The President’s Mansion, one of the University of Alabama campus’s most beautiful buildings, stands at the heart of the campus, across from Denny Chimes. It has been the official home of the university president since 1841. This Greek Revival-style home remains one of the few campus buildings that withstood the Civil War’s destruction.
The historical marker that stands outside the mansion tells of the home’s amazing survival.
The President’s Mansion is built
The history of the home began in 1838 when the Board of Trustees allocated funds to build a residence for the university president. Since William Nichols, the original architect who had constructed the few existing buildings, had left the state, Michael Barry built the mansion in the Greek revival style that complemented the existing structures.
A target for destruction
During Landon Garland’s presidency, Union troops under General John Croxton virtually destroyed the university campus in 1865. Croxton had orders to destroy all targets of military value in the area. Since the University of Alabama trained as many as 200 cadets each year, it had gained the nickname “West Point of the Confederacy” and was a prime target.
A glimpse into the foyer of the President’s Mansion.
Saving the home from fire
Tradition holds that Louisa Frances Garland, wife of the third UA president, bravely saved the mansion from being burned. Upon hearing that the campus was burning, she left Bryce Hospital, where locals had taken shelter, and raced back home. Arriving as Union soldiers were setting fire to a pile of furniture inside the building, she persuaded them to put out the flames, thus sparing the building. The mansion is one of only seven campus buildings that survived Croxton’s Raid.
President Stuart Bell and his wife Susan pictured in the President’s Mansion.
The President’s Mansion today
Today, the mansion is a bustling social center for the campus. President Stuart R. Bell and his wife Susan, the current residents, host dozens of events annually at the antebellum, 11,781-square-foot mansion. Activities include student and alumni tours, formal dinners, tailgate parties, and an annual Easter egg hunt for local children. The president and his family occupy the third floor, while the first and second floors are used for gatherings and receptions.
Springtime blooms adorn the UA President’s Mansion.
On the National Register of Historic Places
Tuscaloosa is fortunate to be home to the University of Alabama with its beautiful campus and especially the President’s Mansion. It has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1972, serving as home to university presidents and their families for nearly two centuries. UA’s groundskeepers meticulously care for the lawn, often covered in white tents for presidential receptions on fall Saturdays. In spring, UA seniors in cap and gown and high school students headed to prom visit the lawn for photos.
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