Gorgas House
The Gorgas House was built in 1829, as the first structure of the University of Alabama campus. Designed by renowned architect, William Nichols, the building originally served as the dining hall for the students, with pantry and food storage rooms on the first floor and hotel and steward's quarters on the second story.
In the late 1840's, the building was remodeled into a faculty residence. Fortunately, it was one of four original campus buildings to survive the burning of the University during the Civil War in 1865.
In 1878, Confederate General Josiah Gorgas was appointed 7th president of the University, but resigned due to ill health. The Board of Trustees offered Josiah another position, University Librarian, with which, a faculty residence (now known as the Gorgas House) was provided. He accepted, and ran the University's library until his death in 1883. During this time, Josiah's wife, Amelia Gayle Gorgas, accepted the positions of Post Mistress and Nurse Matron; operating both positions from their home. After Josiah's death, Amelia assumed the Librarian position; until her retirement in 1907. The Amelia Gayle Gorgas Library, in the heart of the University's campus, was named in her honor.The last remaining child of Josiah and Amelia Gorgas, Maria Gorgas, lived in the house until her death in 1953. Within a year, the state legislature designated the house as a memorial to the Gorgas family. Now, as part of the University of Alabama Museums, the Gorgas House Museum displays original Gorgas furnishings, memorabilia, and a collection of 19th century artifacts.
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