In 1838 the University of Alabama Board of Trustees appropriated funds for a more suitable residence for the University's new president, Basil Manly. The mansion was built between 1839 and 1841 from plans provided by Michael Barry, who served as architect and building superintendent for the project. Although Manly, the mansion's first occupant, was a very popular president, the legislature regarded the structure as unnecessarily lavish.
According to tradition, Louisa Frances Garland, wife of president Landon C. Garland, valiantly saved the stately residence from destruction when Union troops destroyed the campus in April 4, 1865. The mansion, which has undergone a number of restorations, assumed its predominately white appearance in 1908.
The President's Mansion is building 30 on the campus map.