Jefferson Davis Presidential Star - Montgomery, Alabama
Posted by: 
xptwo
N 32° 22.661 W 086° 18.042
16S E 565781 N 3582515
A brass star marks the spot where Jefferson Davis stood when he was sworn in as President of the Confederate State of America.
Waymark Code: WMEB2X
Location: Alabama, United States
Date Posted: 04/30/2012
Views: 12
On February 18, 1861, Jefferson Davis, former United States Senator, took the office of President of the Confederate States of America. Representatives from Southern states had met in Montgomery, Alabama, and had used the Alabama Capitol building for their organization of the CSA, declaring Montgomery as the new Confederate capital. After his election, Jefferson Davis was sworn in on the Capitol steps. In May, 1861, after Virginia joined the Confederacy, the capital was moved to Richmond. The star is inset into the tiles between the portico's middle columns.
According to Alabama: A Guide to the Deep South, Montgomery Section (American Guide series, 1940), p. 228:
"A portico, with six Corinthian columns and entablature adorns the main facade of the Capitol. The large timepiece above the entrance still keeping almost perfect time, was Montgomery's town clock until 1852. Three flights of steps give access to the entrance portal. On the main (west) portico is the brass, six-pointed Davis Star unveiled May 20, 1897, marking the spot where Jefferson Davis stood while Howell Cobb of Georgia administered the Presidential oath."
The star was placed by the Daughters of the Confederacy Montgomery Chapter. The inscription reads:
"Placed by Sophie Bibb Chapter Daughters of the Confederacy on the spot where Jefferson Davis stood when inaugurated President of the C.S.A. Feb. 18, 1861."
Price of Admission: 0.00 (listed in local currency)
Roadside Attractions Website: [Web Link]
Location Website: [Web Link]
Weekday Hours: Not listed
Weekend Hours: Not listed
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