Old Cahawba Archaeological Park: Alabama's Ghost Capital

Old Cahawba Archaeological Park, located at the confluence of the Alabama and Cahaba Rivers near Orrville, Alabama, invites visitors to step back in time and explore the remains of Alabama's first permanent state capital [3, 5, 13]. From 1820 to 1825, Cahawba served as the heart of Alabama's government, a bustling center of commerce and society [3, 12, 13]. However, its glory days were short-lived. Periodic flooding and an unhealthy atmosphere led to the capital's relocation to Tuscaloosa in 1826 [12, 13]. Despite losing its political status, Cahawba experienced a resurgence in the mid-19th century as a major cotton distribution point [3, 12]. The Civil War brought further changes, with the town serving as a Confederate prison [12, 13]. Following the war, Cahawba declined rapidly, and by the early 20th century, it was virtually a ghost town [3, 12, 14]. Today, the Old Cahawba Archaeological Park preserves the remnants of this fascinating past [3, 5]. Visitors can wander through the abandoned streets, discover moss-covered ruins, and read interpretive signs that tell the stories of the people who once lived here [3]. The park features a visitor center with exhibits showcasing archaeological finds and photographs of Cahawba's past [2, 3]. Explore the Clear Creek Nature Trail, a half-mile path with a canoe launch and views of the Cahaba River [3]. Birdwatchers will find a variety of species to observe, and wildflower enthusiasts will appreciate the rare blooms of the Black Belt prairie [3, 4, 6]. Old Cahawba offers a unique opportunity to connect with Alabama's history and experience the beauty of nature reclaiming a forgotten town [3, 5]. The park is open daily, with the visitor center open Thursday through Monday [2, 5].