Why You Should Visit Selma, Alabama

Selma, Alabama is one of the South's most unique cities and has played a major role in the history of this nation. From its important contributions during the Civil War to its turbulent place as a turning point in the Civil Rights movement, the name Selma elicits strong feelings among millions of people. Selma offers the opportunity for visitors to see the well-preserved buildings and sites that recall the events of its rich heritage.

Selma began as village on the bluffs of the Alabama River and Native American folklore states that it was the place where Chief Tuskaloosa met Hernando DeSoto during DeSoto's exploration of the region. After being known by several early names, such as Ecor Beinville and Moore's Bluff, it took the name of Selma. Incorporated in 1820, it soon became a major site for manufacturing of military equipment and produced munitions, warships, and supplies. It became famous for the manufacturing of ironclad warships such as the Confederate warship Tennessee. During the Civil War, its location on the river, railroad connections, and production facilities made it an important site for the Confederacy. Its role as an industrial center made it a prime target for the Union troops and the Battle of Selma in April 1865 left most of its industrial capabilities destroyed. The legendary Lt. General Nathan Bedford Forrest surrendered the city to Major General James Wilson of the Union Army and Selma's importance in the remainder of the war was diminished.

Selma became the site of another major battleground 100 years later, when it was the starting point for the Selma to Montgomery march by black citizens who were marching for voting rights and protesting against segregation practices in Selma and the state of Alabama. The infamous "Bloody Sunday" occurred at the foot of the Edmund Pettus Bridge, which spanned the Alabama River, when state and local authorities attacked the group of about 600 marchers with billy clubs and tear gas. A second march, several days later, was led by Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., and garnered the attention of millions of Americans. The group numbered over 3,000 when they left Selma and numbered over 25,000 when they reached the capitol steps in Montgomery. This march was a turning point in the Civil Rights Movement and led to President Johnson's signing of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. The route, U.S. Highway 80, is now a National Historic Trail.

Because of its role in both the Civil War and Civil Rights movement, Selma is a fascinating city to visit. Its historical district contains a significant number of antebellum structures and it has one of the largest historic districts in the state. Selma is also known for its many unique churches that grace the downtown area. The architectural beauty of these places of worship rivals that of cities much larger than Selma. First Baptist, Church Street United Methodist, Reformed Presbyterian, St. Paul's Episcopal, Temple Mishkan Israel, First Christian, and Our Lady Queen of Peace are among those that visitors should see.

Several historic buildings are now museums and are must-see stops on any tour of historic Selma. Sturdivant Hall Museum is an antebellum Greek Revival Neo-Classical mansion that showcases period antiques and Civil War memorabilia. The National Voting Rights Museum captures the events from the Civil Rights Movement. The Brown Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church is the site of meetings that led to the Selma to Montgomery marches and it has a monument dedicated to Dr. King in front of the church. Vaughan-Smitherman Museum has a collection of antiques and Civil War memorabilia and the Old Depot Museum provides a glimpse into Selma's history and railroad past. The Old Live Oak Cemetery, which is on the National Register of Historic Sites, is the burial place of the founder of Selma and many other historic figures. There are other interesting places to see in the Historic Water Street District and in the Old Town Historic District.

About 10 miles west of Selma, is Old Cahawba Archaeological Park, the site of Cahawba, the state's first permanent capital. It served as the capitol from 1820 until 1826 when it moved to Tuscaloosa due to the frequent flooding and unhealthy conditions. Today, the remains of the capitol, abandoned streets, and cemeteries are available for visitors to see.

To reach Selma, from Interstate 65 in Montgomery, take exit #167, then west on US 80 43 miles into Selma. From Interstate 65 in Birmingham, take exit #212 (Clanton), then Alabama Highway 22 west 45 miles into Selma. To reach Selma from the west, you take U.S. Highway 80 or Alabama Highway 22. To make your visit to complete, be sure to stay at the historic St. James Hotel in downtown Selma. Built in 1837, the restored hotel stands alongside the riverfront and provides guests with a taste of its past history and southern charm. Your visit to Selma will leave you with a wealth of history of the nation's past and a glimpse of the architecture and building design from a bygone era.