Oldest Buildings In AL: Joseph T. Smitherman Historic Building

We’re lucky to have many buildings in Alabama that have stood the test of time. Among them is the Joseph T. Smitherman Historic Building, which happens to be one of the oldest buildings in Alabama. Over the years, this historic building has served many purposes. To learn a few of these purposes, plus some of the things you can expect to see during your visit, take a look below.

The Joseph T. Smitherman Historic Building, which is now operated as the Vaughn-Smitherman Museum, is located in Selma, Alabama.

Built in 1847 as the Central Masonic Institute, it's one of Alabama's oldest buildings. It was also added to the National Register of Historic Places on June 20, 1975.

The Vaughan-Smitherman Museum, which was named after local physician Samuel Watkins Vaughan and one of Selma's former mayors Joseph T. Smitherman, is filled with lots of elegant furnishings and...

...photos galore. Hanging on the walls, you'll find an assortment of frames containing photographs of important people, historic buildings, and more.

From 1911 to 1960, this historic building also served as Vaughan Memorial Hospital. In fact, on the third floor of the museum, some of the rooms have been recreated to look like they did many years ago.

There's also an office space that's dedicated to Joseph T. Smitherman. Smitherman served as the mayor of Selma for more than 35 years.

The next time you're in Selma and want to learn all about the city's history, consider visiting the Vaughan-Smitherman Museum. Who knows? You may learn something about the "Butterfly Capital of Alabama" that just might surprise you.

Have you ever been inside the Joseph T. Smitherman Historic Building (Vaughn-Smitherman Museum)? If so, what did you think? Please feel free to share your thoughts with us in the comments below.

To extend your stay in Selma, you’ll want to book a reservation at this charming colonial home.

While in Selma, be sure to check out the Edmund Pettus Bridge. It’s one of Alabama’s most famous historic landmarks.

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Vaughan Smitherman Museum, 109 Union St, Selma, AL 36701, USA

One Of The Oldest Buildings In Alabama Was Originally A Masonic School And Eventually Served As A Civil War Hospital

Jennifer Young

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