This Is Alabama's Quirkiest Little Town

At first glance, the central Alabama town of Childersburg, home to just 4,600 residents, may seem like a fairly ordinary place. However, beneath its surface lie the Majestic Caverns, some of the country’s most historic caves, adorned with incredible onyx formations. The town’s history also stretches back centuries, with landmarks like grist mills, covered bridges, and 19th-century Victorian homes serving as reminders of its past. Whether you want to dive into Alabama’s fascinating history or venture into its jaw-dropping underground caverns, you will certainly discover a quirky side of the state in Childersburg.

Childersburg’s Roots

Childersburg proudly claims to be the oldest continuously occupied city in the United States. The Coosa Native American Nation were the first settlers on the land until Spanish explorer Hernando DeSoto, accompanied by 600 men, arrived in the area in 1540 in search of gold and riches. When they arrived in Coosa territory, the Coosa tribe greeted them with warmth and hospitality, where they remained for about a month before venturing on. In the centuries that followed, explorers, pioneers, and traders passed through what is now Childersburg. Ultimately, however, it is the abundance of Native American artifacts, traditions, and written records that support its status as the “oldest continuously occupied town in the United States.”

Majestic Caverns

Majestic Caverns, one of the country’s most historic caverns, is among the most fascinating attractions to explore in Childersburg. Situated in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, the caverns remain at a comfortable 60℉ year round. They also hold the largest accumulation of onyx in the United States, allowing travelers to appreciate intricate formations throughout the cave. The caverns offer cave tours every hour during business hours, which include a guided tour of the cave, its history, and a laser light show that illuminates the cavern walls.

The cave’s history is just as interesting as its science. During renovations in 1995, prehistoric bones were found in the cave that were sent off to the University of Alabama for testing. The university determined that they were Native American bones from the Woodland Native American period, more than 2,000 years ago. During the guided tour, travelers will hear about the significance of the cave for Native groups in the area along with how they used the space as shelter.

Kymulga Grist Mill And Covered Bridge

When it comes to history, the Kymulga Mill & Covered Bridge stands out as a unique landmark. These structures, both locally owned, date back to the American Civil War and were constructed in the 1860s. A German contractor began building the mill for a Confederate Army major in 1861, but the major died in the war before it was finished. His wife later requested its completion. The Kymulga Covered Bridge, built in 1861, features a combination of metal and wood and stretches across Talladega Creek.

In 1974, the mill and bridge were restored before being placed on the National Register of Historic Places two years later in 1976. They later became the property of the City of Childersburg in 2011 and are now managed by the Childersburg Historic Preservation Commission. Today, Kymulga Mill continues to operate, using electricity to grind grain with its massive millstones. The mill offers guided tours of the facility and also serves as a park office and gift shop. The covered bridge, meanwhile, serves as a gateway to several nature trails north of the creek.

Butler-Harris Rainwater House

If you love charming Victorian homes, you must visit the Butler-Harris Rainwater House. This home features Victorian, Eastlake-style architecture and dates back to 1894, making it one of the oldest of its kind in Childersburg. The city bought the home in 1993 and added it to the National Register of Historic Places in 1996. Today, it functions as a museum and is open to guests for guided tours upon request. In July, the house will host a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party featuring special Alice in Wonderland characters, along with tea, snacks, and activities for kids, including a hair salon, croquet, and photography stations.

Cafes And Restaurants

Childersburg’s local restaurants offer a taste of the town’s Southern hospitality and culture. After touring Majestic Caverns, make sure to stop by the caverns’ Cave Cafe, which serves an array of sweet treats, coffee, and lunch dishes. In fact, the cafe’s fudge has been named as one of the “100 Dishes to Eat in Alabama Before You Die!” The café also serves coffee beans from Non-Fiction Coffee Co., a Birmingham-based company that ethically sources its coffee and supports small farms and their communities.

Beyond Majestic Caverns, there are several restaurants in town that offer delicious southern-style dishes. Old Town Grille, which lies on the northern edge of town, is one of the most popular. Here, visitors can enjoy homestyle American dishes like burgers, pork chops, and ribeyes. For some classic southern barbecue, grab a bite at Hometown BBQ & Grill, a family barbecue restaurant that smokes its meat on hickory wood.

Final Thoughts

Childersburg perfectly symbolizes Alabama’s rich and unique history. With Native American roots stretching back centuries and European explorers arriving in the 16th century, the town has an abundance of historic landmarks. The caves, with a human history spanning two millennia, serve as a reminder of the town’s historical past. Meanwhile, local restaurants, offering everything from beloved fudge to barbecue and other Southern delicacies, reflect the region’s strong traditions. So why not venture off the beaten path this year and discover a unique side of Alabama in Childersburg?