National Register Listing

Old Town Historic District Boundary Increase and Additional Documentation

Jefferson Davis Ave.; area roughly bounded by Broad, Dallal, US 80 and Franlin; Selma Ave.; and Franklin St., Selma, AL
Local significance of the district:
Industry; Architecture; Commerce; Politics/government; Education; Black; Transportation

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2003.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

industry architecture commerce politics government education ethnic heritage black transportation
Audiobooks about the history of Alabama.
The first European settlement in Alabama was established in 1702 by the French at Fort Louis de la Mobile, which is now the city of Mobile. It was named after Louis XIV of France and was the capital of French Louisiana until 1711.
Alabama random facts
Dallas County, located in the state of Alabama, has a rich and complex history that spans several centuries. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Creek and Cherokee nations. The county gets its name from Alexander J. Dallas, who served as the United States Secretary of the treasury during the early 19th century.

In the early 19th century, Dallas County played a significant role in the growth of the cotton industry. The fertile soil and favorable climate made it an ideal location for agriculture, and cotton plantations flourished. The economy was reliant on enslaved labor, and the county had one of the highest concentrations of slaves in the state. This dependency on slavery also made Dallas County a significant battleground during the Civil War.

In the mid-20th century, Dallas County became a key site in the Civil Rights Movement. The city of Selma, located in Dallas County, was the site of several pivotal events, including the Selma to Montgomery marches. These protests, led by activists such as Martin Luther King Jr., aimed to secure voting rights for African Americans and were instrumental in the passing of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Currently, Dallas County is home to a diverse population and has faced its fair share of challenges. The county has experienced economic decline and a shrinking population, but there are ongoing efforts to revitalize the area and promote economic growth. With its rich history and resilient community, Dallas County continues to shape Alabama's cultural and historical landscape.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Dallas County, Alabama.

  • 1818 - Dallas County is established as a county in the Alabama Territory.
  • 1830 - Cahaba becomes the county seat of Dallas County.
  • 1865 - Union troops occupy Cahaba during the Civil War.
  • 1868 - Cahaba loses its status as the county seat to Selma.
  • 1870 - The Selma to Montgomery March, a pivotal event in the Civil Rights Movement, takes place in Dallas County.
  • 1870s - Dallas County experiences a period of political and racial unrest during Reconstruction.
  • 1901 - The Alabama State Constitution is adopted, effectively disenfranchising African Americans in Dallas County.
  • 1965 - The Voting Rights Act is signed into law, leading to significant changes in Dallas County's political landscape.
  • 1971 - The Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma is designated a National Historic Landmark.
  • 1980s - Dallas County faces economic decline and population loss.