FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Wendi Lewis, Marketing and Public
Relations Manager
wendi.lewis@ahc.alabama.gov, 334-230-2680
September 7, 2021
Old Cahawba to host History & Nature Walk
(Montgomery, AL) Old Cahawba
Archaeological Park, a historic site operated by The Alabama Historical
Commission, will be hosting a History & Nature Walk on Saturday, Sept. 11,
from 10 a.m.-11 a.m. This tour of Old Cahawba’s one-half mile Clear Creek
Nature Trail (wheelchair accessible) will show visitors how the townspeople of Cahawba adapted to a
lack of supplies during the Civil War. Visitors also will learn how to identify
the various trees and plants used as substitutes for the common goods we take
for granted.
When
the Civil War began, no one could predict how long the war would last. If the
ports were blockaded, Cahawba’s provisions would last no more than six months.
The town would need many items such as food, clothing, medicine and fuel.
Normally, residents obtained these products from northern merchants via
steamboats. Cawhaba’s residents were fortunate to find substitutes nearby in
the woods surrounding the town.
“This tour will give a
unique perspective on what it was like to live in Cahawba during the Civil War
in a time when the townspeople had to be really resourceful,” says Old Cahawba
staff member Carmen Yelle. “We will also have a demonstration using the plants
found on the Clear Creek Nature Trail.”
Tickets
are $8 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. Please
wear comfortable walking shoes and remember to bring your insect repellent.
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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