More The Old Tavern Built in 1827, a quaint, intimate space full of history. Learn More Submit an Inquiry Getting Started Packet Getting Started Packet Event & Wedding Calendar Rental Calendar Submit an Inquiry Come Celebrate with Us First name I am inquiring information on the behalf of someone else Email Phone Type of Event Please check which of the following applies to this event * Required Specific. I have a specific date I am having this event on Flexible. I have alternative dates for this event Specific Date List Alternate Dates / Month I am interested in having my event / wedding at * Required The Old Tavern The Battle-Friedman House & Gardens The Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion Not Sure Estimated Guest Count Choose an option Additional information How did you find out about us? Select an option Submit Inquiry Thanks for your interest with us! We'll get back to you soon. Be sure to to check your follow up email!

Tuscaloosa Formal Dinner The Tuscaloosa Cameo Guild’s Formal Dinner is held each year in honor of the senior class members. It is an opportunity for members and their dates to practice the elements of formal dining etiquette that have been covered throughout the year. 1/1

Learn more about Historic Tuscaloosa's property, the McGuire-Strickland House. The McGuire-Strickland House has been listed in the National Register as a historic site. McGuire-Strickland Home 2828 6th Street Tuscaloosa, AL 35403 The McGuires When Alabama became a state in 1819, Tuscaloosa also was incorporated as a town. The following year in 1820, the McGuire-Strickland House was built. The house stands to this day as the oldest wooden framed home in Tuscaloosa. Originally located at the corner of Greensboro Avenue and 15th Street, this home was built for the county’s first probate judge, Moses McGuire. The home later served as the manse or preacher’s home for the First Presbyterian Church from 1844 to 1866. The Stricklands The house was bought by the Strickland family in 1866 and remained in the family for over a century until 1969 when it was given to the newly formed Tuscaloosa County Preservation Society. Around 1970 the home was moved from its original location to Capitol Park where it is currently used as part of the Capitol School. Visit the Home The McGuire-Strickland Home is currently a part of the Capitol School campus. Because of this, it is not available for regular tours. Keep an eye out for upcoming Preservation Society Events as the home is sometimes open for touring during the annual spring Historic Homes Tour or the annual winter Holiday Homes Tour. In the meantime, we hope to see you at one of the Preservation Society's regular building tours of the Old Tavern, Battle-Friedman House, or the Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion. Other Virtual Tours Other In-Person Tours

< Back Moments in History compiled by Betty Slowe and Guy Hubbs https://stories.usatodaynetwork.com/tuscaloosabicentennial/moments-in-history/ Previous Next

A trip to Historic Tuscaloosa will take you on an incredible journey through history. To make the most of your visit, make sure you plan your day in advance. Have a look through the general information for visitors, and feel free to contact us if you have any questions. Visit Historic Tuscaloosa A trip to Historic Tuscaloosa will take you on an incredible journey through history. To make the most of your visit, make sure you plan your day in advance. Have a look through the general information for visitors, and feel free to contact us if you have any questions. The Basics Daily Tours → Click here for tour information Group Tours → For more information on customized guided tours or to make reservations for groups larger than 5, please call 205-758-2238 or email info@historictuscaloosa.org Know before you go → Click here for a successful visit Accessibility → Click here for accessibility Getting Around Orient yourself on the map and check out onsite guides in advance.

We invited guests to join us for an unforgettable evening at the Jemison–Van de Graaff Mansion on Thursday, December 11, 2025, from 6:00 PM–8:00 PM for Historic Tuscaloosa’s third annual Bourbon & Barbecue fundraiser! Guests savored the flavors of Crimson Smokers’ catering with a mouthwatering barbecue dinner while enjoying a flight of three premium bourbons. Bourbon lovers also had the chance to sip from our curated selection, as well as enjoy wine, beer, and a special signature bourbon cocktail. This event was a wonderful way to celebrate Tuscaloosa’s rich history, support Historic Tuscaloosa, and enjoy a cozy evening of great food, drinks, and community. Bourbon & Barbecue | 2025

66ac1c0a-fd9e-4043-8363-de115179b01e In the News... We work hard to get our efforts noticed by the media and are so proud when this goal comes to fruition. Take a look at some of our latest coverage and help spread the word about all the amazing developments at Historic Tuscaloosa!!

The Battle-Friedman House & Gardens event/wedding photography collection: Outdoor Events Outdoor Events Load More

The Battle-Friedman House & Gardens event/wedding photography collection: Indoor Events Indoor Events

