To discover the life in the South such as it was before this devastating conflict, it is necessary to visit the “Plantation Country” of Alabama, still strewn with majestic domains. Many are those which were destroyed during the war. Among the survivors, you can especially visit Sturdivant Hall, in Selma, an exemplary model of neo-classic architecture.

You can also visit Fort Morgan, in the Gulf Shores, where the State meets marine blue water from the Gulf of Mexico. One of the last Confederation forts to see.

Montgomery

Capital and third-largest city of the State, Montgomery is mostly visited for his monumental Greek Revival Capitol, as well as the Jefferson Davis Home, first meeting place of the Confederation. Montgomery was indeed the first capital of the Confederation States during the American Civil War. 

Birmingham

One of the most beautiful cities of the State, and the largest, Birmingham conceals many manors and vestiges of the old aristocratic South, such as the Arlington Ante Bellum Home and its gardens.

The research tasks, the exhibitions and the programs of “Birmingham Civil Rights Institute” have for theme the stormy history of the racial segregation. Located in the middle of the district of the Birmingham Civil Rights, this organization belongs to those, so many coming from Alabama, who honor the contributions and achievements of the African-Americans.

Huntsville

How did people live in 1819, the year where Alabama became member of the Union of the United States? You will discover it at the “Constitution Village”, in Huntsville, where the 19th century village was reconstructed at the very place where the State Constitution had been written.

Jumping back to the future, with “US Space and Rocket Center”, located in the proximity, where you can see and admire the lifesized space shuttle.

Mobile

The town of Mobile, on the Alabama river, seduced its visitors with the luxurious Bellingrath Gardens and Home, while Battleship “USS Alabama” invites the tourist to revive an important chapter of World War II.

It is in Mobile, now an important commercial port and industrial center, that the first white permanent establishment was established, in 1771, by the French.

Credits : Alabama Bureau of Tourism & Travel

Karim Shamsi-Basha

Dan Brothers - Amer Vil