The building was purchased by the White House Association of Alabama in 1920 to prevent its demolition.
The structure was moved 50 miles from Selma to Montgomery by rail and wagon, a feat considered remarkable for the era.
The parlors contain the original piano belonging to Varina Howell Davis, the First Lady of the Confederacy.
Many of the items on display, including clothing and kitchenware, were donated by descendants of the original inhabitants.
The house functioned as the executive mansion for only three months before the Confederate government moved to Richmond, Virginia.
The First White House of the Confederacy served as the executive residence for Jefferson Davis and his family during the early months of the American Civil War in 1861. Originally built in 1835 in Selma, Alabama, the Italianate-style structure was relocated to its current site in Montgomery in 1921. The museum preserves period-appropriate furnishings and personal artifacts belonging to the Davis family. Visitors can explore the parlor, dining room, and private bedrooms which reflect the domestic life of the Confederate leadership. The home is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is situated directly adjacent to the Alabama State Capitol grounds, reflecting its former proximity to the seat of the Confederate government. The house remains a significant site for understanding the political history of the secessionist movement.
The front exterior portico provides the clearest view of the Italianate architecture against the backdrop of the capitol grounds.
Combine your visit with a walking tour of the nearby Alabama State Capitol for historical context.
Check the official website before visiting, as guided tours are often required to view the interior.
The museum is self-contained and compact, so you can easily fit this into a broader downtown Montgomery history itinerary.
Do not mistake this for the later Confederate White House located in Richmond, Virginia.
Closed on Sundays and major state/federal holidays.
Maintain a quiet, respectful tone appropriate for a historic house museum; photography guidelines vary by room.
