Jemison-Van De Graaff Mansion

Name: Jemison-Van De Graaff Mansion
Address: 1305 Greensboro Avenue, Tuscaloosa, AL, 35401, US
Telephone: +12057582238
Rating: 4

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United States
Tuscaloosa, AL
Jemison-Van De Graaff Mansion

The Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion
is a historic property available for weddings & event rentals to serve as his town house. Handicap accessible.

This magnificent Italianate house was built in 1859-1862 by Senator Robert Jemison Jr. The architect was John Stewart from Philadelphia, who along with his partner, Samuel Sloan, designed Bryce Hospital. The Jemison Mansion was incomplete when the Civil War erupted, causing many finishing touches to be left undone. Most of the building materials came from Jemison’s extensive plantations, and the m

ajority of construction was performed by skilled slaves under the supervision of Philadelphia craftsmen. The house was ahead of its time technologically: it was the first in Tuscaloosa to have a fully plumbed bathroom and even had its own gas plant to provide gas for illumination. After serving for a period as the city library, it was acquired by the Tuscaloosa County Preservation Society and the Heritage Commission of Tuscaloosa. A joint board was set up to oversee restoration of the house, which is ongoing. Historic Tuscaloosa offices relocated to the ground floor of the mansion in February 2014. The main floor has been carefully restored to its original 1860s appearance, and it is available to the public for weddings, parties and receptions. The House is open for tours Tuesday-Saturday, 3:30 - 4:30 pm unless reserved for a private event. There is no charge for tours, though we gladly accept donations. For large groups, please call our offices to reserve a tour

This is a property owned by the Jemison Van de Graaff Mansion Foundation and managed by Historic Tuscaloosa as a museum and event venue. Venue Information 👉 www.historictuscaloosa.org/jemisonmansionevents

About the Mansion 👉 www.historictuscaloosa.org/jemison-mansion

05/02/2024

Tri Delta Sorority Tea 🤍🩵💛

04/16/2024

Be sure to check us out in the Tuscaloosa Bridal Directory! 👀🩷😍

04/15/2024

Thank you, West Blocton HS, for coming back and supporting Historic Tuscaloosa by having your 2024 Prom at the Jemison-Van De Graaff Mansion, where the atmosphere is fit for the most lavish celebrations complemented by a vintage elegance! 👌

Bounce Rentals 4 You

04/07/2024

02/22/2024

02/21/2024

May 12, 2001 Photographer Kacee Vaughn Bride Erica Ellis Groom Robert Gambrell

02/21/2024

Pictures taken outside of the Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion

02/21/2024

A selection of memories from some stunning weddings hosted at the mansion.

01/02/2024

11/26/2023

Yesterday was a beautiful day for a wedding 💍

Address

1305 Greensboro Avenue
Tuscaloosa, AL
35401

Opening Hours

3:30pm - 4:30pm

Telephone

+12057582238

Website

http://www.historictuscaloosa.org/jemisonmansionevents, https://linktr.ee/jemisonmansion

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Yesterday was a beautiful day for a wedding 💍

The Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion

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Our Story

The Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion (constructed 1859-1862) was one of the last and most elaborate great houses to be built in Alabama before the state’s economy was devastated by the Civil War. The builder, wealthy planter and business man , Robert Jemison, Jr., spared no expense to create a “state of the art” home for his family. The Italianate style house was designed by Philadelphia architect John Stewart who was in Tuscaloosa supervising the construction of the Alabama Insane Hospital (now Bryce Hospital). Jemison’s home incorporated the latest innovations and technology into its design including an elaborate plumbing system with running water, flush toilets, and a copper bathtub. It also featured a large conservatory to be warmed by a central heating plant (unfortunately never installed because of the Yankee blockades), and indoor lighting fueled by coal gas manufactured in a machine located in the basement. Other modern features incorporated in the design were a boiler for producing hot water, a gas stove and, an early form of “refrigerator” consisting of a deep dry well in the basement that kept food fresh even in hot Alabama summers.

Since its construction, the mansion has been home to a family of greats including military officers, an All-American athlete, famous physicist, and more. The mansion also served the community of Tuscaloosa as the public library for a time. Today the mansion is home to the Tuscaloosa Preservation Society, who offers complimentary tours five days a week. Tours are offered Tuesday-Saturday at 3:30pm. The mansion is also a popular local event venue for weddings, parties, meetings, and other social gatherings of Tuscaloosa residents and fans.

Call us at 205-758-2238 or email [email protected] for more information on the Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion.