@@ittybittykittymama7582Thank you very much for your support! We will continue to highlight more from Birmingham as we progress through time. - Merry Christmas!
Thank you for showing this beautiful gem of a home. I live in Birmingham in the Mt Brook suburb and always enjoyed visiting Arlington. It truly was a miracle that it didn’t burn in the Civil War. It’s a gorgeous home but unfortunately the surrounding area has fallen into poverty and crime which makes tours of the gorgeous home not as popular as they used to be. My husband and I toured it and had a picnic there in our early dating days together. We have a framed copy of the early Birmingham map you featured in your video. We collect Birmingham memorabilia and I bought a print of the antique map and had it framed for my husband’s den. We also have postcards from the early 1900s framed of historic Birmingham sites including Arlington and Sloss Furnace (where my grandfather worked). Arlington was built with slave labor but never functioned as a plantation. It was on the edge of the city and did not have fields or crops grown on site that would have required slave labor. R.S. Munger built a cotton gin that used pneumatic pumps to remove the dust and breathable cotton particles that were dangerous to the cotton workers respiratory health. His gin (pronounced Jin) was also 25% more efficient. When he realized the innovation would put workers out their jobs, he helped found Birmingham Southern College and helped those workers gain an education that would help them move upward on life and also benefit the company. He was a philanthropist of his day and cared about his workers safety in an age when most large companies did not take much care in how their factories damaged the health of their employees. He and his family first lived in 5 Points South but the noise of the trolley running past their home constantly caused him to look for a quieter setting for a home which led them to buy Arlington. But before moving he helped build and establish one of the most historic churches in Birmingham the Highlands Methodist Church. He also developed land across the street from the church which now hosts the famous Frank Stitt Highlands Bar and Grill restaurant. Mr Munger was also and advocate for physical fitness and became the first patron and building supervisor of the Birmingham YMCA. He was well known for his philanthropic work in Birmingham and in Texas where he was born and lived before moving to Birmingham. He won numerous awards for his cotton gin at the Worlds Fair and was constantly innovating new ideas. By his death, he had donated $2 million to Birmingham schools, churches and charities. He left a lasting mark on the city that can be enjoyed today when visiting Arlington or 5 Points South which has become an entertainment district.
Alicia, Thank you so much for taking the time to comment and watch this video! It’s wonderful to hear how connected you are to Birmingham’s rich history. My wife and I have a painting of Arlington in our home as well-it truly is a stunning house with so much history to tell. It’s incredible to think about how it survived the Civil War, and it’s touching to hear about the special memories you and your husband have of visiting and picnicking there during your early days together. I actually have another video on the history of Sloss, including some original 8mm film footage of it in operation. You might enjoy checking that out as well! It sounds like you have an amazing collection of Birmingham memorabilia-I love that you’ve preserved pieces of the city’s past like the antique map and those postcards. Thank you again for sharing your story and for keeping the history of Birmingham alive in such a meaningful way! - William
@@aliciahowell9617 Very impressed by your knowledge of our fair city! I think the "miracle" that allowed Arlington to be spared was the Freemason Brotherhood. Out of curiosity, what did your grandfather do at Sloss? It was a very dangerous place to work, God bless him and his safety.
@ My grandfather was raised as a 6th generation farmer with land in Blount County but my Mom’s youngest brother was born with Downs Syndrome, a severe heart defect and gastrochesis. So they sold their farm to move to Birmingham to be closer to the hospital for Dale. My Papaw worked as a steel worker which was hot, dangerous work. He worked at Sloss and then at Lehigh. Hd hated it but did what was needed to help Dale get the best care available at the time. Dale lived to be 54 which was astounding as oxygen deprivation at birth from his heart defect left him with the mental acuity of a 3 yr old. My family all adored him and loved him when people put children like Dale in institutions. My Papaw passed away 6 months after Dale from Parkinson’s Disease that was a result of the toxins he was exposed to at work. My Mamaw passed 4 months later to cancer. They lived and died together which was sad but a testament to their love for him. Growing up with Dale inspired me to become a Pediatric/Neonatal RN.
@@rbsmith3365 Thank you for your comment! Is your name Houston, or are you from Houston, Texas? Either way, it’s great to connect with someone who appreciates local history. Our goal is to one day travel all over the place to cover history on location, and we’d love to visit Texas to explore and share some of its fascinating local history. Thanks so much for checking us out!
Thank you so much for watching and taking the time to comment! I’m thrilled you enjoyed the video. It was time to once again highlight Arlington and its rich history, and I hope a new generation will find interest and inspiration in its story. I’m glad this resonated with you, and I hope you’ll join me for more historical journeys!
Thank you so much for your kind words and for joining the Exploring History community! We’re thrilled to have you here and truly appreciate your engagement. It’s subscribers like you who make this community special-your comments and enthusiasm fuel our passion for sharing history. We’re excited to have you on this journey with us. Welcome aboard! - William
Our elementary school had a few field trips to this BEAUTIFUL ANTEBELLUM HOME when I was in the 3rd grade back in the '60's. I'll never forget the allure of this fantastic mansion and all the property buildings. I LOVE THE MAGIC CITY OF BIRMINGHAM!
