Alabama State Capitol Building

One of the only state capitols designated a National Historic Landmark, the Alabama State Capitol in Montgomery is where Jefferson Davis took the oath of office as President of the Confederate States of America. It was also the scene of the Montgomery civil rights march which ended with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. delivering a moving speech from the top of its steps.

The historic Senate and House of Representatives Chambers, the old Supreme Court Chambers and the original governor's office have all been restored to their Confederate-era appearance. Guided tours are available Mon. - Sat. Free Admission.

The above picture of the Capitol Building was taken in early December as the State Christmas Tree was being decorated - a 30-foot red cedar harvested in Choctaw County.Below is an interior shot I took on the same visit, looking up at the Rotunda.


In 1926 the newly formed Alabama Arts Commission retained Roderick MacKenzie, a Scottish-born artist living in Mobile, Alabama, to design a series of murals to be installed beneath the Capitol Dome. The work was completed in July of 1930. Today the murals are as interesting for reflecting the way in which Alabama history was depicted in the early 20th century as for their intrinsic artistic merit. The themes of the eight murals are as follows:

1. Hostile Meeting of Desoto, Spanish Explorer and Tuscaloosa Indian Chieftian - 1540.
2. French Establishing First White Colony in Alabama Under Iberville and Bienville, Mobile, 1702-1711.
3. Surrender of William Weatherford, Hostile Creek Leader, to General Andrew Jackson - 1814.
4. Pioneer Home-seekers Led into the Alabama Wilderness by Sam Dale - 1816.
5. Governor William Wyatt Bibb and Committee Drafting the First State Constitution at Huntsville, 1819.
6. Wealth and Leisure Produce the Golden Period of Antebellum Life in Alabama, 1840-1860.
7. Secession and the Confederacy, Inauguration of President Jefferson Davis, 1861.
8. Prosperity Follows the Development of Resources Agriculture, Commerce and Industry, 1874-1930.

Historic Court Square and Fountain - Montgomery's Old Slave Market

This landmark in Montgomery, Alabama, was erected by the City Council in 1885 over one of the oldest city wells, known as "Big Basin." The fountain, made in Paris, France, is topped by a statue of Hebe, Goddess of Youth and Cupbearer to the Gods. Visitors have an excellent view of the Alabama State Capitol at the opposite end of Dexter Avenue, the heart of downtown Montgomery.

This square served as the local Slave Market through the mid-19th century. It is reminiscent of old slave markets in other American cities such as Charleston, Boston, Providence and New York City.

At these markes, slaves of all ages were auctioned, along with land and livestock, standing in line to be inspected. Public posters advertised sales and included gender, approximate age, first name (slaves didn't always have last names), skill, price, complexion and owner's name.

Virtually all people today agree that slavery was an unconscionable evil. Yet many are unaware that it was more than just a white-owner versus black-slave institution. A large number of free Negros owned slaves, in fact, in numbers disproportionate to their representation in society at large. For example, in New Orleans alone over 3,000 free Negros, 28% of the total in that city, owned slaves. Altogether, only 4.8 percent of southerners were slave owners, including both black and white.

The issue was complicated farther by the fact that it was not uncommon for slaves to have straight sandy hair, blue eyes and fair complexions. Some were of as little as 1/64th African decent - or 98.4% white.

You can learn much more at my website: http://www.confederatedigest.com/

Historic Dexter Alabama, Montgomery, Alabama

The six block stretch of Dexter Avenue, leading from the State Capitol building, down toward the Alabama River, and ending at Court Square, is the heart of downtown Montgomery. Any visitor to the city would do well to walk these blocks. Numerous historical markers along the way point out significant buildings and the sites of important historical events.

Since the 1840s, historic processions passing along Dexter Avenue to the Capitol included:

Jefferson Davis Inagural, 2-18-1861

Gen. J. H. Wilson's Union Calvary Corps, 4-12-1865

167th Infantry Regt. Rainbow Division, 5-12-1919

Selma-Montgomery Civil Rights March, 3-25-1965

Stephen Takes a Stroll, 12-02-2004

The top photo in this post is looking down Dexter Avenue from the steps of the Alabama State Capitol. The bottom photo is looking up Dexter Avenue toward the Capitol.

Alabama Judicial Building

This magnificent old building on Dexter Avenue, Montgomery, Alabama, is home of the Alabama Supreme Court, Courts of Criminal and Civil Appeals, the State Law Library and the Administrive Office of Courts. Visitors are invited to come and learn about history of the legal profession and judicial branch of government through exhibits which are on display.

