The best place to visit in Selma, Alabama is the downtown area. This historic city is located in Dallas County, which stretches from central south Alabama to the western part of the state. It is situated on the banks of the Alabama River and has a population of 17,971. Its population is mostly African American.
Historic sites
Selma, Alabama is a small city located in Dallas County, South Central Alabama. It lies on the Alabama River, in the Black Belt region of the state. The city is home to more than 17,000 residents, with about 80 percent of them being African American. The city has many historic sites, including the Alabama River Civil Rights Museum.
Selma has one of the largest historic districts in Alabama. Its Old Town Historic District was listed on the National Register in 1978. Many historic buildings are found in the district, including the Vaughan-Smitherman Museum, which houses exhibits about the building’s history. Visitors can also tour the First Baptist Church, built in 1904, which features a Tiffany stained-glass window. Another historic site is the Dawson-Vaughan House, which was once the home of the famous actress Elodie Todd. In addition to historic homes and buildings, Selma also has Sturdivant Hall, considered one of the finest examples of antebellum architecture in Alabama.
The historic town is also home to the National Voting Rights Museum. Here, visitors can learn more about the history of slavery in America. The museum charges admission, and tours are available by calling ahead.
Attractions
The city of Selma is located in Dallas County, Alabama in the Black Belt region of south central Alabama. The city is on the banks of the Alabama River and has a population of 17,971. Eighty percent of its population is African-American. There are a number of historical and cultural sites that can be visited in the city.
For those who want to learn more about Selma’s past, a trip to the National Voting Rights Museum and Institute is a must-see. This museum is located in the Historic District near the Edmund Pettus Bridge. It features many interesting exhibits about the Civil Rights Movement, women’s suffrage, and churches. It also features a special exhibit on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Another popular attraction is the Edmund Pettus Bridge. The bridge is a world-famous landmark and is part of Selma’s most historical district. Aside from the bridge, the city also features the Bridge Tender’s House and Riverfront Park. Those with disabilities can visit the Edmund Pettus Bridge Museum, which is run by the Selma Disabilities Advocacy Program.
Visitors can also visit the Old Depot Museum. The museum is located in the old railway station, which was built in 1891. It features exhibits on the history of the community and the civil rights movement in the South.
Restaurants
There are several places to eat in Selma. The historic downtown district is home to the famous Tally-Ho Restaurant. Located near the Edmund Pettus Bridge, the restaurant offers elevated Southern fare. If you’re craving a steak, you can order one at Tally-Ho.
You can also get a hearty meal at Lannie’s Bar-B-Q Spot. This local joint has been in business for 75 years and is famous for its tangy pulled pork. The Downtowner is another popular choice and has been featured in Southern Living magazine. This place serves soul food and a large selection of sides.
Parks
The city of Selma is in the Dallas County region of south central Alabama. It is located on the banks of the Alabama River. Its population is approximately 17,971 people and is predominantly African-American. The city has a long history of being a center of civil rights, and is home to the Selma Civil Rights Museum.
The town of Selma is rich in history, and you’ll find that it’s an exciting place to visit. It has played a pivotal role during the Civil War and the Civil Rights Movement, and it’s home to a thriving cultural scene. The city also offers a diverse range of people and food.
Visitors to Selma should stop by the Edmund Pettus Bridge, which is world-famous. The city is also home to Riverfront Park and the Bridge Tender’s House. For a unique experience, you can also visit the Edmund Pettus Bridge Museum, a project of the Selma Disabilities Advocacy Program. At this museum, children with disabilities can learn more about the history of their town.
The city is also home to the Selma National Historic Cemetery. The cemetery is a National Historic Register site and contains memorials to prominent Alabamans. It also has a beautiful 100-acre lake and southern pine woodlands. The park is open 7 am to sundown every day.
Historic hotels
One of the oldest hotels in the area is the St. James Hotel, which was built in 1837 and overlooks the Alabama River. It is the only riverfront Antebellum hotel in the Southeast and is owned by Birmingham-based Rhaglan Hospitality, which recently invested $5 million in renovations. Another historic hotel in the area is the Redmont Hotel, which is the oldest continuously running hotel in the area.
When the Civil War broke out in 1861, Selma was one of the most important supply and manufacturing centers for the Confederacy. After the war, the hotel was occupied by Union forces and served as their headquarters. Eventually, the city suffered from a lack of tourism and the building was abandoned.
After the Civil War, the city rebuilt and reopened. Captain Tom Smith bought the Saint James Hotel in 1871 and reopened it as The Saint James Hotel. The Saint James Hotel did well during the 1870s, when the Alabama River bridge was built south of the town. The bridgekeeper’s cottage still stands next to the hotel.
The hotel is a three-story structure that is home to several original rooms. The front part of the building is the original section, and the first floor was rebuilt in 1997. The original rooms were restored, but thirteen more were added to the hotel. Many of the rooms have balconies that overlook the river. The historic hotel also has a restaurant and a bar.
Civil rights movement sites
In 1965, the racial legacies of slavery and Reconstruction continued to reverberate in the South. In Selma, Alabama, a group led by 25-year-old activist John Lewis marched across the Edmund Pettus Bridge and was violently attacked by Alabama state troopers. The shocking footage that was captured on video shocked the country and galvanized the fight against racial injustice. Today, Selma is an iconic site of the Civil Rights Movement.
Visitors can visit the Civil Rights Memorial to learn about the events that transpired during Bloody Sunday. The site includes tributes to the leaders of the civil rights movement, a walk through woodland, and memorials to Liuzzo and Reeb. This historic site is one of the most popular civil rights attractions in Selma.
The Edmund Pettus Bridge is an iconic symbol of the Civil Rights Movement. This bridge was the site of brutal beatings of civil rights activists during the first march for voting rights. The bridge still functions today, but it’s best to take a few minutes to learn about its history before crossing it. There’s an educational marker at the foot of the bridge that provides additional information. In addition, you can get great photographs of the bridge from Selma’s historic district.
There are several museums in Selma, Alabama dedicated to the Civil Rights Movement. The National Voting Rights Museum and Institute houses memorabilia and photos from the civil rights movement. The museum also hosts an annual Bridge Crossing Jubilee, which commemorates the events of Bloody Sunday.