8 Must-See Historic Towns in Alabama

The state of Alabama is undeniably rich in its history. Countless significant historical events have occurred in the Yellowhammer State since its beginnings, and any trip down south would not be complete without visiting one of these beautiful and culturally notable towns. Whether you choose to visit FAME recording studios in Muscle Shoals, see the birthplace of Helen Keller in Tuscumbia, or take a moment to reflect at the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, there is no shortage of exciting, educational, and memorable activities or attractions to enjoy in Alabama.

Selma

Selma is an attractive town, perhaps best known for its historical voting rights movement, as well as being the starting location of the iconic Selma to Montgomery marches. In 1965, on what is now known as “Bloody Sunday," hundreds of people came together to ensure that African Americans were able to exercise their constitutional voting rights. The town is also home to the Edmund Pettus Bridge, where the brutally tragic events of “Bloody Sunday” so famously occurred. This bridge is an immensely significant piece of the country’s civil rights history and an important cultural landmark to pay a visit to. Other historic attractions to be found in Selma include the beautiful Old Live Oak Cemetery, as well as the Brown Chapel AME Church - the latter, in fact, being the exact gathering location for the start of the inaugural Selma-Montgomery civil rights march. 

Muscle Shoals

A small town with a significant musical impact and history, Muscle Shoals is home to FAME Studios where icons such as Aretha Franklin, the Rolling Stones and Cher have all recorded music. This corner of Alabama has played a significant role in shaping music from the 1960s until the present day, and visitors are able to take in this unique historical triumph and contribution by taking a tour through these legendary studios. Additionally, in the early 1900s, what is now known as Muscle Shoals was originally farmland with various farmhouses located among the cotton fields. During the First World War, Muscle Shoals was also home to the Wilson Dam - a building and construction site home to two major nitrate plants that would provide necessary ammunition and explosives. The culturally significant town is rich with diverse historical discoveries and is more than worth a weekend stop. 

Mooresville

Mooresville is an exceptionally quaint town, whose entirety is able to be found on the National Register of Historic Places. It is known to be the home of Alabama’s oldest post office which is still actively used today, as well as the Stagecoach Tavern - the oldest frame public building in the state. The Tavern was originally constructed in the 1820’s, and now alongside its rich historic past, it is used today as both the official Town Hall as well as a museum. Visitors should also not miss the Greek Revival era Brick Church here in Mooresville. Its distinctive construction, unique design, as well as the various purposes it has served throughout its history, make it an especially memorable location to pay a visit to. 

Tuscumbia

Tuscumbia may be known best as the birthplace of Helen Keller, a woman who went down in history as one of the 20th century’s leading advocates for disabled individuals. Visitors to Tuscumbia can see Ivy Green, the charming home where our hero Keller was born. Another attractive and significant Tuscumbian site is the Belle Mont Mansion, a plantation home known for its architectural significance. An additional unique and notably historic site includes the Key Underwood Coon Dog Memorial Graveyard - the only cemetery of its kind to exist in the world. This site is exclusive to the burials of Coon Dogs, and after being established in 1937, when one beloved and faithful Coon Dog passed and was buried by its owner, several other Coon Dog lovers and mourners followed suit. Today, there are over 185 Coon Dogs buried here from all across the country. Lastly, Tuscumbia was also a central location for industry and progression. The town was home to the first railroad to be found west of the Allegheny Mountains, and by the 1850s, Tuscumbia was a significant hub for southern rail traffic. 

Eufaula

A gorgeous town known for its incredibly eye-catching historic homes and buildings, Eufaula is home to over 700 structures that are listed on the National Historic Register. Visitors should not miss the striking Shorter Mansion, Fendall Hall, or the Civil War-era Shorter Cemetery that looks over onto Lake Eufaula. The town also hosts the famed Spring Pilgrimage, known to be one of the South’s most significant events. The Pilgrimage entails a classic tour of Eufaula homes, as well as antique shows, afternoon teas or fine lunches, and photo exhibitions. All in all, it is a classic, festive event that anyone would be fortunate to experience. 

Opelika

From its humble railroad town origins, Opelika has evolved into a vibrant and energetic town rich with unique historical locations to enjoy. The J.W. Darden house, found on the National Register of Historic Places, is where Dr. J.W. Darden was the first African American physician to treat patients within a thirty-mile radius of the town. The structure also represented a significant social and political center for the African American community of Opelika. Visitors can also enjoy a stop by Municipal Park, home to the vintage children’s train, the "Rocky Brook Rocket". Opelika proudly has one of the oldest municipal recreation departments, and this beloved park is a testament to that. Lastly, don’t miss the Pepperell Mill or South Railroad Avenue - an essential location to visit and experience in the heart of Opelika’s downtown area.  

Greenville 

Alabama has Greenville to thank for its state flower, the Camellia. The plant blooms in abundance in this attractive and cheerful small town, where there is no lack of exciting historical sites to take in and enjoy. The Montgomery and West Point Railroad was notably constructed through the town, but its efficiency was unfortunately disrupted during the Civil War. Today, it is a beautifully restored train depot that acts as the home of the Greenville Area Chamber of Commerce. Several of the town’s structures are also located within the National Register of Historic Places district, including the striking copper-domed courthouse, the legendary art deco movie palace, the "Ritz Theatre," the colonial revival era City Hall, as well as several charming historical churches located throughout Greenville’s downtown area. 

Monroeville

Monroeville stands out in the category of historic towns, as it is the childhood home to two of the country’s greatest literary minds - Harper Lee and Truman Capote. The authors of “To Kill a Mockingbird” and “In Cold Blood” were childhood friends here. Visitors to Monroeville can visit the iconic Old Monroe County Courthouse and Museum, which inspired the courtroom in “To Kill a Mockingbird.” It is also possible to visit Lee’s burial site here in Monroeville or the “Mural of a Mob Scene” from her acclaimed novel. There is also the Truman Capote Historical Marker, the Monroeville Alabama Historical Marker, and the Monroe County Historical Marker located on the Courthouse Square. All of these significant markers attract several visitors throughout the year. 

Discover Alabama's Historic Heart

From movie palaces to globally significant historic sites, the range and diversity of what these eight historic Alabamian towns have to offer is profound. Make your next southern adventure a poignant one as you discover so much more about this historical state and the events that have shaped it into the welcoming, attractive, beautiful, and culturally rich place we know as today.