Gen. Josiah Gorgas (1818-1883), Chief of Ordnance C.S.A., was the seventh president of the University of Alabama.  His wife, Amelia Galyle Gorgas (1826-1913), was University Librarian for 23 years, and the main library of the University is named in her honor.  Ms. Gorgas also served as postmistress and as matron of the University Hospital so conveniently located in her home. 
     Their son, Gen. William C. Gorgas (1854-1920), accomplished the herculean task of eradicating yellow fever from Cuba and Central and South America.  His unparallel achievement made the construction of the Panama Canal possible. 
     The Gorgas daughters, Mary and Maria, occupied the Gorgas House for most of their lives.  After Maria's death in 1953, the Gorgas House became a museum and meeting place.  Part of a magnificent silver collection acquired by Mrs. William C. Gorgas in her travels with her husband in South America is on permanent display in the house.  The pieces in this collection are made of unalloyed silver, called "plata de luna" because it is said to glow like the moon.
     One of the most impressive things about the house is that nearly all of the furniture in the house was used by the Gorgas family with much of it coming from the Gayle family.