Contact: Wendi Lewis, Marketing and Public Relations Manager  

wendi.lewis@ahc.alabama.gov, 334-230-2680

June 23, 2021

Old Cahawba to Host ‘If Bugs Could Talk’ Walking Tour

(Montgomery, AL) Old Cahawba, a historic property of the Alabama Historical Commission, will host a walking tour called “If Bugs Could Talk” on Saturday, July 10, from 10-11 a.m.

The program is an investigation into the creatures that live in Old Cahawba’s famous Perine Well to discover what they can tell us about water quality. Called aquatic macroinvertebrates, they spend at least part of their lives in water and play a large role in freshwater ecosystems. Participants will roll up their sleeves and immerse their hands into the wells’ waters to learn about the importance of artesian wells in Cahawba’s history and find out what makes this well so special. 

"This will be a fun and informative hands-on activity for science lovers and history buffs alike,” said Carmen Yelle, staff member at Old Cahawba Archaeological Park.

The first permanent state capital of Alabama, Cahawba was known as "the city of artesian wells." In the early history of Alabama, water was readily available throughout most of the state, either from natural springs or a cistern well, with the exception of the Blackbelt. However, by 1830, the settlers realized that water could be obtained from deep-bored artesian wells. By the 1850s, Cahawba had more than 20 artesian wells, which allowed the area to develop into the wealthiest part of the state.

Tickets are $8 each and available at the Old Cahawba Visitor Center. To accommodate social distancing, the tour is allotted for a maximum of 15 participants. Interested parties are encouraged to pre-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.

Old Cahawba is a historic property of the Alabama Historical Commission. To learn more about OldCahawba, 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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