Former Alabama Capitol - Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Posted by: 
xptwo
N 33° 12.463 W 087° 34.465
16S E 446466 N 3674461
A fire in 1923 destroyed Alabama's second Capitol building. It was being used as the central building for the Alabama Central Female College at the time.
Waymark Code: WMDW3T
Location: Alabama, United States
Date Posted: 02/29/2012
Views: 10
In 1826, the State Legislature voted to move the capital from Cahawba to Tuscaloosa. In 1829, the new Capitol, designed by William Snow, was completed. It was the second capitol building in Alabama. In 1847, the capital was moved from Tuscaloosa to Montgomery, leading to the original capitol building and other facilities becoming vacant. Since the University of Alabama was located in Tuscaloosa, the decision was made to turn over the property to the university trustees. The building was leased to the Baptist affiliated Alabama Central Female College which built a four story dormitory on the west of the building. On August 22, 1923, the building was totally destroyed by fire. In the 1930s the site was cleared for use as a park.
Type of Structure: Public building
Fire Date: 08/22/1922
Structure status: Gutted building
Cause of Fire:
The building was being renovated. I was not able to find a cause, although one source indicated the painters were suspected. It is possible the electrical wiring had problems.
Documentation of the fire: [Web Link]
Other: Not listed
Construction Date: Not listed
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Visit Instructions:
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