an Alabama Historical Commission historic site
An example of temple-style Greek Revival architecture, Magnolia Grove was built c1840 as a townhouse, set on 20 acres. Today, the house and three outbuildings are preserved on 15 acres.
Built by Isaac and Sarah Croom, the house was purchased by Sallie Pearson Hobson (a niece) in 1879. Richmond Pearson Hobson, son of Sallie and James, became a Spanish-American War hero and a US Congressman.
The Hobson family deeded the house and land to the State of Alabama in 1943. Magnolia Grove is still as it was when Margaret Hobson passed away in 1978- with three generations of family furnishings in place. Magnolia Grove has been a property of the Alabama Historical Commission since 1980.
Guided tours of the house given Tuesday- Friday from 10 am- 4pm, and the first Saturday of each month from 10am-2pm (except January). Tours take approximately 45 minutes. Self-guided tours of the grounds daily. Closed state holidays.
