History comes to life for people who visit the historic Oakleigh House in Mobile, Alabama. This complex and period house museum tells the story of cotton picking, urban slavery, the expansion of the railroad, and more. Visitors will learn about the Civil War, epidemics that took the lives of many in the area, the emancipation of the slaves, and other events over the past 300 years in this port city. It’s one place anyone traveling to the area will want to explore.
Go Back in Time
All rooms in the Oakleigh House are authentic, allowing guests to experience the history of the area as seen by the resident. Oakleigh stands as one of the grandest and oldest homes in the area and is located in the heart of the Oakleigh Garden District.
Visitors can spend time exploring the three-and-a-half acres that are well-maintained, the official period house museum and other attractions. The complex also includes the Minnie Mitchell Archives Building, the Cox-Deasy House and the Mardi Gras Cottage Museum. The beauty of the house and the grounds helps to explain why this remains the most photographed home in the city.
The Oakleigh Historic Home
Oakleigh Historic House, a T-shaped Greek revival residence, was built by James W. Roper, a Virginian cotton broker, in 1833. Visitors first observe the cantilevered stairway that rises to the front gallery when visiting the residence and admire the architecture of the entire structure. Historians declare this to be one of the rarest examples of this type of architecture in the country, although the home has been adapted and preserved by those who have resided here.
The name was changed to Mobile’s Official Period House Museum in 1955 and the structure is now dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of the port city with others. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Other Attractions
After touring the Oakleigh Historic House, head over to the Minnie Mitchell Archives Building. Here visitors find the Historic Mobile Preservation Society’s research and study activities. Next, stop by the Cox-Deasy House to see a raised Creole Cottage that was constructed in 1850 and view the 19th and 20th century items housed in the Mardi Gras Cottage Museum.
Visitors come to the Oakleigh Historic House to see the many unique items it holds. The Oakleigh Period House Museum features several furniture styles from history, including American and European Empire furniture pieces. See items created by Belter, Hepplewhite, Seignoret, and others.
View the portrait of Madame Octavia LeVert painted by Thomas Sully and other portraits of distinguished Mobilians when visiting the museum and discover gorgeous timepieces and silver. Many personal items are also found in the museum, including toys, books, eyeglasses, fans and jewelry. Visitors can even see Father Abram Ryan’s humidor. Father Ryan is better known as the “Poet-Priest of the South.”
How to Get to Oakleigh Historic House
The Oakleigh Historic House complex is located between George and Roper Streets only two-and-a-half blocks south of Government Street. Be sure to ask for the guided tour and visit the museum gift shop to purchase gifts for loved ones. Visitors should also try to schedule a trip to coincide with one of the many events held on the grounds and ask about booking a group tour.
Driving Directions
From Downtown Mobile
If you are traveling west on Water Street, continue to travel west on Government Street. After passing the intersection of Broad and Government Streets, continue west to the second red light. When you reach the red light located at George Street, turn left and travel south on George Street until you reach the intersection of George and Savannah Streets (three blocks). Turn right onto Savannah Street and you’ll see Oakleigh directly in front of you. Travel one block on Savannah Street. Savannah Street will dead-end into Oakleigh Place. Turn right onto Oakleigh Place and continue to the parking lot in front of the Minnie Mitchell Archives Building. The sidewalk to the left of the archives building will lead you to the Oakleigh House Museum.
From Interstate 10
Take the exit for Michigan Avenue, Exit 23, and travel north to Government Street. At the red light for Government Street turn right onto Government Street, traveling east. Turn right at the second red light, George Street, then travel south on George Street until you reach the intersection of George and Savannah Streets (three blocks). Turn right onto Savannah Street and you’ll see Oakleigh directly in front of you. Travel one block on Savannah Street. Savannah Street will dead-end into Oakleigh Place. Turn right onto Oakleigh Place and continue to the parking lot in front of the Minnie Mitchell Archives Building. The sidewalk to the left of the archives building will lead you to the Oakleigh House Museum.
From Interstate 65
Take the exit for Airport Boulevard, Exit 13, and travel east to merge onto Government Street, heading towards downtown Mobile. When you reach the red light located at George Street, turn right and travel south on George Street until you reach the intersection of George and Savannah Streets (three blocks). Turn right onto Savannah Street and you’ll see Oakleigh directly in front of you. Travel one block on Savannah Street. Savannah Street will dead-end into Oakleigh Place. Turn right onto Oakleigh Place continue to the parking lot in front of the Minnie Mitchell Archives Building. The sidewalk to the left of the archives building will lead you to the Oakleigh House Museum.
Today, the complex is overseen by the Historic Mobile Preservation Society.
Check Out the Historic Crescent Theater
When you’re visiting Mobile, one of your stops should be the Crescent Theater, more than just another place to watch a movie. The historic building has been an important fixture in the city for over 100 years.
Hadley Law Firm
The office for Hadley Law Firm in Mobile is located at 4087 Cottage Hill Road.
