King Cake at the Gorgas House

Amelia Gayle Gorgas moved to Mobile in 1837 when she was 11 years old and since her childhood was spent in the home of Mardi Gras, the Gorgas House Museum invites visitors to drop by and eat free King Cake (while supplies last) on Tuesday, March 4 from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m.

King Cake Tradition

King Cakes are a popular tradition during Mardi Gras, especially in Mobile where locals throw hundreds of King Cake parties every year!

Traditionally, a small porcelain baby Jesus is hidden inside the King Cake as a way for Christians to celebrate their faith and wish prosperity to whomever finds it. The one who ends up finding the baby Jesus brings a King Cake to the next Mardi Gras party.

The most simple and traditional style of King Cake is a ring of twisted cinnamon roll-style dough. You might find these topped with icing or sugar, which may be colored to show the traditional Mardi Gras colors of purple for justice, green for faith, and gold for power. Cakes may also be filled with cream cheese, praline, cinnamon, or an assortment of fruit fillings.

Location

The Gorgas House Museum is located at 810 Capstone Drive, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487, just off the Quadrangle of The University of Alabama campus (one block west of the Amelia Gayle Gorgas Library, at the corner of McCorvey and Capstone Drives).

Directions

The Gorgas House Museum is located just off the Quadrangle of The University of Alabama campus, at 810 Capstone Drive (one block west of the Amelia Gayle Gorgas Library, at the corner of McCorvey and Capstone Drives).

Parking

Tuesday through Friday:

Parking ($5) is available in the North Ten Hoor and Student Center parking decks. For large tour buses and special event parking, please make arrangements in advance of your visit by calling 348-5906 or emailing gorgashouse@ua.edu.