Thank you so much for sharing such a wonderful memory and for watching the video! It’s amazing to hear that you visited this beautiful antebellum home as a child-what an incredible field trip experience to have in the ’60s! Your story makes this history feel even more alive and special. Like you, I’ve grown to love the Magic City. When I moved here 20 years ago, I never imagined how much its rich history would intrigue me and become such a big part of my life. I feel so blessed to explore and share stories like these, and it’s even more meaningful knowing they connect with people like you who have such deep, personal ties to Birmingham. Thank you for watching, and I can’t wait to share more!
@@kellycranford3592Although we filmed this episode a while ago, it's wonderful to see the pride the city of Birmingham takes in keeping this home alive and being a significant part of the community. Thank you for taking the time to comment and watching.
@@exploringhistory the sad part is, the neighborhood is a total mess and ain't what it used to be, too much crime and crackhouses around it, that's why I no longer visit it anymore. I don't feel safe in that place and it's a shame.
Hey Kerry, Your comment completely made my morning-thank you so much! It means a lot to know that you’re enjoying the channel. We pour so much into creating these videos, and hearing your kind words makes it all feel so worth it. We’re constantly working to improve and grow, and supporters like you are such a huge part of what keeps us going. I’m so grateful you took the time to share this, and I truly hope you’ll continue to enjoy the journey with us. Thank you again-you’ve really brightened my day!
@@wdgbirmingham2 Thank you so much for watching the video and taking the time to comment-it really means a lot to us! If you enjoyed this, I think you’d really love our playlist on Birmingham and Alabama history. Sharing these stories has been such a rewarding experience, and it’s great to see others enjoying them too. We’re also really excited about an upcoming episode on Vulcan! This is part of our ongoing partnership with Vulcan Park and Museum and the Southern Museum of Flight. Collaborating with these amazing organizations has been such an honor, and we just wrapped up filming some incredible episodes together. They should be available early next year, and we can’t wait to share them with you! Your support truly means everything to us, and if you haven’t already, we’d love for you to subscribe so you don’t miss any of the new episodes. Thank you again for watching-it’s people like you who make all the effort worthwhile!
@exploringhistory I subscribed 🙂 You're under pressure for the Vulcan episode; I wrote a paper on him during my Undergraduate years. Make sure you include the Saint Louis World's Fair where he was sent to stand proudly in The Palace of Mines and Metallurgy to advertise the industrial might of Birmingham! 😉
@ Thanks so much for subscribing! 🙂 I can feel the pressure for the Vulcan episode now! Thankfully, it’s not just on me-Vulcan himself is carrying some of it too. I’m really excited about this one because not only are we diving into his incredible history, but we also got to interview someone from the Vulcan team for the episode. And don’t worry, I haven’t forgotten about the Saint Louis World’s Fair-how could I leave out the moment he stood proudly in The Palace of Mines and Metallurgy, showing off Birmingham’s industrial power? Sounds like you’ll be holding me to a high standard-challenge accepted! 😉
@exploringhistory I shall indeed be holding you to a high standard, but based upon the enthusiasm of your response I know I'm in excellent hands! We have something else in common in addition to our love of history, particularly Birmingham's history: I, too, am a William 🙂
@@wdgbirmingham2 Thank you so much, William! First off, let me say, William is a strong and honorable name-perfect for someone with a shared passion for history. Our goal with this platform is to uncover and showcase more of Birmingham’s and Alabama’s incredible history. There’s so much beauty in these stories, and we hope to eventually collaborate with other historical organizations, authors, and museums to bring them to life. It’s not just about educating others, though-it’s also a journey for us to learn more about our history and deepen our own connection to it. For me personally, the biggest hope is that anyone who watches our videos feels encouraged to do their own research, to ask questions, and to find a connection to the past that resonates with them. It’s humbling to know you’re part of our community, and I can’t tell you how much your enthusiasm means. You’ve set a high standard for us, and I promise, we’ll do everything we can to live up to it. Knowing we share not only a love of history-especially Birmingham’s-but also the same name makes this connection even more special. Thanks again, William. Here’s to keeping history alive and growing our understanding of it, one story at a time. - William
A wonderful and informative video. My husband and I had our rehearsal dinner and wedding reception at Arlington. It brought back wonderful memories and 2025 we will be celebrating our 50th wedding anniversary.
@@TheCaffeinatedOrganist Thank you so much for checking out the video! I really appreciate your kind words and input, and I’m so glad you found it interesting.
I think that i toured that place a long time ago maybe not but my husband myself and my mom went down during some celebration in Bessemer and went there too
Thank you so much for your comment and for taking the time to watch our video! It’s true that change isn’t always positive or kind, and it’s something that happens all over the world. If you are from Portugal (and your mention of Ajuda Castle makes me think you might be!), we truly appreciate you tuning in all the way from such a beautiful and historic country. We hope you enjoyed the content and would love for you to stick around and join our community by subscribing-but no pressure, of course!
Thank you for your comment! I completely agree-this is a beautiful home. Unfortunately, you’re right about the challenges in the neighborhood. It’s such a shame when stunning properties like this are located in areas with higher crime rates. Hopefully, things improve over time.
