Gorgas House Research Paper

On April 4th, 1865 Union troops invaded Tuscaloosa and the University of Alabama. The university taught Confederate military tactics along with academics. Because of its military nature it was a huge target and a threat for the Union army. After the invasion most of the campus was left in turmoil and burned. Four miraculous buildings were able to survive the burning. Those four included the President’s mansion, Round House, Observatory, and the Gorgas House (War Comes to UA). It was a warm October day when I visited the Gorgas House. The weather being shockingly warm for fall. With the leaves starting to turn and the sounds of nearby students walking by. There was a beautiful sunny blue sky filled with fluffy white clouds and a slight breeze which made the setting picturesque. The Gorgas House and its grounds are nestled in the heart of the University of Alabama’s campus. Its location is just footsteps away from the Quadrangle and the Ferguson Center. This breathtaking home was built

All of these long standing buildings share a rich history that dates back to the pre Civil War era. The Gorgas House is the oldest standing. This structure has been apart of the growth and history of this university and has held various uses with its time. There were seven original campus buildings when the campus was first built. The Gorgas House was the first. When old images of the house are observed the viewer will notice how desolate the building once was and how it stood on its own. The building used to be hidden amongst tons of trees. There also was a fence that surrounded the property much like the one that stands now. Today, it is surrounded by many other academic buildings and streets. The house has maintained the same look and foundation exteriorly for the past century and will continue to look this way as time