First White House of the Confederacy facts for kids
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First White House of the Confederacy
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First White House of the Confederacy
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 Location in Montgomery, Alabama
Location in Alabama
Location in the United States
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| Location | Montgomery, Alabama |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1835 |
| Architectural style | Italianate |
| NRHP reference No. | 74000432 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | June 25, 1974 |
The First White House of the Confederacy is a historic house in Montgomery, Alabama. It was the home of Jefferson Davis, who was the first and only President of the Confederate States of America. He lived here with his family in early 1861.
The house was built in 1835 and has an Italianate style. It was moved from its first spot in 1919. Today, it is a museum filled with furniture from the 1850s and 1860s. You can visit it to learn about this time in history. The house is recognized as a special historic place.
Contents
What the House Looks Like
The First White House of the Confederacy is a big, two-story wooden house. It is painted white and green. It has many windows on the front and sides. A smaller, one-story part sticks out from the back, with chimneys on the outside.
The house sits on brick supports. It has a fancy roof edge called a cornice. This cornice has a special design that looks like a Liberty cap. The outside walls are made of wooden boards.
In the middle of the front, there is a portico. This is a porch-like entrance supported by columns. The main front door has columns on its sides and a window above it. Inside, a central hallway leads to different rooms. These include two living rooms, two bedrooms, and another hallway. The living rooms are connected by sliding doors. The second floor has four bedrooms and a room that was likely a nursery for children.
History of the House
Building and Early Years
The house was likely built between 1832 and 1835. A merchant named William Sayre probably built it. It was first located at the corner of Bibb and Lee Streets in Montgomery. Later, it was owned by J. G. Winter, who updated it. He then sold it to Edmond Harrison.
Home for the President
In February 1861, the Provisional Confederate Congress chose Jefferson Davis as president. They decided to rent a home for him. Edmond Harrison offered to rent his house fully furnished and with staff. The Davises asked for more items, like silver and linen. They also brought furniture from their home in Mississippi.
While living here, the Davis family hosted many grand parties. Varina Davis, the president's wife, held the first party for the ladies of Montgomery. People said these events were very fancy and well-organized.
In May 1861, the Confederacy decided to move its capital. The new capital became Richmond, Virginia. The Davis family left the Montgomery house on May 27, 1861. They then moved to the Second White House of the Confederacy in Richmond. The Confederate government then sold the lease for the house.
Moving and Fixing Up the House
After the American Civil War ended, the house changed owners several times. In 1871, the Tyson family bought it. The United Daughters of the Confederacy wanted to take over the house. But they faced challenges until the White House Association of Alabama was formed in 1900. This group took on the project.
The owner of the land did not want to sell it. Also, the organization did not have enough money to move the house. By 1919, with help from the Alabama Legislature, the White House Association bought the house. They moved it to its current spot at 644 Washington Street. By 1921, the house was fully restored.
The House Today
Today, the First White House of the Confederacy is open to the public. It has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1974. It is also on the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage since 2012.
The state of Alabama helps pay for the house's upkeep. In 2017, some people, including Senator Hank Sanders, raised concerns. They felt the museum's displays did not fully explain the role of slavery in the American Civil War. They believed the house's presentation of history should be more complete.
Images for kids
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The floor plan of the First White House of the Confederacy
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Photograph from 1906