I live in Alabama and have my whole life, I love my state, but some parts of the state are so urban you couldn’t get me to go them with a cattle prod, I just wouldn’t feel safe in that environment.
@ Gina, You’re absolutely right that there are some areas that can feel intimidating, and it’s unfortunate when safety concerns overshadow the experience. That said, even in those places, there’s often fascinating history waiting to be uncovered. Alabama is such a rich state in terms of culture and historical significance-every corner seems to hold a story worth telling. We’re so grateful that you enjoyed this video and took the time to comment. It’s always great to connect with others who appreciate history as much as we do!
@@Terriball25 I didn’t know about that, but the murder mysteries sound really intriguing! That’s definitely something I might have to look into-it seems like a fun and unique way to experience the place.
@@BmaGrl Thank you for pointing that out! I actually discovered the correct pronunciation after posting. Please keep in mind that English is my second language, so I’m always learning. I appreciate your understanding!
@@goober7535 Thank you for sharing your perspective. The intent of this video is not to celebrate the plantation system but to explore the history of the Arlington home and its broader context. History can be complex, and our goal is to shed light on both the architectural and cultural significance of such sites, while not shying away from the difficult truths of the past. We appreciate discussions like this that help us consider different viewpoints and continue to tell history responsibly.
It was never a plantation. It was built by slaves yet. However, it was built more as a "mansion" than a plantation. It would have been more in the city than in the country.
@@Terriball25 Thank you for clarifying that. I don’t recall reading anything about a plantation during my research, but I also didn’t want to make any assumptions.
Hello from London England uk . This was a very interesting video. I’d like to ask you why you have not once mentioned the slaves who built this house and the family of nearly 20 slaves judge mudd owned? I’m a white Brit and I find it to be an extraordinary lack of self awareness for you to have called your channel “exploring history” with a sub title of “exploring hidden stories and untold history” when you continue to hide the obvious story of this house and ignore its undisputed history ?(!) You have point blank ignored the very essence of why this house even exists - there is NO QUESTION that this fact is worthy of comment yet you have not. As a white man of privilege it took me a while to accept black people complaining about white denial but it’s now becoming more and more increasingly clear to me just why there’s still tensions in the south and all over the USA - because it ISNT so hard to for me to imagine just how frustrating and insulting it would be for me if I were descended from black American slaves and yet here in the year 2024 I was STILL faced with such a blatant choice by the white fraction of society to pretend that certain unpleasant events in the past didn’t happen. It’s provocative and only makes the problem worse because you are carrying the trauma on to new generations instead of allowing that trauma to heal thus allowing communities to reconcile. By refusing to even mention the historical fact this house was built by slaves forced to do so by their slave owners you’re adding insult to injury and giving more fuel to the problem and only make your self look delusionally bad in the process. History will not judge you well And if you do not re-edit this video to include the dark aspect of its history you most certainly are NOT exploring history, only attempting to manipulate the recollection of history and so the older this video gets the worse you will look for not even mentioning the bare fact it was built by slaves forced to do so by slave owners. That will always be a historical fact, you cannot change history no matter how much you wish to but by ignoring history you’re damaging the present and the future. all you have “uncovered” and “told” is a very revealing and unpleasant aspect of your own character. Just do the right thing for gods sake (!)
@@jackjames3190 Thank you for your thoughtful comment and for taking the time to engage with my content. I want to address your concerns and clarify some points. First, I absolutely recognize the significance of slavery in the history of properties like this, and I agree that this fact is an essential part of the narrative. While this particular video may not have explicitly mentioned the role of enslaved labor in building the house or Judge Mudd’s ownership of slaves, it was not an attempt to deny or obscure these truths. I aim to cover a wide range of historical topics on this channel, many of which delve deeply into uncomfortable truths, including African-American history and the legacy of slavery. If you explore more of my content, you’ll see that I’ve already started addressing these issues and that I’m actively working to expand this coverage. In fact, I’m currently building partnerships with our local civil rights museum to ensure that African-American history is a larger, more intentional part of this channel’s work. My goal is to approach history holistically, presenting both the darker and lighter aspects so that we can learn from the past and foster positive change. I also understand your point about the ongoing legacy of trauma and tensions, and I share your belief that honest dialogue is vital to reconciliation. However, I also believe that moving forward requires collaboration and engagement rather than assumption or accusation. Comments like yours remind me why this work matters, and I appreciate your passion for ensuring history is told fully and responsibly. With that said, I’ll take your feedback into consideration for future edits and content. I always aim to improve, and your input will help me better balance the complexities of history in my storytelling. Thank you again for holding me accountable and encouraging thoughtful conversation-this is exactly what “Exploring History” is about.
