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Montgomery, Alabama -- The Cradle of the Confederacy
by Maxine Sommers
Following the election of Abraham Lincoln to the U. S. Presidency, unrest spread across the southern part of the country, and in 1861 the enthusiasm for secession from the Federal government in Montgomery, Alabama, reached a fevered pitch.
A star on the steps of the State Capitol in Montgomery marks the spot where Jefferson Davis was inaugurated President of the Confederate States of America on February 18, 1861.
As the war between the states began and the troops hammered across the southern states, the battles smashed cities, destroyed plantations with their fine colonial homes and shattered families. The Civil War was at its worst. Amid the wreckage the survivors persevered against overwhelming odds. Men, women and children . . . heroes all.
"Damn the torpedoes! Full speed Ahead," bellowed Union Admiral David Farragut, as his ships raged north into Mobile Bay. The Union forces were on the move.
The whole might of the Union Navy and Army stormed onward. A few hours after General Robert E. Lee's surrender at Appomattox, Union troops captured Fort Blakeley, which was the last major battle of the Civil War.
From the ashes of the cities, plantations and factories, the Southern people, with grit and determination, began to rebuild, and in doing so succeeded in re-capturing the heart of the Old South.
The Montgomery that you view today (population 201,000) continues to display the rich historical traditions and Southern charms of the 1800s, but the city itself is modern in every respect.
Montgomery loves to show off her capital district to everyone. