If Bugs Could Talk Walking Tour
Old Cahawba Hosts “If Bugs Could Talk” Walking Tour
(Montgomery, AL) On Saturday, November 2 from 10:00am – 11:00 am, Old Cahawba, a historic property of the Alabama Historical Commission will host a new walking tour - "If Bugs Could Talk.”
Cahawba's most famous artesian well - the Perine Well - was "a curiosity" and "worth a long ride to have a view of it" according to the Dallas Gazette. Find out what made this well so special and join us for this hands-on activity as we roll up our sleeves and immerse our hands into the warm waters of this world famous artesian well. Not only will we delve into the importance of artesian wells at Cahawba, but we will also conduct an investigation into the macroinvertebrates that live in the Perine Well and discover what they can tell us about water quality.
"This will be a fun and informative hands-on activity for science lovers and history buffs alike,” said Carmen Yelle, staff member at Old Cahawba Archaeological Park. “You will discover how macroinvertebrates can be indicators of water quality while learning about the history of artesian wells at Cahawba."
The first permanent state capitol of Alabama, Cahawba was known as "the city of artesian wells." In the early history of Alabama, water was readily available throughout most of the state, either from natural springs or a cistern well, with the exception of the Blackbelt. However, by 1830, the settlers realized that water could be obtained from deep-bored artesian wells. By the 1850's, Cahawba had more than 20 artesian wells, which allowed the area to develop into the wealthiest part of the state.
Participants will meet at the visitor’s center, rain or shine. Tickets are $8 each and available at the Old Cahawba Visitors Center.
Old Cahawba lies at the confluence of the Alabama and Cahaba Rivers, and from 1819 to 1826 it served as Alabama’s first capital. From downtown Selma, take Highway 22 (Dallas Avenue) west 8.6 miles. Cross over the Cahaba River and turn left onto County Road 9 and follow this 3.3 miles until it dead ends. Turn left onto County Road 2 and follow this 1.5 miles until you see the Visitor Center on the right. Visitor Center Address: 9518 Cahaba Road, Orrville, AL 36767.
Old Cahawba is a historic property of the Alabama Historical Commission. To learn more about Old Cahawba, or the Alabama Historical Commission, please visit www.ahc.alabama.gov.
About Old Cahawba
Old Cahawba lies at the confluence of the Alabama and Cahaba Rivers, and from 1819 to 1826 it served as Alabama’s first capital. Today, the Alabama Historical Commission owns and operates this significant archaeological site.
About the Alabama Historical Commission
Located in historic downtown Montgomery at 468 S. Perry Street, the Alabama Historical Commission is the state historic preservation agency for Alabama. The agency was created by an act of the state legislature in 1966 with a mission to protect, preserve and interpret Alabama’s historic places. AHC works to accomplish its mission through two fields of endeavor: Preservation and promotion of state-owned historic sites as public attractions; and, statewide programs to assist people, groups, towns, and cities with local preservation activities. For a complete list of programs and properties owned and operated by the AHC, hours of operation, and admission fees please visit ahc.alabama.gov
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