White House of the Confederacy
1201 E Clay St, Richmond, VA, 23219
Part of the American Civil War Museum, the White House of the Confederacy was the executive mansion and residence of Confederate President Jefferson Davis and his family from 1861 to 1865. Today, it is a listed National Historic Landmark and museum that offers guided tours, interactive exhibits, and educational programs that lend insight into the people who lived and worked there.
The basics
Visitors can explore the White House of the Confederacy on a tour led by a guide from the American Civil War Museum. The tour covers two floors of the restored house, which is fully furnished with period furniture and other items, some of which have been in the house since the Civil War. See both public rooms, where meetings and other functions were held, and private quarters. Some Richmond sightseeing tours include a stop outside the house.
Things to know before you go
There’s an entrance fee for the White House of the Confederacy, with discounts for seniors, teachers, college students, veterans, active military, and youth (6–18). Children under 6 receive free admission.
Guided house tours are limited to 18 visitors per tour.
The house is not accessible to wheelchairs or walkers, as all entries have stairs. Wheelchair users can view the tour via Zoom while a companion tours the house with an iPad. Virtual tours can also be arranged with advanced notice.
How to get there
The White House of the Confederacy is located on E. Clay Street in Richmond, Virginia, near I-95, US-250, and MD-295. Free parking is available at the VCU Medical Center Parking Deck on 12th Street for museum visitors with validation, which is available at the museum’s information desk. You can book a rideshare or taxi to reach the museum.
When to get there
The White House of the Confederacy is open year-round, except Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. Guided tours last for about 45 minutes and are offered every day of the week, typically starting around 10:30am or 11:15am. Visitors should make reservations ahead of time to secure their preferred tour time.
The American Civil War Museum at Tredegar
Also part of the American Civil War Museum, along the banks of the James River in Richmond, Tredegar is located inside the historic Tredegar Iron Works, a major Confederate producer of artillery ordnance. Visitors can explore two stories and more than 500 artifacts from the start of the Civil War through to Reconstruction.
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