Old Cahawba Archaeological Park
Old Cahawba
The ghost-town site of Alabama's first state capital, where ancient oaks, ruins, and an artesian well lie scattered at a river confluence, with a Southern Gothic atmosphere.
Cahawba served as the capital of Alabama from 1820 to 1826. After floods forced the capital to move, the town declined after the Civil War and became a ghost town. It is now a state archaeological park, where visitors can drive or bike along dirt roads to find surviving brick pillars, an artesian well, St. Luke's Church, a cemetery, and the site of a Civil War prisoner-of-war camp. Deer often appear among the greenery. The visitor center has maps and exhibits, and occasional “ghost tours” are held. Located about 15 km southwest of Selma, the park is free or low-cost to visit, and the paths turn muddy after rain.
Opening hours
About 09:00–17:00
Nearby sights
- National Voting Rights Museum and Institute
- Edmund Pettus Bridge
- Brown Chapel AME Church
- Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail
- Montgomery Whitewater
- National Memorial for Peace and Justice
- Freedom Monument Sculpture Park
- Riverfront Park