Old Cahawba
Alabama's first state capital - doomed by floods
State: Alabama
County: Dallas County
Founded: 1818
Abandoned: 1866
Old Cahawba was ALABAMA'S FIRST STATE CAPITAL (1820-1826)—but flooding doomed it. The capital moved to Tuscaloosa; Cahawba hung on until the Civil War. As a Confederate prison camp and hospital, it saw death. After the war, everyone left. Now an archaeological park with ruins and cemeteries.
Timeline
- 1818 - Founded Established as Alabama's capital.
- 1820-1826 - State Capital Alabama's first seat of government.
- 1826 - Capital Moved Flooding caused move to Tuscaloosa.
- 1861-1865 - Civil War Confederate prison camp. Prison cemetery.
- 1866 - Abandoned Post-war decline. Town abandoned.
Plan Your Visit
Best Time: Spring or fall
Difficulty: Easy
Time Needed: 2-3 hours
Tips
- Old Cahawba Archaeological Park
- Artesian well still flows
- Cemetery and ruins accessible
- Near Selma
Quick Facts
- Alabama's FIRST state capital
- Flooding at river confluence doomed it
- Confederate prison camp during Civil War
- Artesian well still flows from ruins
Location
Address: Old Cahawba Archaeological Park, Dallas County, Alabama
Coordinates: 32.3261, -87.1056