The two-story townhouse of Dr. John Brockenbrough at 12th and Clay streets in Richmond has survived the vicissitudes of time.  The design is traditionally attributed to Robert Mills, architect of the Washington Monument. This townhouse became The White House of the Confederacy. The building next door is the Museum of the Confederacy.

  In the 1850s the Brockenbrough house was architecturally altered to include a third floor and a cupola; Victorian features were added to the interior.  One of the finest in Richmond, the house was purchased by the city in June 1861 for Jefferson Davis, president of the Confederacy.  When he would not accept it as a gift the city rented it to the southern states to be used as "The White House of the Confederacy."  The Davis family was in residence until March 1865 when Varina Davis and her four children fled.

    During Reconstruction, 1865-1870, the former White House was used as U.S. Army headquarters for Military District Number 1.  Alterations were made when it was converted to use as a public school, but by 1890 it was in such sad repair the city considered tearing it down.  It was saved by the Confederate Memorial Literary Society, a group that evolved from a ladies' organization devoted to tending the Confederate graves at Richmond's Hollywood Cemetery.  The addition of the word "literary" gave justification for the transfer of this former city school to private hands.  It also reflected the national interest in the South evoked by the late 19th-century literary movement of southern authors.

The house was repaired and opened as a museum by the Confederate Memorial Literary Society in 1896.  The very existence of this museum prompted donations from throughout the South, and the collection grew.

   The personal effects of Robert E. Lee, including the sword he wore at Appomattox, are the Museum of the Conferacy's most prized pieces.  There are military weapons and uniforms belonging to Stonewall Jackson, J.E.B. Stuart, Joseph E. Johnston and A.P. Hill.  Many uniforms, letters and mementos from the soldiers who fought the battles the generals planned are on display.  Dresses, jewelry and letters from the women who fought the battles at home are also prominently featured. With the opening of the new museum, work began on restoring the White House to its appearance during the Davis residency.  The ground floor houses an exhibit introducing visitors to the Jefferson Davis family.  Above it, on the first floor are the public rooms of the Executive Mansion that served as the social center for the political and military leaders of the Confederacy.  The second floor is restored to reflect the family quarters with nursery, private office and master bedroom.  The third floor has curatorial and educational facilities.

As you walk through the Museum you will see many paintings, pictures, uniforms and weapons of the Confederate army. Some are very touching and give you glimpses of the men who fought in this most terrible of wars.

A Bible and bullet maker carried by a Confederate soldier

Hours  September 5 - May 31 Museum & White House
Mon.,Tues, Thurs, Fri & Sat.,10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Sun., 12:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. Closed Wed.
January 2 - February 28
Museum
Mon., Tues., Thurs., Fri. & Sat., 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Sun., 12:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. Closed Wed.
White House
Closed Jan. & Feb.
June 1 - September 3
Museum & White House
Mon.-Sat., 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.,
Sun., 12:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.
Directions: The Museum and White House of the Confederacy is located at 12th and Clay streets in Richmond's historic Court End neighborhood, about two blocks from the historic State Capitol and Capitol Square. From
I-95 take exit 74C to Route 250 West (Broad Street). At 11th Street turn right and go two blocks to Clay Street. Turn right on Clay. Due to construction, the parking deck is currently using the 12th Street entrance. So follow the blinking signs for parking in the parking deck. The Museum and White House are on the corner of 12th and Clay Streets.
Parking is available in the MCVH Visitor Patient Parking deck at the end of Clay Street. Bring your parking ticket to the front desk and the staff  will gladly validate. The parking deck cannot accommodate oversized vehicles or vehicles pulling a trailer. Parking in a standard-sized vehicle is encouraged.