Demopolis Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the heart of Alabama, Demopolis is a charming city that offers a unique blend of history, natural beauty, and Southern hospitality. With its rich heritage and picturesque landscapes, this hidden gem is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking an authentic taste of the Deep South.

History buffs will be enthralled by Demopolis' historical significance. Founded in 1817 by French exiles, the city's name is derived from the Greek words "demos" and "polis," meaning "people" and "city" respectively. Step back in time as you explore the historic downtown area, where beautifully preserved antebellum homes and buildings line the streets. The Gaineswood Mansion, a stunning Greek Revival-style mansion built in the 1800s, is a prime example of the city's architectural beauty.

Nature lovers will be delighted by the abundance of outdoor activities awaiting them in Demopolis. The city is situated on the banks of the mighty Tombigbee River, providing ample opportunities for boating, fishing, and kayaking. Take a leisurely stroll along the riverfront promenade and soak in the serene atmosphere. For a truly immersive experience, visit Foscue Park, a sprawling green oasis that offers scenic trails, picnic areas, and a tranquil lake perfect for birdwatching.

Demopolis is also home to a vibrant arts and cultural scene. The Demopolis Public Square is a hub of activity, hosting lively festivals, art exhibits, and live performances throughout the year. Immerse yourself in the local culture by attending a theater production or browsing the many art galleries that showcase the works of talented local artists.

No visit to Demopolis would be complete without indulging in the region's delectable cuisine. From mouthwatering barbecue joints to cozy soul food establishments, the city offers a wide array of dining options that will satisfy any palate. Be sure to try traditional Southern dishes such as fried catfish, collard greens, and homemade pecan pie.

Alternative names: Population: 7.1 thous.Area: 18.06 mi²Elevation: 108 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 32°30'28"N, 87°50'25"W

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AlabamaUnited States

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Demopolis Top Attractions

Demopolis Attractions - What to See and Explore

Demopolis offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Bluff Hall, Gaineswood, Demopolis Town Square, Glover Mausoleum. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Historical place • History museum • Greek Revival architecture
Bluff Hall
Bluff Hall is a historic residence in Demopolis, Alabama, United States. The original portion of the house is in the Federal style with later additions that altered it to the Greek Revival style.
History museum • Greek Revival architecture • Museum
Gaineswood
Gaineswood is a plantation house in Demopolis, Alabama, United States. It is the grandest plantation house ever built in Marengo County and is one of the most significant remaining examples of Greek Revival architecture in Alabama.
Greek Revival architecture • Park
Demopolis Town Square
Demopolis Town Square, currently officially known as Confederate Park, is a historic park in the city of Demopolis, Alabama, United States. It is one of the oldest public squares in the state. Demopolis had its beginnings in 1817 with the Vine and Olive Colony, and the park was established in 1819.

Greek Revival architecture • Mausoleum
Glover Mausoleum
The Glover Mausoleum, also known as the Glover Vault, is a Greek Revival mausoleum located within the Riverside Cemetery in Demopolis, Marengo County, Alabama.
Greek Revival architecture • Vernacular architecture
Lyon Hall
Lyon Hall, also known as the Lyon-Lamar House, is a historic Greek Revival mansion in Demopolis, Alabama, United States. It was built over a period of three years by George Gaines Lyon and his wife, Anne Glover Lyon.
32°31'6"N • 87°50'16"W
United States Post Office
The U.S. Post Office in Demopolis, Alabama is a historic post office. It was built in 1914 in a Jeffersonian Neoclassical style. The facade is granite and brick with five arched bays, the three central bays feature Palladian windows. The roof line is crowned with a vasiform balustrade. The interior is marble.
32°29'7"N • 87°52'1"W
Foscue–Whitfield House
The Foscue–Whitfield House, best known as the Foscue House, is a historic Federal style plantation house just outside the city limits of Demopolis, Alabama, United States.
Gothic Revival architecture
Ashe Cottage
Ashe Cottage, also known as the Ely House, is a historic Carpenter Gothic house in Demopolis, Alabama. It was built in 1832 and expanded and remodeled in the Gothic Revival style in 1858 by William Cincinnatus Ashe, a physician from North Carolina.
32°31'15"N • 87°50'19"W
Curtis House
The Curtis House, also known as the Howze-Culpepper House, is a historic house in Demopolis, Alabama, United States. It is a brick structure that was built in 1840 by Samuel Curtis, a Revolutionary War veteran who was born in Queen Anne's County, Maryland in 1751 and died in Marengo County, Alabama in 1846.
Neighbourhood
Demopolis Historic Business District
The Demopolis Historic Business District, currently officially known as Demopolis Historic District, is a historic district in the city of Demopolis, Alabama, United States. Demopolis had its beginnings in 1817 with the Vine and Olive Colony.

Day trips

Demopolis – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Demopolis, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Joseph T. Smitherman Historic Building (Selma), Sturdivant Hall (Selma), Edmund Pettus Bridge (Selma).

48 milesE
Museum, History museum, Specialty museum
Joseph T. Smitherman Historic Building, Selma
The Joseph T. Smitherman Historic Building, also known by a variety of other names throughout its history, is a historic Greek Revival building in Selma, Alabama. Completed in 1847, it has served many functions in the more than 160 years of its existence.
48 milesE
Museum, History museum, Specialty museum
Sturdivant Hall, Selma
Sturdivant Hall, also known as the Watts-Parkman-Gillman Home, is a historic Greek Revival mansion and house museum in Selma, Alabama, United States. Completed in 1856, it was designed by Thomas Helm Lee for Colonel Edward T. Watts.
48 milesE
Famous landmark in civil rights history
Edmund Pettus Bridge, Selma
The Edmund Pettus Bridge carries U.S. Route 80 Business across the Alabama River in Selma, Alabama. Built in 1940, it is named after Edmund Pettus, a former Confederate brigadier general, U.S. senator, and state-level leader of the Alabama Ku Klux Klan.
49 milesE
Museum, History museum
National Voting Rights Museum, Selma
The National Voting Rights Museum and Institute, established in 1991 and opened in 1993, is an American museum in Selma, Alabama, which honors, chronicles, collects, archives, and displays the artifacts and testimony of the activists who participated in the events leading up to...
48 milesE
Cemetery
Old Live Oak Cemetery, Selma
Old Live Oak Cemetery is an historic cemetery in Selma, Alabama that was founded in 1829 and expanded in 1877. The newer portion is sometimes called New Live Oak Cemetery and the cemetery is collectively known as Live Oak Cemetery.