Described by the Smithsonian Guide to Historic America: The Deep South as "one of the three or four most interesting houses in America", Gaineswood was built over an 18 year period. Between 1843 and 1861, Gaineswood evolved from a dog-trot cabin into an elaborate home. The builder, General Nathan Bryan Whitfield, was a planter and 'Renaissance man'. He acted as his own architect, engineer, foreman, and sometimes craftsman. Owned by the Alabama Historical Commission, Gaineswood was named a National Historic Landmark in 1974 and opened to the public in 1975. Open for guided tours of the house & self-guided tours of the grounds Tuesday - Saturday 10am-4pm. Closed state holidays. Admission: adults $10, military and seniors $9, students $5, children 5 & under are free. Main entrance door located on East Morgan Street side of house