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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