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Description from the Jemison Van de
Graaff Mansion website:
The Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion (constructed 1859-1862) was one of the
last and most elaborate great houses to be built in Alabama before the
states economy was devastated by the Civil War. The builder, wealthy
planter and business man , Robert Jemison, Jr., spared no expense to
create a state of the art home for his family. The Italianate style
house was designed by Philadelphia architect John Stewart who was in
Tuscaloosa supervising the construction of the Alabama Insane Hospital
(now Bryce Hospital). This enormous structure had been designed by
Stewarts partner Samuel Sloan, who also designed famous Longwood in
Natchez, Mississippi. Jemisons home incorporated the latest innovations
in design and technology including an elaborate plumbing system with
running water, flush toilets, and a copper bathtub. It also featured a
large conservatory to be warmed by a central heating plant (unfortunately
never installed because of the Yankee blockades), and indoor lighting
fueled by coal gas manufactured in a machine located in the basement.
Other modern features incorporated in the design were a boiler for
producing hot water, a gas stove and, an early form of refrigerator
consisting of a deep dry well in the basement that kept food fresh even in
hot Alabama summers. This dry well seems to be the source of an enduring
myth about the house which says that there is a tunnel from here to the
river.
The Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion was almost burned during the waning days
of the Civil War. When Tuscaloosa and The University of Alabama were
threatened by Union troops, Senator Jemison fled for his life and spent
several days hiding in the swamp near his plantation. In retribution,
Union soldiers sought to burn the home of this leading Confederate
senator. Mrs. Jemison was given fifteen minutes to take what possessions
she needed from the house before it was put to the torch. Fortunately,
during those few minutes young boys, playing a trick on the invading
Yankees, rode down Greensboro Avenue crying, Forrest is coming, hurrah
for Forrest! The Yankee commander, fearful of this legendary rebel
general, ordered his troops to retreat. In their haste, they neglected to
burn down the Jemison Mansion. The mansion is considered unfinished due to
the blockades during the Civil War preventing the needed items from
getting to the builders. In the past the Jemison Mansion has served as
Tuscaloosa's Library and currently serves as the official Tuscaloosa
Welcome Center. |
