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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