In recent months this building drew national attention when the Alabama Supreme Court banned the display of the Ten Commandments here. Those same Ten Commandments are currently on tour around the country.

Hank Williams Statue

This life size statue of Hank Williams, one of Montgomery, Alabama's favorite sons, is in Lister Hill Plaza. It is across the street from Montgomery City Auditorium, the site of many of the legendary country singer's performances. Following his tragic and untimely death on New Year's Day, 1953, Hank's funeral was also held at the City Autitorium.

Hank Williams Museum, Montgomery, Alabama

This popular attraction, in an old downtown storefront, pays tribute to one of the most revered and loved country music writers and performers of all time. Hank Williams lived much of his adult life here in Montgomery, Alabama.

Many of his personal belongings are on display in this museum including the baby blue 1952 Cadillac in which Hank took his last ride. You can hear his music, watch the videos and learn about the man behind the legend.

Five minutes from the museum, in the Oakwood Cemetery, is the Hank Williams Memorial - the final resting place for Hank and his wife, Audrey.

Alabama Department of Archives and History

It's a treat just to see this tremendous historic building, directly across the street and to the south of the Alabama State Capitol building in Montgomery. It is the oldest state-funded archives in the United States, constructed in 1940. Inside you will find an extensive collection of portraits, memorbilia, documents and artifacts. There are museum galleries and genealogical research facilities, exhibits on early Alabama Indians, military and 19th century galleries to explore. Children will enjoy hands-on play and learning in "Grandma's Attic."

Open Daily except Sundays and major holidays. Free admission.

Montgomery Civil Rights Memorial

The Civil Rights Memorial, sponsored by the Southern Poverty Law Center in Montgomery, Alabama, is both sobering and inspiring. Water flows over a table which bears the names of those who died during the modern (1950s-1960s) civil rights movement, black and white alike. The wall behind the table is inscribed with an excerpt from the Old Testament Book of Amos, quoted in the historical speech by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. "... Until justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream."

This touching tribute is a solemn reminder of the price we all pay for equality. It was designed by Maya Lin, who also is responsible for the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington, D.C.

There is no admission charge.

Montgomery's Historic Union Station

Th historic Union Station in Montgomery, Alabama is the best spot from which to begin any tour of Montgomery, especially for first time visitors. The splendidly preserved train station is the centerpiece of the city's riverfront, and home to the Montgomery Area Visitor Center.

Completed in 1898, the three-story building and magnificent train shed reflect the way travel was conducted in the 19th and early 20th centuries. They offer a wide variety of services for visitors from informational videos of the region, museum-type exhibits, a gift shop and a professional staff that demonstrate what southern hospitality is all about.

Open daily; free admission.

Trolleys in the Alabama State Capital

When I was in Montgomery, Alabama, the Lightning Route Trolleys offered shuttle service along two fixed routes in the Downtown area. These trolleys are replicas of the nation's first electric streetcar system that began in Montgomery in 1886. All-day passes could be purchased at the Montgomery Visitor Center in Union Station for only $1.00, or one way fares may be purchased from the driver for only 25 cents.

On the trolly which I rode the driver was very knowledgeable and obviously proud of his city. He gave us an excellent historic commentary along the entire route. This is the perfect way to tour downtown Montgomery, beginning at the Visitor Center, without the hassle of parking.

In 1886, America's very first electric street car system was inaugurated here on the streets of Montgomery. The authentic old electric streetcar, pictured below, can be seen behind the Union Depot in the train shed. Visitors can climb on board and view the rich wooden interior with long benches down each side. The conductor could operate the streetcar from either end, making it possible to change directions without turning the street car around.

Flames Grille, Montgomery, Alabama

I was on a walking tour of downtown Montgomery, Alabama at lunch time and noticed that this place was packed with what appeared to be local folks. I went in and joined them.

Although the restaurant was busy, the service was fast and friendly. The menu for Flames Grille Cafe calls it "The Original Taste of the Past," and they do a good job of living up to that motto. I asked my server what was their #1lunch order and she said the "Flames Original Hamburger," so I had one along with the Gourmet Cheese and Bacon Fries. Yummy! It was a good choice.

Camellias in Alabama

I found these beautiful pink camellias blooming in front of the Alabama State Capitol Building in Montgomery, Alabama in December.

