Discover the Old South at the Bragg-Mitchell Mansion, a stately heritage home in Mobile. The 19th-century house is just as you might imagine a mansion in the South to be. Tall, narrow columns form a porch wrapping around the white façade, while a central balcony stands above the main door. The interior is maintained in a similar style, providing visitors with a window into what life was like for wealthy Southerners in the days before the Civil War.
Marvel at the grandeur of this iconic mansion, which was designed in Greek-revival style and built in 1855 by cotton plantation owner Judge John Bragg. The last owner of the house donated the building to become a science museum. However, the preserved nature of the building meant it was more suited for as a historical museum instead. It opened to the public in 1987.
Walk through the garden and find shade beneath oaks that are as old as the mansion itself. Pause to admire the elegant exterior of the building. The pretty house is one of Mobile’s most photographed destinations. The old-fashioned aesthetic and atmosphere have also helped make it a popular wedding venue.
Tour the inside of the building to find out how the wealthiest members of society lived. Look for exquisite antique furnishings and lavish crystal chandeliers. Imagine attending one of the many parties that were held here surrounded by such opulence.
Just down the road another example of antebellum architecture is Magnolia Manor, which features a similar aesthetic to the Bragg-Mitchell Mansion. Also on the same street is the Mobile Medical Museum. Stop here to learn about the history of healthcare in Alabama and browse exhibits of medical equipment from the past.
The Bragg-Mitchell Mansion is located west of Mobile’s city center, under 10 minutes away by car. Parking is available on the site. Join one of the guided tours, which operate hourly between Tuesday and Friday.