Oakleigh is a period house museum and historic complex located in downtown Mobile, Alabama, just two-and-a-half blocks south of Government Street between Roper and George streets. This T-shaped Greek revival home, with a distinctive cantilevered stairway rising to the front gallery, is found in the heart of the Oakleigh Garden District. It is managed by the Historic Mobile Preservation Society. Established on three-and-a-half beautifully landscaped acres, the Oakleigh complex consists of the city's official antebellum period house museum, the Cox-Deasy House, Mardi Gras Cottage Museum, and the Minnie Mitchell Archives Building. Oakleigh is unique and one of the oldest historic structures along the Gulf Coast. It has long been referred to as “the most photographed house in Mobile.” The Cox-Deasy House is a raised Creole Cottage built in 1850, whereas the Mardi Gras features 19th and 20th century items. The research and study activities of the Historic Mobile Preservation Society are concentrated in the Minnie Mitchell Archives Building. The Oakleigh Historic Museum was built circa 1833 by James W. Roper. It was renamed Mobile's Official Period House Museum in 1955 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The impressive decorative arts collections of OPHM features exquisite pieces of American and European Empire furniture styles, including the works of Hepplewhite, Belter, and Seignoret. Its extensive collection of portraits includes a Thomas Sully portrait of Madame Octavia LeVert and those of several other distinguished Mobilians. The Period House Museum also treasures a remarkable collection of timepieces and silver. Personal items showcased in the house include jewelry, china, sculpture, toys, fans, books, eyeglasses, and even a humidor that once belonged to Father Abram Ryan, “Poet-Priest of the South.” Oakleigh Period House Museum is complemented by the Cox-easy Cottage Museum, which are separated by the gardens. Guided tours of the Oakleigh House are available. The museum gift shop is on the ground flour of the building.