Selma Tour Guide
Helping You Discover Selma Alabama
SelmaTourGuide.com was developed to provide tourists and residents with information on interesting things to see and do in the Selma/ Dallas County area.
This Tour Guide information is absolutely free. Please take our Survey so that we can make future visits more enjoyable.
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The Selma Tour Guide website is optimized for use on your smart phone and features a list of “Attractions”, with Google Maps, to help you discover a wide variety of places to enjoy. Museums and indoor venues such as Old Depot Museum, National Voting Rights Museum, Selma Interpretive Center, Sturdivant Hall Museum and Gift Shop to name a few. Outdoor venues include Brown Chapel AME Church and Martin Luther King Monument, Edmund Pettus Bridge, Historic Water Avenue, Historic Riverfront Park and Old Live Oak Cemetery. Not far away is Old Cahawba Archaeological Park which is the site of Alabama’s first state capitol. Selma boasts the largest contiguous historic district in Alabama. Visit our Popular Attractions Page for driving directions and phone numbers. From Civil War to Civil Rights and beyond. History lives in Selma.
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Selma Tour Guide’s website features an “Events Calendar” that is maintained by the Selma and Dallas County Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Information. There are always activities going on that are family friendly and are enjoyed by people of all ages.
25+ Best Attractions
In Selma
Enjoy many family friendly attractions around the Selma area.
Attraction List and Directions
Events Calendar
Provided By:
Selma & Dallas County
Chamber Of Commerce
& Tourism Information
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Click here and scroll down to the Events Calendar. Click on any event to see times and details.
From Past to Present: Tracing the History of Selma Alabama
Selma, Alabama, holds a significant place in American history due to its role in the civil rights movement. Situated along the banks of the Alabama River, Selma's history is intertwined with pivotal events that shaped the nation's struggle for equality and civil rights.
Early Settlement and Growth: Selma's history dates back to the early 19th century when it was founded in 1820 on land ceded by the Creek Indians. The town quickly grew as a center for cotton trading due to its strategic location on the river, leading to prosperity fueled by plantation agriculture.
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Civil War and Industry: During the Civil War of the United States, Selma gained importance as a major Confederate military and manufacturing center. The city's ironworks produced crucial supplies for the Confederate army, including cannons and munitions. The Battle of Selma in April 1865 marked a significant Union victory that hastened the end of the war.
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Post-War Reconstruction: After the Civil War of the United States, Selma, like many Southern cities, faced challenges during Reconstruction. African Americans gained political and social rights during this period, leading to the rise of African American political leaders in Selma and across Alabama.
Civil Rights Movement: Selma Alabama became a focal point of the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s. In 1965, the Selma to Montgomery marches led by Martin Luther King, Jr., including the infamous "Bloody Sunday" on the Edmund Pettus Bridge, drew national attention to the struggle for African American voting rights. These events, marked by brutal violence against peaceful demonstrators, galvanized support for the Voting Rights Act of 1965, a landmark piece of legislation that aimed to end discriminatory voting practices.
Modern Selma: Today, Selma continues to honor its rich history through museums, monuments, and annual events commemorating the civil rights struggle. The city also faces contemporary challenges common to many urban areas, including economic revitalization efforts and community development initiatives.
Conclusion: Selma, Alabama, stands as a symbol of resilience and courage in the fight for civil rights and equality. Its history reflects both the struggles and triumphs of the American people in the quest for justice and fairness, making it a place of historical importance and ongoing significance in the nation's collective memory.