Selma to Old Cahawba and back

**POSTPONED DUE TO WEATHER** MID-MARCH DATE TO BE ANNOUNCED ** EMAIL GLENN DEAN AT THE ADDRESS BELOW **Alabama Scenic River Trail announces Old Cahawba Pilgrimage and Valentine’s Riverboat Cruise

Relive an epic 1920s Cahawba Riverboat Pilgrimage on a Valentine’s weekend cruise

Alabama’s original capital city was Cahawba, situated where the Cahaba River joins the Alabama River below Selma. This true antebellum capital was abandoned after the civil war, but the displaced residents never forgot their homes and community as long as they lived. In the 1920s, they returned to their romantic past in a series of annual pilgrimages by riverboat to the old town.

This Valentine’s Day weekend, the Alabama Scenic River Trail’s guests will recreate the magic of a century ago when they spend Friday night at Selma’s St. James Hotel, the only surviving authentic accommodations from riverboat days. On Saturday Morning they will embark aboard the enclosed and heated riverboat Phoenix for the run down to Old Cahawba Archaeological Park. Breakfast will be served on board.



The river trip will feature music and guests speakers who will inform and entertain with knowledge of the river and its natural and historic features, including a presentation on the history, natural history, and archaeology of the old capital. Special guest John Hall, author of the high-impact recent book Headwaters: A Journey on Alabama Rivers, will make a special presentation on board the Phoenix as it travels from Selma to Old Cahaba. Linda Derry, the Park's director, will also provide a historical narrative to reshape the lost town. Upon arrival at Old Cahawba, travelers will board a wagon and embark upon a hayride tour given by the Park’s director. The tour will feature a brief visit to a nearby preserve of unspoiled Alabama Prairie and an accompanying introduction to its unique biological features.




Above: Guests board a riverboat for one of the original Cahawba Pilgrimages

After returning to the Phoenix, Selma entertainers Nancy Ziccardi and Friends will sing for us while we enjoy a light dinner during the cruise back to Selma.

Though this event is couples-oriented because of the Valentine's theme, you don't need to be a pair to have a good time on this non-paddling fun cruise. Whether it’s the river, the history, the stately homes or the naturalist in you, there’s something in this cruise to please everyone.



Above: Program from the 1928 Cahawba Pilgrimage. Click the image to download a full-size version which features a town map of Cahawba.

The event is $295.00 per couple, which includes accommodations at the St. James Hotel, passage aboard the Phoenix, breakfast in the morning, hors d 'oeuvres in the afternoon and a tour of Old Cahawba. Reservations are required.

Visit this site for emerging details, or email your contact information to Glenn Dean to be put on our email list.