@@exploringhistory Firstly I’d like to commend you for replying to my comment and replying to it when it would have been all too easy for you to simply delete it and ignore it - credit where credits due and I greatly admire you for that at least. The problem is in this video you have said judge Mudd bullt this house in the 1840s etc - if you hadn’t said that this video would not be as insulting or as hurtful as it is - because everyone knows that judge Mudd didn’t lift a finger - he didn’t build this house - it wasn’t his blood sweat and tears that are still within it walls (!) it’s the slaves he owned who built that house and as it IS such a beautiful and wonderful house that I hope will stand until the end of time don’t you think that credit should also be given to the “artist” and men who laboured to built it into creation ABND so acknowledge the miserable lives they had and early deaths their life if hard work caused them? It’s a nice video but by ignoring the obvious you are causing harm - it would take no effort at all from you to simply use the same footage and change the wording to judge Mudd’s slaves built his house for him in the 1840s etc - I guarantee you that simply acknowledging the existence of those people will go such a long way in repairing pain and damage between communities. Because the omission of such an obvious fact is MORE shocking to me than what the inclusion of the same fact would have been - it’s absence is louder than its inclusion. I already think very highly of you for taking the time to reply. If you do the right thing I’ll come over myself from London to shake your bloody hand lol 😂
@ Thank you so much for taking the time to share your thoughts so openly and thoughtfully. Your comment gave me a lot to think about, and I genuinely appreciate the chance to reflect and engage in this dialogue with you. First, let me acknowledge the truth in what you’ve said: the hands that built historic structures like this house were often those of enslaved individuals, and their contributions and sacrifices deserve recognition. Leaving that out in this video wasn’t intentional, nor was it meant to diminish the significance of their role. There are times when certain details are left out-not to avoid them, but because they may be part of a broader story we plan to explore later. However, I completely understand how even a brief acknowledgment could have made a difference, and I’ll take that to heart moving forward. Our ultimate goal with this platform is to create a space where all perspectives are welcomed. It’s only by listening to each other that real change can happen. That’s why I rarely, if ever, shy away from a comment or delete it-because every comment reflects the person who wrote it, their standpoint, and their experience. We all have a right to express ourselves, and that right should never be diminished. Your comment was a reflection of you, and I respect it deeply because it opened the door to this important conversation. At the same time, I think it’s important to recognize how far we’ve come. While we must never forget the pain of the past, holding on too tightly to it can sometimes stop us from seeing the progress we’ve made. Look at Alabama-a state with a complicated and painful history, yet today we have black leaders in communities and government, and we’ve even had a black president. These are signs of how times have changed. Moving forward together requires us to engage with each other in kindness, respect, and love because those values will always overcome hate. Thank you again for your perspective. Conversations like this are how we grow, learn, and find ways to tell stories that honor all voices. I’m committed to doing better and continuing to shape this platform as a space where different perspectives are not only welcomed but celebrated. If I get it right, I’ll gladly take you up on that handshake-it would be well-earned.
@@jackjames3190 I also would like to add that our goal isn’t just to present history as accurately and engagingly as we can, but to bring it to life through storytelling. For me, it’s not just about sharing the facts-it’s about creating a connection, sparking curiosity, and inspiring others to want to learn more. The ultimate goal is to engage in meaningful conversations and encourage anyone watching to do their own research. That’s what excites me most-knowing that we can help others discover the incredible stories history has to offer.
Absolutely beautiful, and very interesting history. The first thing I noticed was the roof. Who and why would they put a metal roof on it? The results if a fire ever broke out will be devastating. Fire and heat travels up but with a metal roof, it can’t, it will travel out destroying more square footage. A lot of insurance companies won’t write policies on metal roof homes in my state because of this.
Arlington is a place of profound significance, and I’ve found that it is deeply respected and valued by many, including the African-American community. In fact, the director, who is African-American, and the majority of the staff are incredibly passionate about preserving the grounds and ensuring its history and events are honored. Their dedication reflects a deep appreciation for Arlington’s legacy and its role in our nation’s story.
@@andresinsurriaga1082 That’s a valid point-acknowledging the role and contributions of those who built Arlington is essential to understanding its full history. The dedication to preserving the site reflects a deep respect for all the stories and lives connected to it, ensuring their legacy is honored.
My father's family is from Birmingham. So glad to know something of the past of this city and its beloved Arlington House! Thank you!
@@ittybittykittymama7582Thank you very much for your support! We will continue to highlight more from Birmingham as we progress through time. - Merry Christmas!
This house is so beautiful. I am so happy that it has been kept beautiful. Loved walking through it. Pray it stands .
@@Debby-o7j thank you Debby for watching and commenting. Merry Christmas!
