American Village
Home to replicas of significant American historic sites.
Site Details
Pin location is approximate.
3727 Hwy 119
Montevallo, AL 35115
Family Friendly?
Yes
Visitors Per Year
100,000
The American Village in Montevallo, Alabama, is a nationally recognized center for civic education, using immersive, hands-on experiences to bring U.S. history to life. Through replicas of historic buildings like Independence Hall and interactive programs, it educates students and visitors about the Founding, the Constitution, and the sacrifices made in military service. Welcoming tens of thousands annually, it serves as a regional hub that connects people to America’s past while inspiring civic responsibility today. Replicas include:
- Independence Hall: A meticulously crafted replica of Philadelphia’s Independence Hall, this building serves as the centerpiece for programs like “Choosing to be an American People,” through which visitors can experience pivotal moments leading up to the Declaration of Independence.
- Liberty Hall: This space is designed after the East Room of the White House.
- Washington Hall: Modeled after George Washington’s Mount Vernon, this structure offers insights into the life and legacy of the nation’s first President.
- Oval Office Replica: An exact reproduction of the White House’s Oval Office, allowing visitors to step into the shoes of a U.S. President and engage in simulated decision-making scenarios.
- Colonial Chapel: Inspired by Williamsburg’s Bruton Parish Church, this chapel hosts various events and provides a glimpse into 18th-century religious life.
- Veterans Shrine: A solemn tribute to American servicemen and women, featuring an Eternal Flame and commemorative plaques honoring their sacrifices.
- The Rotunda: This space is designed after Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello.
- Mock Trials and “We the People”: Interactive programs that engage students in the judicial process and deepen their understanding of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.
- Historical Reenactments: Over 40 costumed interpreters portray figures from America’s past, offering firsthand accounts of events like Patrick Henry’s “Give Me Liberty, or Give Me Death” speech and the Battle of Concord.
- Seasonal Events: Annual celebrations such as the Festival of Tulips, Memorial Day services, and the Fourth of July festivities, which include fireworks, colonial dances, and reenactments.
- The President’s House: A recreation of the original residence in Philadelphia used by George Washington during his presidency.
- The Freedom Trail: A casual walk honoring the men and women who have served throughout American history, featuring a series of monuments and historical sites that commemorate their sacrifices and contributions.
- Randall Museum: Features 35 dioramas depicting U.S. history, including scenes like the signing of the Declaration of Independence and presidential inaugurations.
- Liberty Tree and Concord Bridge: Symbolic landmarks that represent the spirit of the American Revolution and the fight for independence.
The American Village is widely recognized for its commitment to historical accuracy, striving to present the nation’s Founding and subsequent history with fidelity to primary sources and scholarly research. Its replicas, costumed interpreters, and interactive programs are carefully designed to reflect the architecture, dress, language, and political debates of the 18th century, providing visitors with an immersive, authentic experience. While no living-history site can capture every nuance or the full complexity of historical events, the village generally avoids oversimplification or ideological distortion. Minor inaccuracies can occasionally appear in reenactments or interpretations for the sake of clarity and engagement (for example, actors speak in mostly 21st-century prose), but these are typically acknowledged by staff and do not compromise the overall educational value of the experience.
The American Village provides visitors with an educational experience grounded in facts and historical context, rather than in political ideology. Its programs focus on the Founding, civic responsibility, and American history without promoting partisan agendas or contemporary political viewpoints. By presenting history through reenactment, interactive exhibits, and primary-source materials, the village encourages learning and reflection while remaining non-ideological.
The American Village is highly family-friendly, offering interactive exhibits, costumed interpreters, and hands-on activities that engage children of all ages in American history. School-age children can participate in mock trials, legislative debates, and reenactments, making learning an active and memorable experience. Meanwhile, younger children may especially enjoy the Colonial Apothecary and tours of historic replicas such as Independence Hall. Some programs, particularly mock trials or Revolutionary War reenactments, include references to 18th-century violence, debates about slavery, or political conflicts. These are presented factually and age-appropriately. Tours can involve walking across the large campus, so families with strollers or very young children should plan for breaks. Seasonal events, such as Fourth of July celebrations, may include fireworks and large crowds, which can be exciting but potentially overwhelming for sensitive children. Overall, the village is designed to be educational, safe, and engaging for families.
The American Village is historically significant not only for the stories it tells about the nation’s Founding, the Constitution, and the Revolutionary era, but also for its own role as a landmark in Alabama and the broader Southeastern United States. It preserves and interprets pivotal episodes of American history, from debates over independence to the principles of civic responsibility and military service, making the abstract ideals of liberty, governance, and citizenship tangible for tens of thousands of students and visitors each year. Beyond its educational mission, the village itself embodies a distinct chapter in Alabama’s civic and cultural development: Established in the 1980s on a 188-acre site near Montevallo, it became one of the first institutions in the region dedicated to immersive citizenship education. By attracting schools, families, and tourists from across the Southeast, it has fostered regional pride, promoted historical literacy, and served as a hub for civic engagement, linking local heritage with the broader narrative of the American nation.
The American Village offers rentable event spaces, including historic-style halls and outdoor areas, for weddings, corporate events, and educational programs, making it both an educational destination and a venue for special occasions.
Owned By: American Village Citizenship Trust
Operated By: American Village Citizenship Trust
Government Funded: Yes
Did you know?
The American Village completed its replica of Independence Hall in 2025, just in time for the nation’s semiquincentennial.
Recommended Reading
Land of Hope by Wilfred McClay
Miracle at Philadelphia by Catherine Drinker Bowen
Enough Wise Men: The Story of Our Constitution by Forrest McDonald.
Reviewed By
Allen Mendenhall
Senior Advisor at The Heritage Foundation
The opinions expressed above are those of the Reviewer who is providing a good-faith historical assessment to educate the public. Reasonable opinions can vary, and the Reviewer’s opinion is not necessarily the opinion of The Heritage Foundation or its affiliates.