Gaineswood is a National Historic Landmark located in Demopolis, Marengo County, Alabama. This magnificent antebellum home was built between 1843 and 1861 for Nathan Bryan Whitfield, a successful planter, businessman, and politician. Designed by architect and builder John Mills, Gaineswood is one of the most significant examples of Greek Revival architecture in the South.
The house features a grand two-story portico supported by four massive Corinthian columns, and the interior is adorned with elaborate plasterwork and ornate woodwork. The house is furnished with many original pieces belonging to the Whitfield family, including a grand piano, four-poster beds, and a settee made by Duncan Phyfe.
The grounds surrounding the home were once home to a large number of enslaved people, and today, visitors can take a guided tour of the house and grounds to learn about the history of the people who lived and worked there. The property also features a carriage house, gardens, and a museum dedicated to the history of Demopolis and the surrounding area.
The Alabama Historical Commission owns this historic site. Friends of Gaineswood is the support group in charge of operating the site.
