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River Heritage
Visitors searching for a huge dose of American history need only to visit Alabama’s River Heritage Region.
Montgomery, the state’s capital, played a pivotal role in both the Civil War and the Civil Rights Movement. Within walking distance are museums remembering both periods of history. The State Capitol where delegates voted for secession and the First White House of the Confederacy are a stone’s throw from Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church, where a young Martin Luther King Jr. began his ministry. A short trolley ride takes visitors to the Rosa Parks Museum, which tells the story of a movement that changed history.
The newly expanded Alabama Department of Archives and History showcases the history of the state from pre-statehood to present day. Then there are museums dedicated to famous people who have called Montgomery home: Hank Williams, F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald, and Martin Luther King Jr. Under renovation is Nat King Cole’s home.
Nearby Tuskegee boasts the impressive Tuskegee Airmen Museum, George Washington Carver Museum and Booker T. Washington’s home. Selma’s offerings include the Old Depot and the National Voting Rights Museum, which tell of the struggle for civil rights. Nearby is the Lowndes County Interpretive Center. It is located on the Selma-to-Montgomery National Scenic Byway, one of only three designations in the state.
Evidence of the Native American cultures that once dominated this region is found in the names of area rivers, including the Alabama, Coosa, Tallapoosa, Tombigbee, Chattahoochee, Conecuh and Choctawhatchee.
Fort Toulouse/Jackson, an early trading post near Wetumpka, is now a public park where recreated buildings and folklife activities demonstrate how Indians and soldiers co-existed during the 1700s. A turning point in the region’s development was the 1814 Battle of Horseshoe Bend near Dadeville. This event opened the territory to settlers and marked the last major battle of the Creek War.
The Alabama Black Belt Nature and Heritage Trail beckons visitors to explore antebellum history at places such as Gaineswood and Bluff Hall in Demopolis, Fendall Hall and Shorter Mansion in Eufaula, Octagon House in Clayton, and Old Alabama Town in Montgomery.
For a taste of agricultural history, visit Enterprise, home of the Boll Weevil Monument Landmark Park in Dothan, and Pike Pioneer Museum in Troy.
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Attractions
Family-oriented. Two 18-hole miniature golf courses (jungle, waterfall), figure-8 go-cart track, bumper boats, large arcade, video & novelty games, batting cages, snack bar, rocking chairs.
Admission: Fee for attractions only
Accepted: Personal Checks, Travelers Checks
Lions, tigers, sharks and other exotic animals displayed in natural habitats, plus touch-and-feel exhibits. Also view live animals such as white-tailed and sika deer, foxes, skunks and others.
Admission: Admission charged
State gallery; designated to showcase art and artists of Alabama. Approximately 7 exhibitions per year, including fellowship recipients, craftspeople and special theme exhibitions.
Admission: Free
Alabama marble building. Oldest state-funded archives in U.S. Research government, private historical records and family genealogy. Alabama Indian, 19th-century, military and Civil Rights exhibits. For children: Grandma's Attic in hands-on gallery.
Admission: Free
Home of Alabama Supreme Court, Courts of Criminal Appeals and Civil Appeals, State Law Library, Administrative Office of Courts. Learn about history of legal profession and judicial branch of government in Alabama.
Admission: Free
Changing exhibits of beautiful handmade quilts, hooked rugs and other Alabama-made arts and crafts, folk art, pottery, woodworking, baskets, Mama Nems pepper jelly. Designed to preserve heritage of Alabama's small towns.
Admission: Free
Accepted: Personal Checks, Travelers Checks
Leading attraction in Montgomery. 6th largest Shakespeare theater in the world, with more than 200,000 visitors annually. Variety of classical and contemporary theatrical productions year-round.
Admission: Admission charged
Accepted: Personal Checks, Travelers Checks
Jefferson Davis was sworn in as President of the Confederate States of America on Feb. 18, 1861. A star on the Capitol steps marks the inauguration.
Admission: Free
Honoring war veterans from Alabama. Memorial is shrine dedicated by American Legion to those who offered their lives to preserve our security and safety. Highlights: 27 Alabamians awarded Congressional Medal of Honor.
Admission: Free
Located in heart of Southern antique country, Antique City offers visitors selection of 7 unique shops dating back to 1800s, monthly antique auction, choice of 2 restaurants.
Admission: Free
Accepted: Travelers Checks
Championship course with bent grass greens. Voted one of best courses in Southeast. Golf Digest: 3 1/2 Stars award. Hooters/Jordan professional tour.
Number of holes: 18
Par: 72
Championship Yardage: 7100 yds.
Admission: Unknown
Accepted: Discover, MasterCard, Travelers Checks, Visa
Centered around beautiful Samford Park, buildings date from 1850s to early 1900s and reflect Revivalistic style. Historic buildings include University Chapel, Samford Hall, Hargis Hall and Langdon Hall. Located across from Uptown Auburn.
Admission: Free
Only post-secondary institution with primary mission of preparing aviation technicians. Tour facilities, observe as students work on variety of aircraft and aviation equipment.
Admission: Unknown
Accepted: Personal Checks
Dedicated to Army aviators, whose gallantry and devotion to duty ensure America’s freedom.
Admission: Free
Horizontally arched bridge spanning Tallapoosa River. One of world's longest curved bridges. 143 ft. above water, 1738 ft. long.
The bridge opened on December 10, 1940, connecting east and west Tallassee.
Admission: Free
Bronze statue sculpted by Robert G. Wehle. Life-size pointer atop 7-ft. granite base engraved with names of 11 men from Bullock Co. in Bird Dog Hall of Fame.
Admission: Free