Old Alabama Town, History museum in Montgomery, Alabama, US

Old Alabama Town is an outdoor museum complex in downtown Montgomery spanning six blocks with more than 50 restored buildings from the 19th and 20th centuries. The collection includes residences, workshops like cotton gins and print shops, and public buildings that show the economic and social development of the state.

The Landmarks Foundation of Montgomery, a non-profit formed in 1967, bought the 1850s Ordeman Townhouse and its dependencies in 1968 and restored it as the first building. Since then the foundation has acquired and restored more than 50 structures, moving buildings such as the Lucas Tavern from Waugh on the Federal Road to the six-block site.

Old Alabama Town grew out of the Landmarks Foundation of Montgomery, a non-profit corporation formed in 1967. Its first property was the Ordeman Townhouse, an 1850s residence bought with its dependencies in 1968; more than 50 buildings have since been acquired and restored along the six blocks. The Lucas Tavern now houses the visitor and information center.

Visitors can explore the grounds on their own or join guided tours to learn more about the buildings and their stories. Wearing comfortable shoes is helpful since you will walk a lot, especially if you want to see all the blocks thoroughly.

The Lucas Tavern, which serves as the visitor center today, has a special historical connection: General Lafayette stayed there during his visit to Montgomery. This episode links the place to an important moment in American history, though it is often overlooked.