Thank you for showing this beautiful gem of a home. I live in Birmingham in the Mt Brook suburb and always enjoyed visiting Arlington. It truly was a miracle that it didn’t burn in the Civil War. It’s a gorgeous home but unfortunately the surrounding area has fallen into poverty and crime which makes tours of the gorgeous home not as popular as they used to be. My husband and I toured it and had a picnic there in our early dating days together. We have a framed copy of the early Birmingham map you featured in your video. We collect Birmingham memorabilia and I bought a print of the antique map and had it framed for my husband’s den. We also have postcards from the early 1900s framed of historic Birmingham sites including Arlington and Sloss Furnace (where my grandfather worked). Arlington was built with slave labor but never functioned as a plantation. It was on the edge of the city and did not have fields or crops grown on site that would have required slave labor. R.S. Munger built a cotton gin that used pneumatic pumps to remove the dust and breathable cotton particles that were dangerous to the cotton workers respiratory health. His gin (pronounced Jin) was also 25% more efficient. When he realized the innovation would put workers out their jobs, he helped found Birmingham Southern College and helped those workers gain an education that would help them move upward on life and also benefit the company. He was a philanthropist of his day and cared about his workers safety in an age when most large companies did not take much care in how their factories damaged the health of their employees. He and his family first lived in 5 Points South but the noise of the trolley running past their home constantly caused him to look for a quieter setting for a home which led them to buy Arlington. But before moving he helped build and establish one of the most historic churches in Birmingham the Highlands Methodist Church. He also developed land across the street from the church which now hosts the famous Frank Stitt Highlands Bar and Grill restaurant. Mr Munger was also and advocate for physical fitness and became the first patron and building supervisor of the Birmingham YMCA. He was well known for his philanthropic work in Birmingham and in Texas where he was born and lived before moving to Birmingham. He won numerous awards for his cotton gin at the Worlds Fair and was constantly innovating new ideas. By his death, he had donated $2 million to Birmingham schools, churches and charities. He left a lasting mark on the city that can be enjoyed today when visiting Arlington or 5 Points South which has become an entertainment district.
Alicia, Thank you so much for taking the time to comment and watch this video! It’s wonderful to hear how connected you are to Birmingham’s rich history. My wife and I have a painting of Arlington in our home as well-it truly is a stunning house with so much history to tell. It’s incredible to think about how it survived the Civil War, and it’s touching to hear about the special memories you and your husband have of visiting and picnicking there during your early days together.
I actually have another video on the history of Sloss, including some original 8mm film footage of it in operation. You might enjoy checking that out as well! It sounds like you have an amazing collection of Birmingham memorabilia-I love that you’ve preserved pieces of the city’s past like the antique map and those postcards. Thank you again for sharing your story and for keeping the history of Birmingham alive in such a meaningful way! - William
@@aliciahowell9617 Very impressed by your knowledge of our fair city! I think the "miracle" that allowed Arlington to be spared was the Freemason Brotherhood. Out of curiosity, what did your grandfather do at Sloss? It was a very dangerous place to work, God bless him and his safety.
@ My grandfather was raised as a 6th generation farmer with land in Blount County but my Mom’s youngest brother was born with Downs Syndrome, a severe heart defect and gastrochesis. So they sold their farm to move to Birmingham to be closer to the hospital for Dale. My Papaw worked as a steel worker which was hot, dangerous work. He worked at Sloss and then at Lehigh. Hd hated it but did what was needed to help Dale get the best care available at the time. Dale lived to be 54 which was astounding as oxygen deprivation at birth from his heart defect left him with the mental acuity of a 3 yr old. My family all adored him and loved him when people put children like Dale in institutions. My Papaw passed away 6 months after Dale from Parkinson’s Disease that was a result of the toxins he was exposed to at work. My Mamaw passed 4 months later to cancer. They lived and died together which was sad but a testament to their love for him. Growing up with Dale inspired me to become a Pediatric/Neonatal RN.
Houston here. What an interesting story!
@@rbsmith3365 Thank you for your comment! Is your name Houston, or are you from Houston, Texas? Either way, it’s great to connect with someone who appreciates local history. Our goal is to one day travel all over the place to cover history on location, and we’d love to visit Texas to explore and share some of its fascinating local history. Thanks so much for checking us out!
Thank you for this story. For me, a new old house history!
Thank you so much for watching and taking the time to comment! I’m thrilled you enjoyed the video. It was time to once again highlight Arlington and its rich history, and I hope a new generation will find interest and inspiration in its story. I’m glad this resonated with you, and I hope you’ll join me for more historical journeys!
This is a beautiful and very historical home. Birmingham is very lucky to have this.
@@JamesBrown-j8t thank you!
What a beautiful home.
@@ginajennings1664 YES!!
Great video, bro! Very well done and informative! Great job!
@@kylepannell8866 thanks man!
Excellent vlog to the point of being a new subscriber :)
@@MDiStefano10 awesome!! Thank you! I’m glad you like our content!!
Thank you so much for your kind words and for joining the Exploring History community! We’re thrilled to have you here and truly appreciate your engagement. It’s subscribers like you who make this community special-your comments and enthusiasm fuel our passion for sharing history. We’re excited to have you on this journey with us. Welcome aboard! - William
Our elementary school had a few field trips to this BEAUTIFUL ANTEBELLUM HOME when I was in the 3rd grade back in the '60's. I'll never forget the allure of this fantastic mansion and all the property buildings. I LOVE THE MAGIC CITY OF BIRMINGHAM!
Thank you so much for sharing such a wonderful memory and for watching the video! It’s amazing to hear that you visited this beautiful antebellum home as a child-what an incredible field trip experience to have in the ’60s! Your story makes this history feel even more alive and special. Like you, I’ve grown to love the Magic City. When I moved here 20 years ago, I never imagined how much its rich history would intrigue me and become such a big part of my life. I feel so blessed to explore and share stories like these, and it’s even more meaningful knowing they connect with people like you who have such deep, personal ties to Birmingham. Thank you for watching, and I can’t wait to share more!
