Arlington in Birmingham, Jefferson County, Alabama is a wonderful example of Greek Revival architecture which dates back to the 1840s. It is located on six acres in Old Elyton which was the first permanent County Seat of Jefferson County. It was originally called ‘The Grove’ and was built by Judge William S. Mudd, one of the founders of Birmingham.
Arlington is the only antebellum mansion remaining in Birmingham.
Arlington – Alex Bush, Photographer, March 4, 1937 Front (North) and West Elevation – Arlington Place, 331 Cotton Avenue, Southwest, Birmingham, Jefferson County, AL
During the end of the Civil War, General James Wilson arrived with over 13,000 troops and used Arlington for his headquarters while he planned the destruction of the Confederate iron furnaces and the military school at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. General Wilson camped on the grounds instead of within the house, thus sparing damage to the house.
Some believe General Wilson spared the mansion was because Judge Mudd and General Wilson were both Masons. Judge Mudd also opposed secession. However, he supported the South during the Civil War after hostilities broke out.
Arlington – Alex Bush, Photographer, March 4, 1937 Rear Hall (General view) Showing stairs – Arlington Place, 331 Cotton Avenue, Southwest, Birmingham, Jefferson County, AL
Arlington Alex Bush, Photographer, March 5, 1937 Mantel On West Wall of Parlor – Arlington Place, 331 Cotton Avenue, Southwest, Birmingham, Jefferson County, AL
After the Civil War the property went through several owners. In 1902, Arlington became the home of Robert S. Munger and over the next twenty year he added plumbing and electric lights as well as other renovations. He had another structure moved across the street behind the main house which was used for a kitchen, dining room, sun parlor and sleeping quarters. Mr. Munger was known to have had one of the first ‘motor cars’ in Birmingham.
Arlington – Alex Bush, Photographer, March 4, 1937 View across main hall into dining room- Arlington Place, 331 Cotton Avenue, Southwest, Birmingham, Jefferson County, AL
Arlington – Alex Bush, Photographer, March 4, 1937 Front Elevtion dining room and kitchen – Arlington Place, 331 Cotton Avenue, Southwest, Birmingham, Jefferson County, AL
Alex Bush, Photographer, March 4, 1937 Close-up of Main Entrance – Arlington Place, 331 Cotton Avenue, Southwest, Birmingham, Jefferson County, AL
Alex Bush, Photographer, March 4, 1937 West Elevation (General view) – Arlington Place, 331 Cotton Avenue, Southwest, Birmingham, Jefferson County, AL
Arlington – Alex Bush, Photographer, March 4, 1937 Front of Hall (General View) – Arlington Place, 331 Cotton Avenue, Southwest, Birmingham, Jefferson County, AL
Arlington – Alex Bush, Photographer, March 4, 1937 East Elevation of Main Building – Arlington Place, 331 Cotton Avenue, Southwest, Birmingham, Jefferson County, AL
Arlington – Alex Bush, Photographer, March 4, 1937 Front Elevation (General view) – Arlington Place, 331 Cotton Avenue, Southwest, Birmingham, Jefferson County, AL
Alex Bush, Photographer, March 4, 1937 Looking East on Second Floor Porch – Arlington Place, 331 Cotton Avenue, Southwest, Birmingham, Jefferson County, AL
Arlington – Alex Bush, Photographer, March 4, 1937 View of Garden and Summer House – Arlington Place, 331 Cotton Avenue, Southwest, Birmingham, Jefferson County, AL
Arlington 1997 – interior view, viewing panel cut into the floor of the music room – Arlington Place, 331 Cotton Avenue, Southwest, Birmingham, Jefferson County, AL
Arlington – interior view, music room located at the Northeast corner of the house on the first floor, looking to the fireplace in the east wall 
Arlington – Second floor bedroom – southeast corner of the house
The mansion has been lovingly restored and is open to the public for tours. An Admission is charged. The Restored Garden Room is available for private and club rental. Click here for more information.
Read more stories of pioneers in ALABAMA FOOTPRINTS Pioneers: A Collection of Lost & Forgotten Stories
Stories include:
- The Yazoo land fraud
- Daily life as an Alabama pioneer
- The capture and arrest of Vice-president Aaron Burr
- The early life of William Barrett Travis, the hero of the Alamo
- Description of Native Americans of early Alabama including the visit by Tecumseh
- Treaties and building the first roads in Alabama.
Judge William S. Mudd’s wife, Florence Earle, was daughter of Dr. Samuel S. Earle who came with his wife from South Carolina to Elyton about 1823-24 – very prominent family in Elyton, and later in Birmingham.
What a magnificient piece of history this home is. I hope it is always preserved for future
history buffs to enjoy.
I was married & had our reception here. So lovely.
Beautiful place. I haven’t been there in almost 30 years when I used the venue for a work related event. Would so love to see it again.
We go to Arlington every year for the Christmas open house.
Lived in Bham for the first 35 years of my life and only visited this place twice: as a youngster with out-of-town visiting relatives and as a wedding guest when my 6th grade teacher married there. I think it’s time for another visit!!
When I was in high school in the late-60’s I volunteered as a costumed docent at Arlington. My mother made me a summer and winter dress and I worked as much as Mrs. Lackmond would allow. It’s the best job I ever had!
I know I’m never going to be able to get there to see this beautiful presentation but you know one thing I could have read it but you kept putting this confounded thing up about the email stuff you know can you let people just enjoy reading about the beautiful place thank you for sharing that one picture with me have a blessed day
Beautiful, toured many years ago!!!
I recognized it immediately. My grandparents used to live on Cotton Ave. in B’ham, where this is located. We’d walk to the Elyton Baptist Church on Sundays and we’d walk right past it.
Went there many times as a child. I still remember the smell of the boxwoods bear the steps
I remember the place where they cut away the floor so you could see the original wood.
I remember visiting in 1962 on a 7th grade field trip. Have pictures taken with friends on the lawn.
Went there for many occasions !
I was in a wedding there beautiful
Beckie Melvin
Visited during Christmas, magical!