Alabama Civil War Trail
The Alabama Tourism department has a cool brochure download called Alabama Civil War Trail.
In the download you'll find 47 historically significant stops across the state with a direct tie to Civil War history. It would be sweet to hit all of them but that would impossible in one week - for most.
Most of the stops are cheap or free. Go here to start the download.
Here is a snippet of the first page of stops: The Department of Archives and History houses one of the finest Civil War artifact collections in the nation. Included are flags, uniforms, weapons and equipment used by Alabama’s soldiers and sailors as well as items used on the home front. The new Museum of Alabama, now under development, will feature additional items from the collections. Those wishing to research Civil War history will have access to thousands of documents, photographs and books.
Arlington Antebellum Home & Gardens Union Gen. James H. Wilson’s mounted invasion force came through Elyton in March 1865. The mansion is said to have served as headquarters when the decision was made to send part of Wilson’s force to Tuscaloosa while the main body proceeded to Selma. The mansion, an outstanding example of Greek Revival architecture, dates from the 1840s and is furnished with 19th-century decorative art. After the war, Arlington’s owner helped establish the new city of Birmingham. 331 Cotton Ave., Birmingham
205-780-5656, www.informationbirmingham.com
Athens changed hands a number of times during the war. One example occurred in May 1862 when Union troops under Col. J.B. Turchin burned and looted the town. Another was when the Confederate cavalry under Gen. Nathan Bedford Forrest captured the town in September 1864. Athens-Limestone Chamber of Commerce 101 S. Beaty St., Athens 256-232-2600,www.tourathens.com
Bessemer Hall of History Museum The museum includes a Civil War collection relating to the 28th Alabama Regiment. 1905 Alabama Ave., Bessemer 205-426-1633,www.bessemerchamber.com
Blue & Gray Museum of North Alabama Civil War military equipment on display includes guns, swords, rifles, bayonets and uniforms. 723 Bank St. N.W., Decatur, 256-350-4018 Montgomery was chosen as provisional capital of the Confederate States of America. In April 1861, the order to commence hostilities originated in Alabama. In 1865, some of the last battles fought in the war occurred on Alabama soil. From beginning to end, explore this fascinating period in American history on Alabama’s Civil War Trail.