Thank you
I've been to several wedding receptions there!
@@GreatZob Awesome!
went there over 40 yrs ago and I'm so glad to see they've made many improvements to the up keep of this beautiful home
@@kellycranford3592Although we filmed this episode a while ago, it's wonderful to see the pride the city of Birmingham takes in keeping this home alive and being a significant part of the community. Thank you for taking the time to comment and watching.
@@exploringhistory the sad part is, the neighborhood is a total mess and ain't what it used to be, too much crime and crackhouses around it, that's why I no longer visit it anymore. I don't feel safe in that place and it's a shame.
Great episode!!!
@@lindasmith2345 thank you!
@ I’ve shared it with a friend here in Georgia. Her husband’s family name is Mudd. She’s going to view your episode. 😁
@@lindasmith2345 That's awesome! Who knows, there might be a connection!
I just discovered your channel and I absolutely love it! Thank you😊
Hey Kerry, Your comment completely made my morning-thank you so much! It means a lot to know that you’re enjoying the channel. We pour so much into creating these videos, and hearing your kind words makes it all feel so worth it. We’re constantly working to improve and grow, and supporters like you are such a huge part of what keeps us going. I’m so grateful you took the time to share this, and I truly hope you’ll continue to enjoy the journey with us. Thank you again-you’ve really brightened my day!
Thank you, William.
@@stephenburns3678 you are very welcome and thank you!
Amen well spoken truth 💯
As a resident of the Magic City I enjoyed this very much 🙂
@@wdgbirmingham2 Thank you so much for watching the video and taking the time to comment-it really means a lot to us! If you enjoyed this, I think you’d really love our playlist on Birmingham and Alabama history. Sharing these stories has been such a rewarding experience, and it’s great to see others enjoying them too.
We’re also really excited about an upcoming episode on Vulcan! This is part of our ongoing partnership with Vulcan Park and Museum and the Southern Museum of Flight. Collaborating with these amazing organizations has been such an honor, and we just wrapped up filming some incredible episodes together. They should be available early next year, and we can’t wait to share them with you!
Your support truly means everything to us, and if you haven’t already, we’d love for you to subscribe so you don’t miss any of the new episodes. Thank you again for watching-it’s people like you who make all the effort worthwhile!
@exploringhistory I subscribed 🙂 You're under pressure for the Vulcan episode; I wrote a paper on him during my Undergraduate years. Make sure you include the Saint Louis World's Fair where he was sent to stand proudly in The Palace of Mines and Metallurgy to advertise the industrial might of Birmingham! 😉
@ Thanks so much for subscribing! 🙂 I can feel the pressure for the Vulcan episode now! Thankfully, it’s not just on me-Vulcan himself is carrying some of it too. I’m really excited about this one because not only are we diving into his incredible history, but we also got to interview someone from the Vulcan team for the episode. And don’t worry, I haven’t forgotten about the Saint Louis World’s Fair-how could I leave out the moment he stood proudly in The Palace of Mines and Metallurgy, showing off Birmingham’s industrial power? Sounds like you’ll be holding me to a high standard-challenge accepted! 😉
@exploringhistory I shall indeed be holding you to a high standard, but based upon the enthusiasm of your response I know I'm in excellent hands! We have something else in common in addition to our love of history, particularly Birmingham's history: I, too, am a William 🙂
@@wdgbirmingham2 Thank you so much, William! First off, let me say, William is a strong and honorable name-perfect for someone with a shared passion for history.
Our goal with this platform is to uncover and showcase more of Birmingham’s and Alabama’s incredible history. There’s so much beauty in these stories, and we hope to eventually collaborate with other historical organizations, authors, and museums to bring them to life. It’s not just about educating others, though-it’s also a journey for us to learn more about our history and deepen our own connection to it.
For me personally, the biggest hope is that anyone who watches our videos feels encouraged to do their own research, to ask questions, and to find a connection to the past that resonates with them. It’s humbling to know you’re part of our community, and I can’t tell you how much your enthusiasm means.
You’ve set a high standard for us, and I promise, we’ll do everything we can to live up to it. Knowing we share not only a love of history-especially Birmingham’s-but also the same name makes this connection even more special.
Thanks again, William. Here’s to keeping history alive and growing our understanding of it, one story at a time. - William
Thanks.
A wonderful and informative video. My husband and I had our rehearsal dinner and wedding reception at Arlington. It brought back wonderful memories and 2025 we will be celebrating our 50th wedding anniversary.
This was very interesting. Good work
@@TheCaffeinatedOrganist Thank you so much for checking out the video! I really appreciate your kind words and input, and I’m so glad you found it interesting.
I think that i toured that place a long time ago maybe not but my husband myself and my mom went down during some celebration in Bessemer and went there too
Unfortunately that happens everywhere. Ajuda castle, in Portugal, is now right in the middle of social housing…
Thank you so much for your comment and for taking the time to watch our video! It’s true that change isn’t always positive or kind, and it’s something that happens all over the world. If you are from Portugal (and your mention of Ajuda Castle makes me think you might be!), we truly appreciate you tuning in all the way from such a beautiful and historic country. We hope you enjoyed the content and would love for you to stick around and join our community by subscribing-but no pressure, of course!
