WELCOME TO THE
GARDEN DISTRICT PRESERVATION ASSOCIATION

The Garden District is a living timeline of American residential architecture from the late 1800s through the early 20th century.

​

As you walk through its tree-lined streets, you’re surrounded by homes that reflect the craftsmanship, ideals, and lifestyles of the people who built them. These houses aren’t just structures—they’re historic records of Montgomery’s growth and the cultural shifts that shaped it.

​

Development of the neighborhood began in the 1870s, accelerating in the decades that followed as Montgomery emerged from the Reconstruction period. The area became home to professionals—doctors, teachers, merchants, and attorneys—who wanted homes that reflected both beauty and status. Each wave of development brought new architectural styles that echoed national trends but were adapted to the Southern climate and local materials.

​

Key Architectural Styles You’ll See in the district:

• Queen Anne (1880s–1900s):
  One of the most visually striking styles in the Garden District, Queen Anne homes feature asymmetrical facades, wrap-around porches, stained-glass windows, turrets, and elaborate woodwork. Their whimsical, ornate details reflect the Victorian era’s embrace of individualism and artistic flourish.
  ▸ Example: Dr. C.A. Thigpen House (1898)

• Colonial Revival (1900s–1930s):
  Marked by symmetrical layouts, classical columns, pediments, and formal entryways, Colonial Revival homes conveyed a sense of order and patriotism in the early 20th century. Inspired by America’s colonial past, they became a favorite among families seeking a dignified but practical style.

• Craftsman (1905–1930s):
  Popular among Montgomery’s growing middle class, Craftsman homes emphasize simplicity, hand-crafted elements, and natural materials. Expect to see wide porches with thick columns, low-pitched roofs, exposed rafters, and stone or brick accents. These homes often reflect the values of the Arts and Crafts movement—honest design, durability, and harmony with the environment.

• Tudor Revival (1920s–1930s):
  Inspired by medieval English cottages and manor houses, Tudor homes feature steeply pitched roofs, decorative half-timbering, tall chimneys, and leaded-glass windows. In Montgomery, these homes were typically built with brick and stucco, blending romantic European nostalgia with Southern charm.

• Mission Revival: A style rare but distinctive in the neighborhood, Mission Revival homes include red-tile roofs, arched entryways, and stucco walls. These homes reflect Spanish colonial influences and a growing interest in regional, climate-adapted architecture in the early 20th century.

• Neoclassical (1900s–1920s):
  Characterized by grand scale, symmetrical facades, and tall columns, Neoclassical homes symbolized wealth, permanence, and civic pride. They often resemble Greek or Roman temples and were favored for prominent residences.
  ▸ Example: Alabama Governor’s Mansion (1907)