U. J. Cleveland House

The U. J. Cleveland House is a wood-frame residence on Charles Street supported by brick piers with a distinctive one-and-a-half-story design. The structure preserves its original construction methods and sits on a small lot, displaying typical Gulf Coast residential architecture of its era.

Built in 1853, this residence represents the Gulf Coast Cottage style that developed along the coastal region. The National Register of Historic Places recognized it in 1993 for its architectural importance to the area's residential heritage.

The layout reflects how people in 1850s Mobile organized their homes, with a narrow entry hall flowing into a back dining room typical of that era. Walking through reveals how residents moved between spaces and where daily activities took place.

The house sits on Charles Street where it can be easily located on foot, with the brick pier foundation visible from ground level. Visitors should approach from the street to view the exterior design and understand the building's distinctive structure from different angles.

The staircase positioned right inside the front door creates an unusual floor plan that sets it apart from other homes built during the same period in the region. This practical design made efficient use of the small lot while still providing all necessary living spaces.