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For Immediate Release
January 29, 2018
Media Contact: Jacqulyn Kirkland, 334-230-2645
or jacqulyn.kirkland@ahc.alabama.gov
Cemetery Walking Tour
Saturday, February 3, 2018
10:00 – 11:00 am
Old Cahawba Archaeological Park, Orrville (near Selma), Alabama
The decaying ruins of Old Cahawba’s historic cemeteries provide an opportunity for a deeper understanding of the richly layered history surrounding the events that occurred at the site of Alabama’s first state capital.
Personal sagas might include William Curtis, patriarch of a very prominent family, who wanted nothing but the best for his daughters. Despite this love, upon his death his last will and testament was contested because he was not of sound mind, the first case of temporary insanity in the state! Augustus Hatcher Jackson had dreams for a life with his young bride. The Civil War brought those to an end. We’ll learn why his grave is marked by two stones. Finally, there’s an interesting story behind the inscription on the stone obelisk at John R. Bell’s grave site: “No murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.”
Join us for a one-hour guided tour as we visit one of Cahawba’s historic cemeteries. This tour will explore the personal accounts of many of those who lived here before joining its community of perpetual residents.
Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable walking shoes.
Directions: 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.
Fee: $8.00 per person
For more information contact Jonathan Matthews at cahawbam@bellsouth.net or call the park at 334-872-8058.
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.
Find Old Cahawba on Facebook or visit http://ahc.alabama.gov/
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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For more information, visit http://ahc.alabama.gov
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