With great pride in its heritage and history, Selma, AL is the charming and warm city that played an integral part in The Civil War, the Civil Rights Movement as well as in the Voting Rights Movement in America. The rich culture and traditions that are evident in this city by the river can be seen in the roads you stroll along and the people you’ll get to know as well as the food you’ll eat during your stay.
1. Edmund Pettus Bridge, Selma, Alabama
It is listed as a landmark on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places and also as designated a U.S. National Historic Landmark Edmund Pettus bridge is a famous structure located in Selma, Alabama. The bridge was constructed in the year 1940. However, it wasn’t until the year 1965 that it was a symbol for change as protesters for voting rights were confronted with violence by law enforcement officers in the area which resulted in the current “Bloody Sunday”.
In less than a month, more than 3,000 people, in contrast to the original 600, traversed this bridge to march all way towards the capitol to protest for voting rights. By the time they arrived more than 25,000 people were a part of their cause. The march, which at first ended in a disastrous way at the Edmund Pettus Bridge, resulted in President Lyndon Johnson signing the Voting Rights Act in 1965.
2. Selma to Montgomery, Selma, Alabama
Selma from Montgomery is a nationally significant trail in Alabama that follows the path of non-violent advocates for equal voting rights, led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The trail’s 54 miles begins in Selma and follows the events that changed America’s history forever.
The interpretive centers that are located along the route will share the tales of those who participated and the events that helped make the march a success. To help you navigate the route the path is marked with distinctive markers. Some of the landmarks you’ll come across comprise those of the Alabama State Capitol and the Brown Chapel AME Church.
3. Jackson Home Historic Site, Selma, AL
The Jackson Home Historic Site is an institution and museum that is dedicated to revealing the happenings that occurred throughout the American Voting Rights Movement, and also to encouraging liberty and democracy at the former home of Richie Jean Sherrod Jackson.
The Jackson Home was, through time, the official residence of numerous human rights activists, such as Ambassador Andrew J. Young and the late Dr. Ralph Bunch, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The wife of Dr. King was a close friend of the Jacksons. Visitors are welcome to tour the house and view the original artifacts and gain more information about how the Jackson family, along with many others put their lives at risk in support of their country’s Voting Right Movement.
4. Old Cahawba Archaeological Park, Selma, Alabama
A once-thriving river town with an antebellum era, Cahawba served as Alabama’s capital city from 1819 until 1826. Cahawba’s Old Cahawba Archaeological Park is an attempt to reveal a large portion of the things nature has left behind in order to allow visitors an insight into the region’s historical past.
The park’s interpretive nature has been developed by historians and archaeologists over time to produce an authentic portrayal of what used to be the way to live in the area. Begin your trip with a visit to the Visitor Center to discover what’s on display and the most effective routes to walk through, while revealing the park’s history. Apart from the many structures and moss-covered ruins you’ll also have the opportunity to wander around empty streets and enjoy the beautiful flora of Cahawba.
5. Old Depot Museum, Selma, Alabama
The museum is housed in a structure built around 1890 in the 1890s, the Old Depot Museum was once the former L&N Railroad Depot. The red-brick, stone-trimmed building was constructed in the Romanesque Revival architectural style on the remains of the Confederate Naval Foundry.
The building is of high historic and architectural significance and is among the buildings that make up the Water Avenue Historic District’ which is included as a part of the National Register of Historic Places. The museum has various artifacts and memorabilia at the museum, that portray the life of Selma prior to and following The Civil War and through the Civil Rights Movement. Visitors will also be able to explore additional exhibits, such as a Victorian Firehouse and old railway cars that are a part of the museum.
6. National Voting Rights Museum and Institute, Selma, Alabama
Selma, the city Selma played a significant role in promoting human rights and voting rights in addition to the National Voting Rights Museum and Institute is a great place to study in detail all the happenings and the people who were behind the transforming actions.
The museum is located in the middle of Selma’s Historic District of Selma, near the famous Edmund Pettus Bridge. There are numerous exhibits that are devoted to different aspects that go beyond the Selma-Montgomery march like women’s suffrage, churches as well as the Reverend Jesse Jackson, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and the movements throughout America. It is a must to visit during your visit to Selma and is certain to draw the attention of people of all different ages.
7. Sturdivant Hall Museum, Selma, Alabama
On the National Register of Historic Places, Sturdivant Hall Museum is the epitomize of the south’s Golden Age. The Greek mansion, which is a neo-classic revival, is among the most beautiful architectural pieces throughout the South. When you walk into the stunning building, you’ll notice six towering Corinthian columns.
