The History Junkie: Tour of Tuscaloosa, Part I

Here's a list I've compiled this summer, of historic sites in Tuscaloosa. Some are still standing. Sadly, many are not. But where possible, I've found the exact location. That way, next time you pass one of these sites, you can shake your head sadly and grumble about progress.

The Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion. 1305 Greensboro Ave. 1859-62. Italianate style. Built by the architect who was in town designing Bryce Hospital (Lewis). It was nearly lost during the Civil War. Senator Robert Jemison fled the Yankees and hid out in a swamp, so they threatened to burn the house. There's a very old local legend that a tunnel entrance is hidden somewhere on the grounds of the mansion, and that it comes out where the edge of the Black Warrior used to be, before it was dammed. Excellent condition. Two stories. Brick, stucco, heart of pine, masonry. 26 rooms.

William Battle Home. (aka The de Graffenreid House). 1217 Greensboro Ave. I can't find much information about it, but apartment houses now sit on the site. The house was demolished in 1962.

Battle-Friedman House. 1010 Greensboro Ave. 1835. The grounds of the house have the only extant antebellum gardens in the state. Greek Revival.

Stafford Hotel. 919 23rd Ave. In 1830 the site was home to the Tuscaloosa Female Academy. In 1885, it became the Stafford School, the first city school. In 1955, the building was demolished, and the 9-story Stafford Hotel was built in its place. It closed as a hotel in 1987 and is now home to the Bank of America and some condos.