Alabama is well known for its great history, and some of the state’s most historic cities are still flourishing today. One city in particular is Selma, which is one of Alabama’s oldest surviving cities. Read on to learn what makes this historic city a must visit.

Please note, the Old Depot Museum is temporarily closed.

Selma, which is nicknamed the "Queen City of the Black Belt" and "The Butterfly Capital," is the county seat of Dallas County, Alabama.
wikimedia commons/library of congress/carol m. highsmith
It was incorporated in 1820, which makes it one of Alabama's oldest cities.
Located on the banks of the beautiful Alabama River, Selma has a population of nearly 21,000 people.
wikimedia commons/Civilengtiger
The Alabama River begins north of Montgomery and flows through the heart of Alabama.
Selma is best known for the "Battle of Selma" and the "Selma to Montgomery Marches."
flickr/Tony Webster
Pictured is the historic Edmund Pettus Bridge. It was here that voting rights marchers were confronted and assaulted by law enforcement. This event occurred on March 7, 1965 and became known as "Bloody Sunday."
One of Selma's most popular attractions is the Old Depot Museum.
flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM
The Old Depot Museum features artifacts and memorabilia that tell the history of Selma and Dallas County. This museum is located at the old L&N Railroad Depot at 4 Martin Luther King Street.

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Selma is home to the historic St. James Hotel, one of Alabama's most haunted places.
flickr/damian entwistle
Built in 1837, the St. James Hotel is one of Alabama's oldest operational facilities. It's located at 1200 Water Avenue, and information regarding its hauntings can be found here.
While in Selma, be sure to stroll the grounds of Live Oak Cemetery.
flickr/Dystopos
Live Oak Cemetery is the resting place of William Rufus King - the only Alabamian to ever serve as the vice president of the United States. The rows of live oak trees that have been draped in Spanish moss make it one of Alabama's most beautiful cemeteries. Live Oak Cemetery is located at 110 W Dallas Avenue.
Selma has the largest historic district in Alabama, which consists of many historical homes that give us a glimpse of the city's past.
flickr/Rick from Alabama
Pictured is Sturdivant Hall. This historic home is located at 713 Mabry Street and is now operated as a museum.
Old Cahawba Archaeological Park is another great place to check out while visiting Selma.
facebook/Old Cahawba
Old Cahawba is the site of Alabama's first capital, and it's also the state's most famous ghost town. Old Cahawba Archaeological Park receives tens of thousands of visitors annually, and it's located at 9518 Cahaba Road.
No trip to Selma is complete without stopping by Lannie's Bar-B-Q Spot for a bite to eat.
yelp/Vic M.
This neighborhood restaurant is known for serving the best barbecue in town. Not in the mood for barbecue? No worries! This local favorite offers a little bit of everything, including fried catfish, burgers, hot wings and so much more. Lannie's Bar-B-Q Spot is located at 2115 Minter Avenue.

Have you ever visited the historic city of Selma? If so, what did you think about it? For another article that highlights Alabama’s oldest city, and quite possibly the oldest continuously occupied city in America, click here.

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