Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Alabama State Capitol - Montgomery Alabama

The Alabama State Capitol Building is not only a building that is in use today, it's also a place in which many  historic events took place. Today it's used to help run the state of Alabama, but visitors can also take a trip there to see certain areas of the building and grounds. I remember my first trip to the building when I was in fourth grade, and have been a couple since them. Every time I go I notice something different and interesting that I never noticed before. That is why I really encourage people that are going to visit to make sure that they give themselves enough to time to see everything and enjoy it.

It's always a good idea to check the weather before you go, while you will want to tour the inside of the building there are a lot of things that are on the grounds that you will want to see. It's a much nicer experience if you make sure that the weather is good for your walking around outside. One of the things that you will want to look out when you are on the grounds on the buliding is the Confederate Memorial Monument, which is located on the north side of Capitol Hill. This is a monument that is dedicated to more than 122,000 veterans of the Civil War. On the Capitol's south wing is the Avenue of Flags. This is semi circle of the U.S. Flags with a native stone and an engraving of the state's name in front of each flag.

The steps are the most famous thing to see on the ground of the capitol, these steps have served as historic points throughout history. One of the most noteable moment was The Selma to Montgomery March in 1965 that ended on these steps, as Martin Luther King Jr. gave a speech to the over 25,000 marchers. You can walk up these steps and take photos and admire the beauty, and historic events that took place there.

If you are interested in the inside of the building then make sure that you are aware that while the
entire building is not able to be toured, most of the building is. And while you do not actually need to take the tour to see the building I would recommend seeing the outside on your own, but the inside with a tour. The reason is that it's very hard to know exactly what things are and how they significant unless you have a guide to tell you these things.

Also I have noticed that certain days are much busier, if you can stay away from times in which public schools are in session and go over holiday breaks or summer it's less busy. Many schools will go on field trips to the Capitol Building and this can make it much busier and sometimes louder.

The Alabama State Capitol Building is located at
600 Dexter Avenue
Montgomery, AL 36104

The Tour Office Phone Number is (334) 242-3935

Monday-Friday:
Self guided tours can be taken 9 AM- 4PM
Guided Tours are given at 9AM, 11AM, 1PM, and 3PM (if you have a group of 15 or more, call in advance for a guided tour)
Closed on Sundays and all State Holidays



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