The Dragoons of SCV Camp 1524 visited the First White House of the Confederacy in downtown Montgomery the evening of January 9th for a presentation and tour of the historic home as their monthly meeting. Approximately 18 members attended the special opening of the historic property which is filled with period furniture and belongings of President Jefferson Davis and his wife Varina. The Dragoons own Jayson Altieri is a regular volunteer there and has become very knowledgeable of the history of the house and led the meeting. After Jayson's discussion everyone enjoyed a self guided tour of the house which includes a musuem and gift shop as well as rooms furnished with period and actual pieces belonging to the Davis's. Camp 1524 Commander Grooms and Brigade Commander Waldo presented docent Bob Wieland with a check to thank them for hosting our meeting and to continue the outstanding work they are doing in presenting this part of the history of our state to thousands of visitors annually.
The 1834 Italianized home was built by Mr. William Sayre as his primary residence. Sayre served as an early Montgomery city councilman, two term mayor and, helped build the railroad linking Montgomery with Mobile. William's great niece would be Zelda Fitzgerald, wife of the famous author of The Great Gatsby and other works. In the spring of 1861 the newly formed Confederate governement rented this home as an executive residence for President Jefferson Davis and his family. Their residence in Montgomery was short lived though when the first Confederate Congress voted to move the capital to Richmond VA and the family left Montgomery in May of 1861. The residence was originally located at Bob and Lee Streets and was moved to its curent location across from the state capitol by the White House Association and dedicated in June 1921.