Selma tourist information
On a bluff high above the rolling waters of the mighty Alabama River, you'll discover hundreds of years of rich history in Selma. Here, just 45 minutes west of Montgomery, you'll find the largest historic district in Alabama with over 1,200 historic structures, palatial antebellum and Victorian homes, museums. Century-old buildings that warehoused King Cotton and Civil War munitions, are now home to delightful specialty shops, cafes and offices. Landmark sites of the nation's Voting Rights Movement. And nearby, the ghostly remains of the state's first permanent capital, Cahawba.
Indian lore says Selma is built where Chief Tuskaloosa met with explorer DeSoto. The site was officially recorded in 1732 as Ecor Bienville, then later as the Moore's Bluff settlement. In 1820, Selma (meaning "high seat" or "throne") was incorporated. It was planned and named by future Vice President of the United States William Rufus King.
From its earliest days, Selma has made history. During the Civil War, it was one of the South's main military manufacturing centers, producing tons of supplies and munitions, and turning out Confederate warships such as the ironclad Tennessee. Union General J.H. Wilson's troops destroyed Selma's army arsenal and factories, and much of the city, in a fiery, bloody siege. To see Selma-manufactured munitions and war relics, visit the Smitherman Historic Building.
Tour gracious antebellum Sturdivant Hall, a Greek Revival mansion designed by the cousin of Confederate General Robert E. Lee. Browse for antiques in restored downtown riverfront warehouses and discover hand-made treasures and other specialty items in Victorian cottage shops. Then dine in some of Selma's fine restaurants, where ample helpings of Southern cuisine are specialties.
Cross famous Edmund Pettus Bridge and remember the courage of thousands who overcame violence and hardship of their 1965 Selma to Montgomery march for Voting Rights. Take the Martin Luther King, Jr. Street Walking Tour and visit stately Brown Chapel A.M.E. Church, where Dr. King launched the Voting Rights Movement and where the names of those who died for the dream are inscribed in stone. Exhibits honoring Civil Rights efforts can be found in the Old Depot Museum and the National Voting Rights Museum.
Adventurers will enjoy exploring Live Oak Cemetery, a National Register Landmark, for the graves of William Rufus King; Benjamin S. Turner, the ex-slave who became Alabama's first black congressman; and Martha Todd, half-sister of Mary Todd Lincoln. Visitors will also want to see the ghost town of Alabama's one-time capital, Cahawba. Located outside Selma, this fascinating former trading port offers ruins to explore and period artifacts to see.
Selma California
Selma is located in Fresno County. The population estimate for July 1, 1998 was 17,403, an increase of 2,646 since 1990.
Selma was officially chartered as a town on February 11, 1873 but the town's true birth took place on May 1, 1867 when lots were sold around a newly established station on the North Carolina Railroad. The sale of lots was boosted by a barbecue and dance held on the occasion, and the event turned out to be "a glowing success," according to historians. Selma became an important railroad junction in 1886 when a second line was built through town. Both railroads continue in operation by today's CSX and Norfolk Southern companies, and Selma remains a stop for passenger trains operated by Amtrak and the State of North Carolina. The town's heritage as a transportation hub is celebrated each October by a "Railroad Days" festival.
Selma aerial map
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