FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Wendi Lewis, Marketing and Public
Relations Manager
wendi.lewis@ahc.alabama.gov, 334-230-2680
July 28, 2021
Old Cahawba to host ‘True Crime Wagon Tour’
(Montgomery, AL) Old Cahawba
Archaeological Park, a historic site operated by The Alabama Historical
Commission, will be hosting its “True Crime Wagon Tour” on Saturday, Aug. 7,
from 10 a.m.-11 a.m. This tour gives visitors the opportunity to learn more
about the obscure parts of Cahawba’s history, exploring the wild ways of
Alabama’s 19th century frontier through an exciting narrative.
Located
in Orrville, near Selma, Old Cahawba was carved from the wilderness in 1819 to
become Alabama’s first state capital. History tells us that Cahawba grew from
the frontier into a prosperous center of wealth and culture, home to some of
the most affluent families in the state. Despite its short-lived grasp on
prosperity, civilization, and refinement, Cahawba was a town that had never
lost its frontier mentality. From feuding families delivering street justice to
colorful characters threatening to assassinate the President, Cahawba's
corruption will be revealed on this one-hour guided wagon tour.
“This is kind of the
underbelly of Cahawba with the murders, fights, threats, and shootouts that
occurred” said Jonathan Matthews, assistant site director. “I’m always
interested in expanding people’s knowledge of Cahawba beyond the first state
capital title that we are best known for.”
Tickets
are $10 each and available at the Old Cahawba Visitor Center. The tour is
allotted for a maximum of 15 participants. Interested parties are encouraged to
purchase their tickets in advance of the event. Tickets may be purchased by
calling 334-872-8058. Old Cahawba accepts all major credit cards. On the day of
the event, participants will meet at the Visitor Center, rain or shine.
Old
Cahawba lies at the confluence of the Alabama and Cahaba Rivers, and from 1819
to 1826 it served as Alabama’s first capital. From downtown Selma, take Highway
22 (Dallas Avenue) west 8.6 miles. Cross over the Cahaba River and turn left
onto County Road 9 and follow this 3.3 miles until it dead ends. Turn left onto
County Road 2 and follow this 1.5 miles until you see the Visitor Center on the
right. Visitor Center Address: 9518 Cahaba Road, Orrville, AL 36767.
To learn more about Old Cahawba, or the Alabama Historical Commission,
please visit www.ahc.alabama.gov.
About Old Cahawba
Old Cahawba lies at the confluence of the Alabama
and Cahaba Rivers, and from 1819 to 1826 it served as Alabama’s first capital.
Today, the Alabama Historical Commission owns and operates this significant
archaeological site.
About the Alabama Historical Commission
Located in historic downtown Montgomery at 468 S.
Perry Street, the Alabama Historical Commission is the state historic
preservation agency for Alabama. The agency was created by an act of the state
legislature in 1966 with a mission to protect, preserve and interpret Alabama’s
historic places. AHC works to accomplish its mission through two fields of
endeavor: Preservation and promotion of state-owned historic sites as public
attractions; and, statewide programs to assist people, groups, towns, and
cities with local preservation activities. For a complete list of programs and
properties owned and operated by the AHC, hours of operation, and admission
fees please visit ahc.alabama.gov
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