Old Cahawba Archaeological Park — Attraction in Alabama

Old Cahawba is a ghost town. But there are several buildings still in place - including a brick (!) slave house, an historic wooden frame house (Fambro) and the old Episcopal Church that was recently relocated BACK to the park. And there are brick remains of an old church, a pre-Civil War railroad, and artesian wells - including the one with the face...But there is also a canoe/kayak launch with handicap access (you can use their canoes) and you can bike ride around the place (again- use theirs!). There are several interpretive signs if you just want to drive through, but I recommend you STOP BY THE VISITOR CENTER (now a FEMA trailer because the building was hit by lightening and burned - but new one is being built from a restored and relocated historichouse and should open soon). The staff are very knowledgable and can carry groups in an open, covered trailer around the old town site. But most importantly - if you stop by the Visitor Cener, they have wonderful photos of the old buildings (mansions!) and stories about the people that lived there.. Or were imprisoned there in the old cotton warehouse during the Civil War - the remains are still visible. As are portions of the moat that surrounded the Indian village that was there a thousand years ago! if you want to see what the common residences of Old Cahawba looked like - - well then, drive around historic Selma. When Cahawba's populations drifted to the "big city" - they dismantled their houses and rebuilt them...

I had the most intriguing experience on the Cahawba Tour. It was cold, but I love to hunt and I brave the cold for that and I'm so glad I braved the cold for the tour. The camera man even let me hold and operate his camera. That was a very pleasant experience. I can't pick a favorite part of the tour. I enjoyed each phase of the entire tour. I had chili and hot chocolate before the tour began. Delicious. The souvenir shop was a welcome and pleasant surprise. They have a lot of great stuff AND the prices were very reasonable. Usually I can't go shopping in a souvenir shop due to outrageous prices, but at Old Cahawba I really wracked up. I loved every minute I was there. The tour guides and the M C were all serious and funny at the same time. They all make you feel special. They are very personable. I spoke with Mr. Trotter of whom I had read an article about he and his wife's restored home. He shared with me some of their experiences at their home and it is beyond interesting! I could go on and on. I'll always remember "Gat" and "Millie". And many other tales we were told about. The restoration is amazing. I hope if anyone gets a chance to go on the next tour that you will go. Belive me! Its more than you can even dream about. Thanks to everyone that gave me such a great night! Including the "tour...

I really loved this place! Beautiful land where 2 rivers meet--the Cahaba and the Alabama. Park even has big public bathroom, well-kept roads, and some picnic benches. Would give 5 stars if there were more markers with better signage to figure out the history. More pictures would be excellent for kids. Would also be great if placards were reasonably updated to reflect modern understanding...regarding--for example--DeSoto's brutality towards indigenous people, and the fact that Alabama's 1st capitol was not "carved out of the wilderness," but built upon a previously established, well-organized, native American town site. References to the destruction of the Indian mound should clearly state this was done by Confederate soldiers. Still, highly recommend as a family-friendly day trip, especially on a nice sunny day where you park the car and walk the land. Very few structures or other physical evidence remain at all, but that is part of the mystery. Wonderful lesson to show change over...