Learn more about Historic Tuscaloosa's property, the Old Tavern. The Old Tavern has been listed in the National Register as a historic site. Old Tavern 500 Nicks Kids Avenue Tuscaloosa, AL 35403 Brief History The Old Tavern was built in 1827 by William Dunton, a local hotel keeper of early Tuscaloosa. Through the years, the structure has been a tavern, a stagecoach inn, and a residence. The Old Tavern illustrates several French influences. There are French designs, such as an overhanging balcony, an asymmetrical plan, and an exterior chimney breast. The layout of The Old Tavern consists of six rooms— three upstairs and three downstairs— with a narrow staircase connecting. The kitchen was once held in the basement but was later abandoned after the inn was moved to its current location. During the nineteenth century, The Old Tavern played host to many individuals, such as weary travelers, Civil War soldiers, and members of the state legislature. Several state committee meetings were held under this roof. The state’s 7th Governor, John Gayle, even temporarily called The Old Tavern “home” during his administration, from 1831-1835. The property was used as a hotel tavern until 1882, when it was sold to the Robert Wilson family as their residence. During much of the 1900's, the Old Tavern was used as a private residence. It was the home of Taylor Robinson, a violinist, from 1900-1930. During the 1930's the Tavern was photographed and evaluated by the Historic American Building Survey. It may have had several other residents through the mid-1900's years. But by the 1960's the Tavern and her history were in danger. In 1964, Miss Emma Wilson sold The Old Tavern to Egerton Harris, Jr., who deeded it to Historic Tuscaloosa. Due to bridge construction, Historic Tuscaloosa was forced to move the tavern to a new location or see its destruction. In 1966, with the help of citizens, money was raised to move The Old Tavern to its current home in Capitol Park. Saving the Tavern In 1966, the Old Tavern was in danger of being demolished and forgotten. The Hugh Thomas Bridge over the Black Warrior River was being built and the Tavern's location put it right in the middle of the construction bustle. A group of Tuscaloosa citizens formed and raised funds and volunteers to move the Tavern from its location on University Blvd. to Capitol Park where now resides. During the move and further construction of the Thomas Bridge, numerous artifacts where discovered at the Old Tavern original site and are now on display inside the tavern. Significant People William Dunton: The Old Tavern was built in 1827 by William Dunton. Dunton was a successful hotelkeeper in early Tuscaloosa. In addition to The Old Tavern, he also managed the Golden Ball Hotel (located where the restaurant DePalma’s now stands). S.A.M. Wood: Sterling Alexander Martin Wood was born in Florence, Alabama on March 17, 1823. As a young adult, Wood practiced law in Tennessee, served in the Alabama legislature, and was a newspaper editor. When the nation became divided by the Civil War, Wood enlisted in the Confederate Army as part of the “Florence Guard” on April 3, 1861. Wood took part in numerous battles and campaigns, including the Battle of Shiloh, Battle of Pennyville, Battle of Stones River, Tullahoma Campaign, and the Battle of Chickamauga. During the Civil War, The Old Tavern was host to many Confederate soldiers, including Wood. After he and his family were forced from their Florence home by Union troops, they decided to flee to Tuscaloosa and temporarily moved into The Old Tavern. Wood later made his home in Tuscaloosa, where he became a state representative for Tuscaloosa County. Wood died in Tuscaloosa on July 26, 1891. John Gayle: John Gayle was the 7th Governor of the state of Alabama, from 1831 to 1835. During his term as Governor, the state bank was expanded, Alabama’s first railroad, the Tuscumbia Railway, was completed, and The Bell Factory, the state's first textile mill, was incorporated. During his administration, the capitol of Alabama was Tuscaloosa and Gayle made his home, briefly, at The Old Tavern. He also served in the United States House of Representatives from 1847 to 1849. Gayle died on July 21, 1859, at the age of 66 in Mobile, Alabama. Wilson Family: The Old Tavern was used as a hotel tavern until 1882, when it was sold to the Robert Wilson family as their residence. The home remained in the family until 1964. Miss Emma Wilson sold The Old Tavern to Egerton Harris, Jr. who deeded it to the Tuscaloosa County Preservation Society. Visit the Tavern The Tavern is available for touring every Tuesday-Friday at 1:30 pm. Click here to learn more Tour Virtually Tour in Person What They’re Saying About Us HANNAH T. Had a great afternoon adventure touring the Old Tavern and the Capitol Park next door with my mom and sister! The Old Tavern was full of historical tidbits and knock knacks. We learned a lot about Tuscaloosa’s early history and place in the Alabama political realm too. STACY S. Great place to see how things were in Tuscaloosa in the 1800's and what it was like when Tuscaloosa was the state capital. APRIL W. My wife took me to The Old Tavern Museum as she knows I love history. The museum has a great tour guide and it is laid back when you visit. I'd definitely recommend visiting if you're in Tuscaloosa, or interested in Alabama or southern history. Want to add a review from your trip to see the Old Tavern? Leave your review for us on our Trip Advisor page. Review Us Peek Inside Look around the inside and outside of the Old Tavern with our interactive tool below. You can read stories, see pictures and different views of the building, and learn interesting facts about its history. If you're looking for more information on the Tavern, make sure to click the "Tour Virtually" link above.

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August 28, 2025 Topic: The History of the Walker Cemetery – An early 19th century cemetery of Tuscaloosa speaker: Dr. Cameron Lacquement 2025 Lecture Series — 3 of 4 Topic: The History of the Walker Cemetery – An early 19th-century cemetery of Tuscaloosa Speaker: Dr. Cameron Lacquement Recorded: August 28, 2025 The History of the Walker Cemetery – An early 19th century cemetery of Tuscaloosa The History of the Walker Cemetery – An early 19th century cemetery of Tuscaloosa Play Video Share Whole Channel This Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Search videos Search video... Now Playing Video 7 Last 08:06 Play Video Now Playing Video 6 1 hour 19 seconds 15:07 Play Video Now Playing Video 5 45.13 Minutes 20:14 Play Video