Sweet Home Alabama

Selma

On a bluff high above the rolling waters of the mighty Alabama River is Selma, the place to discover hundreds of years of rich history. For starters, Selma is home to the largest historic district in Alabama, with more than 1,200 historic structures, including palatial antebellum and Victorian homes. There are century-old buildings that warehoused King Cotton and Civil War munitions, and nearby, the ghostly remains of the state's first permanent capital, Cahawba. The famous Edmund Pettus Bridge bears the memories of thousands who overcame violence and hardship of their 1965 Selma to Montgomery march for Voting Rights. And the stately Brown Chapel A.M.E. Church marks the spot where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. launched the Voting Rights Movement and where the names of those who died for the dream are inscribed in stone. Exhibits honoring Civil Rights efforts can be found in the Old Depot Museum and the National Voting Rights Museum.

Attractions

  • Brown Chapel AME Church

    1st AME church in state (1866). Headquarters during Voting Rights movement. Starting point for Selma-to-Montgomery marchers; All-American Road begins here.

  • Edmund Winston Pettus Bridge

    National landmark; symbol of momentous changes. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. led marchers across bridge on journey toward voting rights attainment.

  • Heritage Village

    Five relocated historic structures: McKinnon-Riggs doctor's office, 1830 Calhoun law office, Siegel servant house, Gillis House, historic pigeon cote.

  • Historic Water Avenue

    Brick streets, antique stores, fountains, bridge-tender's house, parks, antebellum St. James Hotel, Old Depot Museum, National Voting Rights Museum.

  • Martin Luther King, Jr. Street Historic Walking Tour

    Experience history of Selma's Voting Rights movement. Pass First Baptist Church, George Washington Carver homes, Brown Chapel AME Church, Martin Luther King, Jr. monument, more.

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Events

  • Central Alabama Fair

    Oct 1-6, 2012

    Oct 1-6, Selma Central Alabama Fair 334-874-4031. www.SelmaAlabama.com., Admission charged. Lions Fair Park 2401 W. Dallas Ave--Fun-filled event offering a midway with rides, entertainment, beauty pageant, agricultural exhibits, livestock judging and a competition for local arts, crafts, canning, sewing, etc.

  • Riverfront Market Day

    Oct 13, 2012

    Oct 13, Selma Riverfront Market Day 334-412-8550. www.riverfrontmarketday.com. Admission charged. Water Ave.--Selma’s blend of history comes alive with the sights, sounds and tastes of the Deep South. Shop quality artisans and craftsmen along Water Avenue beneath wrought-iron balconies. Experience the tunes of Dixieland, blues, and Southern rock while enjoying the flavor of all things Southern. 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

  • Alabama Tale Tellin' Festival

    Oct 12-13, 2012

    Oct 12-13, Selma Alabama Tale Tellin' Festival 334-878-2787. www.artsrevive.com. Admission charged. 3 Church St., Carneal ArtsRevive Bldg.--33 years ago Kathryn Tucker Windham began the Alabama Tale Tellin' Festival here in Selma, Al and though she will not be with us in body this year, you can be sure she will be here in spirit. The performers this year are Anndrena Belcher, Wanda Johnson and The Dill Pickers. A special tribute will be given each evening to "Miss Kathryn". The location this year will be the Carneal ArtsRevive Building, a newly renovated auto service building on the banks of the Alabama River. Don't miss this family event. 5:30 p.m. Swappin' Ground 7:00 p.m. Tale Tellin'

  • Haunted History Tours

    Oct 19-20, 2012

    Oct 19-20, Selma Haunted History Tours 334-875-7241. www.selmaalabama.com. Admission charged. Old Cahawba, Sturdivant Hall, Old Live Oak Cemetery--On Friday night join Central Alabama Paranormal Investigation (a local paranormal team) on an investigation of Old Cahawba. The past will come back to haunt you as we tour magnificent antebellum Sturdivant Hall and some "spirited" characters of Old Live Oak Cemetery. 5-10:30 p.m.

  • African Extravaganza

    Oct 25-26, 2012

    Oct 25-26, Selma African Extravaganza 334-418-0800. www.theslaveryandcivilwarmuseum.org. Admission charged. Selma Performing Arts Centre--An African meal followed by original stage play, display of native crafts and dances. 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

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Accommodations

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Restaurants

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