@ I am not from Portugal but I know Ajuda.
Georgeous home, but in a very crime ridden part of town.😢
Thank you for your comment! I completely agree-this is a beautiful home. Unfortunately, you’re right about the challenges in the neighborhood. It’s such a shame when stunning properties like this are located in areas with higher crime rates. Hopefully, things improve over time.
I live in Alabama and have my whole life, I love my state, but some parts of the state are so urban you couldn’t get me to go them with a cattle prod, I just wouldn’t feel safe in that environment.
@ Gina, You’re absolutely right that there are some areas that can feel intimidating, and it’s unfortunate when safety concerns overshadow the experience. That said, even in those places, there’s often fascinating history waiting to be uncovered. Alabama is such a rich state in terms of culture and historical significance-every corner seems to hold a story worth telling. We’re so grateful that you enjoyed this video and took the time to comment. It’s always great to connect with others who appreciate history as much as we do!
Move it to mountain brook
They have ghost hunts and murder mysteries there. Interesting place.
@@Terriball25 I didn’t know about that, but the murder mysteries sound really intriguing! That’s definitely something I might have to look into-it seems like a fun and unique way to experience the place.
@@exploringhistory they having one Friday I believe.
"Ginning" is pronounced JINning.
@@BmaGrl Thank you for pointing that out! I actually discovered the correct pronunciation after posting. Please keep in mind that English is my second language, so I’m always learning. I appreciate your understanding!
@@BmaGrl you would have to correct someone again.
Are mispronounced common words a sign of AI-created content? I notice this more and more.
@@randyroberson3515 no, English is my second language, and unique words that I would normally not use I tend to mispronounce 🤷♂️
Celebrating a plantation is wild.
@@goober7535 Thank you for sharing your perspective. The intent of this video is not to celebrate the plantation system but to explore the history of the Arlington home and its broader context. History can be complex, and our goal is to shed light on both the architectural and cultural significance of such sites, while not shying away from the difficult truths of the past. We appreciate discussions like this that help us consider different viewpoints and continue to tell history responsibly.
It was never a plantation. It was built by slaves yet. However, it was built more as a "mansion" than a plantation. It would have been more in the city than in the country.
@@Terriball25 Thank you for clarifying that. I don’t recall reading anything about a plantation during my research, but I also didn’t want to make any assumptions.
@@exploringhistory it was one of the odd facts about the home which is interesting. The house would have been a "city" house.
@ I really enjoyed researching Arlington and visiting it!
And slavery don't forget that part I notice you left that out
Hello from London England uk . This was a very interesting video.
I’d like to ask you why you have not once mentioned the slaves who built this house and the family of nearly 20 slaves judge mudd owned? I’m a white Brit and I find it to be an extraordinary lack of self awareness for you to have called your channel “exploring history” with a sub title of “exploring hidden stories and untold history” when you continue to hide the obvious story of this house and ignore its undisputed history ?(!)
You have point blank ignored the very essence of why this house even exists - there is NO QUESTION that this fact is worthy of comment yet you have not. As a white man of privilege it took me a while to accept black people complaining about white denial but it’s now becoming more and more increasingly clear to me just why there’s still tensions in the south and all over the USA - because it ISNT so hard to for me to imagine just how frustrating and insulting it would be for me if I were descended from black American slaves and yet here in the year 2024 I was STILL faced with such a blatant choice by the white fraction of society to pretend that certain unpleasant events in the past didn’t happen.
It’s provocative and only makes the problem worse because you are carrying the trauma on to new generations instead of allowing that trauma to heal thus allowing communities to reconcile.
By refusing to even mention the historical fact this house was built by slaves forced to do so by their slave owners you’re adding insult to injury and giving more fuel to the problem and only make your self look delusionally bad in the process. History will not judge you well And if you do not re-edit this video to include the dark aspect of its history you most certainly are NOT exploring history, only attempting to manipulate the recollection of history and so the older this video gets the worse you will look for not even mentioning the bare fact it was built by slaves forced to do so by slave owners.
That will always be a historical fact, you cannot change history no matter how much you wish to but by ignoring history you’re damaging the present and the future.
all you have “uncovered” and “told” is a very revealing and unpleasant aspect of your own character.
Just do the right thing for gods sake (!)
@@jackjames3190 Thank you for your thoughtful comment and for taking the time to engage with my content. I want to address your concerns and clarify some points.
First, I absolutely recognize the significance of slavery in the history of properties like this, and I agree that this fact is an essential part of the narrative. While this particular video may not have explicitly mentioned the role of enslaved labor in building the house or Judge Mudd’s ownership of slaves, it was not an attempt to deny or obscure these truths. I aim to cover a wide range of historical topics on this channel, many of which delve deeply into uncomfortable truths, including African-American history and the legacy of slavery.
If you explore more of my content, you’ll see that I’ve already started addressing these issues and that I’m actively working to expand this coverage. In fact, I’m currently building partnerships with our local civil rights museum to ensure that African-American history is a larger, more intentional part of this channel’s work. My goal is to approach history holistically, presenting both the darker and lighter aspects so that we can learn from the past and foster positive change.
