Extended Stay America - Montgomery

Old Alabama State House Chamber

by Stephen-KarenConn

The architectural shell of the Old Alabama State House Chamber is restored to its late 19th century appearance. Originally a plain, whitewashed space, the House Chamber - like the Senate Chamber across the rotunda - was decoratively painted in trompe l'oeil in 1869-70. At the same time, gaslighting was installed. The trompt l'oeil and the reproduction gaslight fixtures as based on period photographs and written documentation.

It was in this hall that the Alabama Legislature passed the "Ordinance of Secession", which withdrew Alabama from the Union of Soverign States, January 11, 1861. The issue was over states rights. The southern states believed strongly that the federal government should be limited in jurisdiction only to those powers specifically granted by the Constitution of the United States, and that the individual states had the right to govern themselves in all other matters.

Slavery did not become the major issue of the War Between the States until President Lincoln introduced it as a political ploy well after the War of Northern Aggression (Civil War) was under way. Before secession, the abomination of slavery was already being strongly opposed by many influential southerners and would have soon ended without the unspeakable added horror of the War. The Confederate Constitution outlawed the African slave trade, and in 1864, President Jefferson Davis proposed a plan to end slavery altogether.

Robert E. Lee, commander of the Confederate Army, was one of the southern leaders who was opposed to slavery. Five years before secession he wrote that slavery was a "Moral and political evil." On the other hand Ulysses S. Grant, who led the Union Army, was married to a slave owner and worked her family's slaves on his own farm. During the Civil War Grant stated that if he "...thought this was to abolish slavery, I would resign my commission and offer my sword to the other side."

In Defense of the Confederacy

Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church

by Yaqui

Built in 1885 and after many years of service this church symbolizes the grace, strength, love of community and a pillar of respect to all those who seek her services. She was once called the Colored Baptist Church since it was the second Baptish Church for blacks, but she has since been renamed after the Founder of the city Andrew Dexter and founder of the Civil Rights movement Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church. On June 3, 1974 she was designated has a historical landmark by the National Park Service of the United States Department of Interior. She has been lovingly restored and still holds services for her community today. In the basement, the tour begins with a short movie that explains the events of the civil rights movement, is also a beautiful mural that depicts the events leading up to the movement and the wonderful individuals who where involved. It is a must see. The tour ends on the top floor in the chapel where they still hold services. Our wonderful tour guide for this day was Pastor Michael F. Thurman the 27th ministor of this church.

Open Mon - Thurs 10:00am - 2:00pm
Friday 10:00am only
Saturday 10:30am - 1:30pm
Saturday 1:30pm-2:00pm walk thru only

Montgomery

by Yaqui

"Montgomery's Capital"

What a wonderful historical and charming city. I can't tell how wonderful and sweet everyone I came in contact with here. Everyone loved to chat and wanted to really know where you were from. I think I amazed a lot of folks because I was traveling all by myself and the fact I chose to visit Montgomery, which made my trip even more special because of the wonderful people.

Please check out Stephen-KarenConn's Montgomery Page they have a great page and it was my inspiration for visiting Montgomery;-)

"Beautiful People of Montgomery"

I dedicate this space to the awesome individuals who made my visit educational and relaxing. I was simply in awe of the real southern hospitality.

"No Greater Love"

~No Greater Love Has Man Proclaimed – That Patriots Will Die For Freedoms Cause~