The Camellia was named the official state flower of Alabama om 1959, and since 1999, it has been more specfically designated to be the variety Camellia japonica L, of the more than 240 subspecies that are known. The camellia replaced the goldenrod which served as Alabama's State Flower from 1927 - 1959.

A woody evergreen shrub and a member of the tea family, the camellia blooms from fall to early spring, and throughout the winter during periods of mild weather. The blossoms come in various shades and patterns of red, pink and white.

The camellia originated in the orient, but has found a perfect home in the climate of the deep southern United States.

Kalico Kitchen, Marion, Alabama

One of the things I enjoy most about traveling the back roads of the United States is the discovery of local eateries such as the Kalico Kitchen in Marion, Alabama. Almost every small town has one - a place where businessmen in suits and ties, laborers in dirty overalls, the Lions Club and the Ladies Garden Club all come out for lunch. In fact, don't show up for dinner, because they close at 2:00 p.m. However, for breakfast and lunch the Kalico Kitchen can't be beat. I decided to stop when I saw the parking lot plum full of cadillacs, jalopies, and pick-up trucks.

The Kalico Kitchen is open 6 a.m. - 2 p.m. Tuesday - Sunday (Closed Monday). Judy Deason is the manager.

When I was there, for only $4.95 you could have the lunch buffet, which included pan fried chicken done right, plus a beef/potato casserole, collard greens, sweet potatoes, blackeyed peas, salad fixin's, cornbread, chocolate pudding and more. Don't forget the freshly brewed sweet iced tea for only $1.00, with all the free refills you can drink.

A Historical Sign that Changed my Life

This simple interpretative sign at Tannehill Historical State Park was a catalyst that made a deep and lasting impact on my life. When I first read it in December, 2004, I would never have imagined the quest for knowledge on which it would lead me.

I had read countless other such signs during my travels, but for some unknown reason this one particular one on that particular day resonated deeply with me - especially the simple description of actions taken by Union troops from Iowa who were here during the latter days of the War Between the States:

"... they torched all the adjacent factory buildings, slave cabins, a large gristmill and tannery and a storehouse for food and supplies. In the fire Tannehill’s workforce of over 500 slaves and white mechanics were scattered and displaced."

Whoa, I thought! The Yankees burned the slave cabins along with those of the white workers? Hundreds of people were left with no shelter, no food, and nowhere to go?

Although I grew up in the South, all my life I had been told that the Union troops marched south to free the slaves. If that were so, then why did the Northerners burn the slaves out, leaving them destitute, homeless and hungry. Elsewhere on the grounds of the Tannehill Historical State Park I saw a large patch of woods, marked as the site of scores of slave cabins which the Yankees had ransacked, plundered and then destroyed - cabins that would have been equal to those my own Irish and Cherokee ancestors lived in during the same era in Alabama and Georgia.

I began to make the connection to other discoveries I had made during my travels, such as a monument to black Confederate soldiers in Mississippi and an antebellum plantation in Louisiana owned by a black family who were slaveholders. I had dismissed these things as flukes, but now I saw there was a patteren which contradicted most of what I had always assumed I knew about the War Between the States.

It occurred to me that somebody was lying about what really happened during the so called Civil War, and I determined to find out the truth.

Since that fateful day I have spent thousands of hours studying about the Confederacy, the causes of secession, and the War Between the States. As I have read scores of books, I have continued to visit hundreds of historical sites, now looking for clues to the real story, unvarnished by political correctness. To say that the things I have learned have been an eyeopener is an understatement.

Okay, I don't have room to get up on my soapbox and tell it all here in this description. Much more time and space would be required to do that. Some of the things I am learning can be found on descriptions of other travel photos I have put up here on Flicker. I am now also now recording many of my discoveries on a blog. I hope you'll check it out: http://ConfederateDigest.com.

John Wesley Hall Grist Mill and Cotton Gin

The John Wesley Hall Grist Mill and Cotton Gin operated at this site from 1867 to 1931. It was the successor to one of Alabama's earliest grist mills located a mile west on Mill Creek.

The original mill was burned by Union Troops during the War Between the States. This was done in accordance with Abraham Lincoln's unconscionable policy of waging total warfare against civilians, both black and white, slave and free. Food supplies and sources were particular targets of the invading Yankees. Not only was this mill burned, but also the homes, businesses and and even slave cabins in the area - leaving the survivors to fend for themselves, or as Lincoln crudely put it, "Root, hog or die." Being left with little but the clothes on their backs - and not always even that - countless innocent Southern civilians died.