I also understand your point about the ongoing legacy of trauma and tensions, and I share your belief that honest dialogue is vital to reconciliation. However, I also believe that moving forward requires collaboration and engagement rather than assumption or accusation. Comments like yours remind me why this work matters, and I appreciate your passion for ensuring history is told fully and responsibly.
With that said, I’ll take your feedback into consideration for future edits and content. I always aim to improve, and your input will help me better balance the complexities of history in my storytelling.
Thank you again for holding me accountable and encouraging thoughtful conversation-this is exactly what “Exploring History” is about.
@@exploringhistory
Firstly I’d like to commend you for replying to my comment and replying to it when it would have been all too easy for you to simply delete it and ignore it - credit where credits due and I greatly admire you for that at least.
The problem is in this video you have said judge Mudd bullt this house in the 1840s etc - if you hadn’t said that this video would not be as insulting or as hurtful as it is - because everyone knows that judge Mudd didn’t lift a finger - he didn’t build this house - it wasn’t his blood sweat and tears that are still within it walls (!) it’s the slaves he owned who built that house and as it IS such a beautiful and wonderful house that I hope will stand until the end of time don’t you think that credit should also be given to the “artist” and men who laboured to built it into creation ABND so acknowledge the miserable lives they had and early deaths their life if hard work caused them?
It’s a nice video but by ignoring the obvious you are causing harm - it would take no effort at all from you to simply use the same footage and change the wording to judge Mudd’s slaves built his house for him in the 1840s etc - I guarantee you that simply acknowledging the existence of those people will go such a long way in repairing pain and damage between communities.
Because the omission of such an obvious fact is MORE shocking to me than what the inclusion of the same fact would have been - it’s absence is louder than its inclusion.
I already think very highly of you for taking the time to reply.
If you do the right thing I’ll come over myself from London to shake your bloody hand lol 😂
@ Thank you so much for taking the time to share your thoughts so openly and thoughtfully. Your comment gave me a lot to think about, and I genuinely appreciate the chance to reflect and engage in this dialogue with you.
First, let me acknowledge the truth in what you’ve said: the hands that built historic structures like this house were often those of enslaved individuals, and their contributions and sacrifices deserve recognition. Leaving that out in this video wasn’t intentional, nor was it meant to diminish the significance of their role. There are times when certain details are left out-not to avoid them, but because they may be part of a broader story we plan to explore later. However, I completely understand how even a brief acknowledgment could have made a difference, and I’ll take that to heart moving forward.
Our ultimate goal with this platform is to create a space where all perspectives are welcomed. It’s only by listening to each other that real change can happen. That’s why I rarely, if ever, shy away from a comment or delete it-because every comment reflects the person who wrote it, their standpoint, and their experience. We all have a right to express ourselves, and that right should never be diminished. Your comment was a reflection of you, and I respect it deeply because it opened the door to this important conversation.
At the same time, I think it’s important to recognize how far we’ve come. While we must never forget the pain of the past, holding on too tightly to it can sometimes stop us from seeing the progress we’ve made. Look at Alabama-a state with a complicated and painful history, yet today we have black leaders in communities and government, and we’ve even had a black president. These are signs of how times have changed. Moving forward together requires us to engage with each other in kindness, respect, and love because those values will always overcome hate.
Thank you again for your perspective. Conversations like this are how we grow, learn, and find ways to tell stories that honor all voices. I’m committed to doing better and continuing to shape this platform as a space where different perspectives are not only welcomed but celebrated. If I get it right, I’ll gladly take you up on that handshake-it would be well-earned.
@@jackjames3190 I also would like to add that our goal isn’t just to present history as accurately and engagingly as we can, but to bring it to life through storytelling. For me, it’s not just about sharing the facts-it’s about creating a connection, sparking curiosity, and inspiring others to want to learn more. The ultimate goal is to engage in meaningful conversations and encourage anyone watching to do their own research. That’s what excites me most-knowing that we can help others discover the incredible stories history has to offer.
Absolutely beautiful, and very interesting history. The first thing I noticed was the roof. Who and why would they put a metal roof on it? The results if a fire ever broke out will be devastating. Fire and heat travels up but with a metal roof, it can’t, it will travel out destroying more square footage. A lot of insurance companies won’t write policies on metal roof homes in my state because of this.
What do black people think of it?
Arlington is a place of profound significance, and I’ve found that it is deeply respected and valued by many, including the African-American community. In fact, the director, who is African-American, and the majority of the staff are incredibly passionate about preserving the grounds and ensuring its history and events are honored. Their dedication reflects a deep appreciation for Arlington’s legacy and its role in our nation’s story.
@ As well they should be if their ancestors built it.
@@andresinsurriaga1082 That’s a valid point-acknowledging the role and contributions of those who built Arlington is essential to understanding its full history. The dedication to preserving the site reflects a deep respect for all the stories and lives connected to it, ensuring their legacy is honored.
@@andresinsurriaga1082 Lots of nationalities helped during construction, in one way or another.
Who cares? lol