The Best Historical Attractions in Auburn, AL

Many people know the historic college town of Auburn, Alabama, as the home of the Tigers at Auburn University. While the college football team is a popular part of the culture, there’s so much rich history to learn about and appreciate. This area is one of the fastest-growing metropolitan locations in Alabama and 19th overall in the United States.

Our team at Hyundai of Auburn has put together a list of the best historical attractions in Auburn, Alabama, that you should put on your list of must-sees.

Auburn University Historic District

Since June 3, 1976, the Auburn University Historic District has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places, making it a must-see when you visit the infamous college town. The district centers around Samford Park, and it has homes and buildings from the 1850s to the early 1900s, reflecting the formally popular Revivalist style. One of the most notable buildings in the district is Auburn University, which began as an all-male university in 1856. Then, in 1859, the school became a private liberal arts school.

However, the university shut down temporarily between 1861 to 1866 because of the Civil War and Reconstruction. The Methodist Church held responsibility for the school during the war and post-war period, but then, because of financial stressors, the church gave the state control over the institution in 1872. This made the university the south’s first land-grant college. Finally, women were admitted in 1892, which makes the school the oldest four-year co-educational school in the state and the second oldest co-educational four-year institution in the southeast.

Other notable and historical campus buildings include:

• University Chapel.
• Samford Hall.
• Langdon Hall.

You can explore the 14.5 acres of the historic district, where you can see the red brick pattern throughout many of the buildings.

• Office of the Registrar’s address: 152 S. College St., Auburn.

Hargis Hall at the Alabama Graduate School

Hargis Hall is located at the Auburn Graduate School, which is also on Auburn University’s campus. The hall earned its name to honor the life of Dr. Estes Hargis, a Birmingham physician, and an Auburn alum. While some of the hall’s original features remain today, the building has undergone many renovations due to several fires. The university replaced the steeple in 1980 after a 1978 fire ruined the original. Today, this hall is for the administrative offices of Auburn graduate students, but back in the day, it was home to many school classes, like chemistry.

Since 1976, this iconic university building has been on the National Register of Historic Places. It’s a must-see for students, tourists, and locals alike.

• Address: 122 S. College St., Auburn.

Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site

Visit the Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site, a 30-minute drive to Tuskegee, Alabama. It’s a fascinating museum where you can learn about the Tuskegee Airmen’s significance. This group was a majority of African American pilots and airmen who were fighting in World War II. These men were much more than pilots. They held other critical roles, like technicians, radio operators, and medical personnel. However, men were not the only ones involved — women were also a part of the effort, and they worked with the men in essential roles, such as mechanics, gate guards, and control tower operators.

At the museum, you can learn about the brave men and women who fought in the war. Here are a few ways you can learn about this time in history at this location:

• Watch a 28-minute film called “Tuskegee Airmen: Sacrifice and Triumph.”
• Take a tour of the facility’s outside grounds.
• Look at the two indoor Hangars.
• Attend a ranger talk.

Additionally, you can review the museum’s calendar on the website to see the current events you can attend.

• Hours:
  • Sunday through Tuesday: Closed.
  • Wednesday through Saturday: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Address: 1616 Chappie James Ave., Tuskegee.

The Scott And Zelda Fitzgerald Museum

Take a 56-minute drive to see The Scott And Zelda Fitzgerald Museum, located in the historic Old Cloverdale Neighborhood of Montgomery, Alabama, the only museum dedicated to these iconic figures. The couple lived in this area from 1931 to 1932, and they wrote portions of some of their novels here, such as “Save Me The Waltz” and “Tender Is The Night.” At this museum, go on a self-guided tour or have a tour guide with you as you walk through the home, observing artifacts from the couple’s legacy.

The home that the museum is in is one of the four last remaining places the couple stayed during their global travels. It was built between 1905 and 1910 as a single-family home, but by the time F. Scott and Zelda moved out, the house transformed into apartments. Zelda Sayre, who married F. Scott Fitzgerald in 1920, was a native of Montgomery, where she spent much of her life before her marriage in the Cottage Hill neighborhood. After F. Scott passed away in 1940, she returned to the town.

To help maintain the legacy of this writing couple, the museum’s foundation seeks to educate people about not only F. Scott and Zelda but also about music, literacy, dance, and other significant aspects of the fine arts. Additionally, you can book the Scott or Zelda suite on Airbnb using the museum’s website. Tickets for the museum are a small fee per person, and if you’re planning on attending the museum with a large group, contact the staff. This way, they can accommodate your party better. You can also use the website to view the museum’s online store.

• Hours:
  • Thursday through Sunday: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Wednesday: by appointment only.
    • The museums ask that guests get to the museum by 2:30 p.m.
• Address: 919 Felder Ave., Montgomery.

We know there are several historical sites and attractions in and around Auburn, Alabama, so we’re hardly scratching the surface with our four must-see recommendations. What do you think of our list? Did we miss a fascinating historical landmark? Contact us, and tell us about it. Here at Hyundai of Auburn, we take pride in listening to our customers’ opinions, especially about educational places in our great city.

Visit our dealership in Auburn to speak with our team of sales experts about your wants and needs in your next vehicle. Or, you can browse our inventory of new cars for sale and used vehicles. Whatever you’re searching for, we want to help get you the best deal, so you feel confident about your purchase when leaving our showroom.

Aerial of Auburn University by Eric Foster is licensed with Unsplash License