During the bitter and difficult years following the War for Southern Independence, Hall moved to this location to begin a new life.

The mill was rebuilt in 1976-1777, to be preserved as a part of the Tannehill Historical State Park in Alabama. Halls Mill is an accurate copy of the old structure which did business here for 64 years.

Natchez Trace Parkway

The Natchez Trace Parkway is a delightful 444-mile long National Park which stretches from Natchez, Mississippi to Nashville, Tennessee.

Karen and I took three days to drive the entire length of the Parkway, although we could have easily driven the entire distance in a day. Actually three days was not enough to stop at all the many historic and natural sights along the way. The Parkway is a very well landscaped two-lane highway which is off limits to commercial vehicles. There is not a single billboard along the way, and only one business - a small country store with a gas pump in front, operated as a park concession. The top speed limit is 50 miles per hour.

Along the way there are numerous picnic areas, three campgrounds, hiking trails, and dozens of interpretative exhibits which provide a satisfying smorgasboard for anyone who has the slightest interest in nature and/or history.

The original Natchez Trace had its beginnings in pre-historic times as an animal trail and Indian path. It was later used by early pioneers as a highway. In the early 1800s, thousands of "Kaintucks" from the Ohio River Valley floated their crops down river to markets in New Orleans, sold their wares and their boats for lumber, and walked or rode horses back home along the Trace. Then it was a very difficult and dangerous journey. Today the Natchez Trace Parkway provides a not-to-be-missed excursion through the beauty of nature and the fascination of a bygone era.

Alabama State Capitol, Montgomery, Alabama

One of the only state capitols designated a National Historic Landmark, the Alabama State Capitol is where Jefferson Davis took the oath of office as President of the Confederate States of America and where the civil rights March ended with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. delivering a moving speech from the top of its steps.

The historic Senate and House of Representatives Chambers, the old Supreme Court Chambers and the original governor's office have all been restored to their Civil War-era appearance. Guided tours are available Mon. - Sat. Free Admission.

This picture of the Capitol Building was taken in early December as the State Christmas Tree was being decorated - a 30-foot red cedar harvested in Choctaw County.

Winter Building, Montgomery, Alabama

The Winter Building on Court Square, Montgomery, Alabama, was built in 1841 to house a branch of the Bank of Saint Mary's. It was here, from a second story office, that the telegram was sent which began the War Between the States. It read:

April 11,1861

General Beaurgard,

Charleston

Do not desire needlessly to bombard Fort Sumpter. If Major Anderson will state the time at which, as indicated by him, he will evacuate, and agree that in the meantime he will not use his guns against us unless ours should be employed against Fort Sumpter, you are thus authorised to avoid the effusion of blood. If this or its equivalent be refused, reduce the fort as your judgement decides to be most practicable.

L. P. Walker

Sec. of War, CSA

The aggressive Union forces, which illegally occupied the Confederate Fort in Charleston Harbor, refused their final opportunity to leave peacefully. The next day, April 12, 1861, the first shot of the War Between the States was fired against them and the bloodiest chapter in American history began.

Today the Winter Building houses an attorney's office. It is on the National Register of Historic Places; a marker in front of the building tells the story.

Check out my Confederate blog: http://confederatedigest.com/

Alabama Band Headquarters, Fort Payne, Alabama

Without doubt one of the best known exports from the state of Alabama is the music of the country group Alabama. In their 25 years as a performing musical group Alabama has sold more than 65 million albums, had 42 #1 hit singles, and has been recepient of over 150 awards, including two Grammies.

Here in the group's home town of Fort Payne, you may visit the Alabama Band Headquarters, home of the Alabama Fan Club, Gift Shop and Museum.

The Alabama Band Museum displays favorite personal mementos of the band members, gifts from fans, and several of their prestigious awards. A video provides a sample of the band performing in addition to personal information.

Admission to the gift shop and fan club headquarters is free; the museum costs $3.00.

Blandon Springs State Park, Alabama

For those seeking peace and quite, the secluded Blandon Springs State Park in Southwestern Alabama's Choctaw County may be just your cup of tea. When I was there I didn't see another living soul. The 357 acre Park centers around four mineral springs which are shaded by towering trees draped with Spanish moss.

Park facilities include about ten campsites with water and electrical hook-ups, picnic shelters, tables, grills, restrooms and a children's playground.