In 1818, the Alabama Territorial Legislature designated the area where the Cahaba River met the Alabama River as the location for the first capital of the state. Cahawba (also spelled Cahaba) was the first capital of Alabama from 1820 to 1825, when the government moved to Tuscaloosa after severe flooding. The town survived as the Dallas County seat and as a place for commerce such as the shipping of cotton on the Alabama River. As the town grew, more houses and businesses were established. The economy was based on river traffic until the railroad built a line to the city in 1859. Unfortunately, the Confederate government tore up the tracks to use them on a higher priority railroad.
In 1865, another flood led to the move of the county seat to Selma, and the area began its decline. By the late 1800s to early 1900s, many of the brick houses were dismantled to get the brick for shipment to other places. At that time, used brick was much cheaper than new. By the time this monument was placed, few structures remained. The area is now maintained by the Alabama Historical Commission, which continues to purchase land to preserve the site as the Old Cahawba Archaeological Park.
To reach the park from I-65 in Montgomery, take Highway 80 west to Selma for 48 miles. From Selma take Highway 22 west for 9 miles, turn left onto County Road 9 and follow the signs to park.
The stone is located in a circle at the intersection of Capitol Avenue and Vine Street. The address below is for the Welcome Center a few blocks away at the intersection of Capitol Avenue and Cahaba Road.
More information on the history of the area can be found in the Encyclopedia of Alabama at (
visit link)
Information on the Old Cahawba Archaelogical Park can be found at: (
visit link)
The text reads:
Cahaba First State Capital
1818-1826
This stone marks the site of
Cahaba, selected November 21, 1818
as the first permanent capital
of Alabama, the seat of government
remaining here until removed to
Tuscaloosa by the legislature,
January 1825.
On December 12, 1819, it was fixed
as the seat of justice of Dallas
county, and so continued until
December 14, 1865.
As state capital and as county
seat, Cahaba was representative
of the best in the life of a great
commonwealth.
Erected by the Alabama
Centennial Commission and by the
citizens of Dallas County, and
dedicated November 11, 1919.