Tuscaloosa, Alabama Vintage Building Photograph, 1830

This vintage photograph, taken by Frances Benjamin Johnston, captures a notable building located in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama. Estimated to date back to around 1830, the two-story brick structure features prominent outside front steps leading to the second floor. This architectural detail highlights the design elements common in the antebellum South.

From 1888 to 1908, the lower floor of this building served as the post office for the University of Alabama. After the Civil War, it transitioned to accommodate college officials, illustrating its role in the educational landscape of the era. This image is part of the Carnegie Survey of the Architecture of the South, a significant documentation effort that aimed to preserve the architectural heritage of the region.

The photograph provides a glimpse into the historical context of Tuscaloosa, contributing to the understanding of its architectural evolution and significance within the community. It remains a valuable resource for those interested in the architectural history of Alabama.