McDonald Hughes Community Center
With events ranging from city gatherings to job fairs, the MacDonald Hughes Community Center is a much frequented hotspot for local activities and community growth.
Steam Dummy
Streetcar service began in the Druid City in 1883 with the arrival of the first horsecar trolley. Operated by the Tuscaloosa Street Railway, mules and mustangs pulled the streetcars on rails throughout the city. This “contraption” was in use for over a decade before the tracks were taken up by city order in 1896.
Moon Winx
The famous sign dates to 1957 and was designed by Pickens County folk artist Glenn House. “It’s not my crowning achievement,” House says, “but it’s the longest-lasting piece of art that I’ve ever done.” It survived Tuscaloosa’s greatest natural disaster. Mr. House has a gallery in Gordo, Alabama.
Old Tavern Museum Importance
Built in 1827, it served as a tavern and hotel on the stagecoach route that ran through Tuscaloosa. Many business deals and acquaintances were made in the tavern.
Denny Chimes
Denny Chimes, an enduring symbol of Alabama’s first university, was erected in 1929 to honor President George H. Denny, under whose leadership The University of Alabama gained national prominence.
History Changed by Two Men in 1958
In 1958, legendary Coach Paul “Bear” Bryant arrived and John “Big Daddy” Bishop opened his first Dreamland Bar-B-Que Cafe.
First Baptist Church
Organized in 1818, First Baptist is the oldest church in Tuscaloosa County. The first building was made with logs. A brick structure was completed in 1830 and a larger one at the same site in 1884. An educational building was erected 1924 and the sanctuary that exists today was finished in 1958.
One of America’s Best College Bars
The Houndstooth was recently awarded this title by Travel and Leisure Magazine.
Tuscaloosa Amtrak Station
Tuscaloosa is an Amtrak Intercity rail station. It was one of the last railroad-operated active passenger stations in the country.
Old Bryce Hospital
Bryce Hospital, founded in 1861, is Alabama’s oldest and largest inpatient psychiatric facility. In 2009 it was decided to build a new facility in a nearby location and has since been closed for repairs.