On further investigation, you’ll find the exquisite imported Italian marble, as well as other fixtures and elements which will take your breath off. It’s an architectural enthusiast’s dream as you see the way that they lived in the Watts family lived in the lavish moldings of the mansion as well as heart pine flooring, high ceilings, and elaborate marble fireplaces. Many of the decorations are original to the home and others were included by historians as appropriate items.
8. The Joseph T. Smitherman Building, Selma, Alabama
Formerly known as the Dallas County Courthouse, the Joseph T. Smitherman building is a treasure of the past that is now in the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. It is a Greek Revival-style building that was built in 1847 and was used for various purposes throughout its life.
It is now home to the Vaughan-Smitherman Museum which is dedicated to displaying the past and culture of Selma. Alongside its beautiful aesthetics and architectural features, visitors can visit the museum, which has a variety of exhibits about slavery as well as Civil War, the Civil War, local and national politics, Native American artifacts, antique furniture, and an insight into what the building functioned in its time as an institution called the Vaughan Memorial Hospital.
9. Paul M. Grist State Park
1 080 acres Paul M. Grist State Park is an outdoor paradise for many of the residents and visitors from Selma, Alabama. The primary draw of this park lies in its 100-acre lake, which is the center of the park and offers guests the chance to take part in activities on the water, such as paddling and fishing, as well as swimming.
You can enjoy your time at one of the park’s designated picnicking spots, equipped with barbecue grills and pavilions, and take an outing on the twenty miles of trails that stretch to the surrounding forest. There is an array of species of wildlife and flora at the park which is a major park along the Alabama Black Belt Birding Trail The wildlife you might see includes Eastern Wild Turkeys, white-tailed deer waterfowl, and more. Another option is to stay at night in their modern campgrounds that can accommodate tents and RVs.
10. Tally Ho, Selma, Alabama
An exquisite dining experience unlike any other. Tally Ho is a restaurant that takes the classic dishes that the South is known for and puts them in an extra twist, usually mixing international flavors and methods. For instance, The chef will take the staple southern dish of grits, and serves them with sauteed shrimp that is then tossed in the delicious white wine sauce.
Other options that are popular on the menu include fry-fried green tomatoes accompanied by sauteed crab, seafood gumbo, and oysters from the gulf that are fried. The restaurant is located in a building that dates back to the 60s and has an impressive history that has left an impact on the history of Selma and invites guests from across the globe to taste their delicious dishes.
11. Things to Do in Selma, Alabama: Lannie’s Bar-B-Q
Lannie’s Bar-B-Q is much more than just a place to eat; during a time of segregation and racism divided the nation people of all ethnicities and religions would gather at Lannie’s to enjoy their tasty barbecue. The tradition continues through the third generation moving on to a larger space and upgraded equipment. The one thing that is the same is the determination to make the highest quality barbecue using the same recipe passed over the years, kept secret as well as, obviously the sauce. The food will be tasty and will keep returning during your stay at Selma.
12. Brown Chapel AME Church, Selma, Alabama
The site of one of the most historic Selma to Montgomery marches in 1965 and also a place to meet to host the Southern Christian Leadership Conference during the Selma Movement The Brown Chapel AME Church still remains in place today, ready for you to explore, learn about and learn more about the significance of this remarkable structure and the people who reside within it.
The church has been placed on the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage and also was declared a National Historic Landmark. With its magnificent twin tours, The church was built in 1908 as part of the Romanesque Revival. Although little is known about the late Mr. Farley, the church is well-known due to its contribution to shaping and shaping the United States.
13. Things to Do in Selma, Alabama: Old Live Oak Cemetery
The Old Live Oak Cemetery was established in 1829 and is home to many famous burials in features associated with the Confederate States of America. Confederate Circle: Confederate Circle, which includes the Confederate Soldier Monument and cannons are visible to protect hundreds of confederate soldiers who have died. The other monuments are The Pigeon House, the Elodie Todd Dawson memorial as well as The Jefferson Davis Memorial Chair, and the Forrest Memorial, which is dedicated to Lieutenant General. Nathan Bedford Forrest.
14. The Coffee Shoppe
Begin your day by enjoying a coffee and a tasty snack in The Coffee Shoppe. A popular local spot, The Coffee Shoppe offers an extensive menu created to give you energy and prepare for your day. Select from their espresso-based dishes and eat their bakery offerings or savor the panini sandwich.
Also, The Coffee Shoppe also serves soups and salads as well as blended drinks and specialty beverages made from coffee. The most popular drinks on the specialty beverages menu are drinks like the Iced Glacier, Frozen Hot Chocolate as well as Smoothie Sensations. For a crowd-pleasing alternative, try classics such as those the Chicken Salad Croissant, and the Grilled Vegetable Medley. Or build your own sandwich by using The Build Your Sandwich option.
Also, check the Top 11 Things to Do Scottsboro of Alabama
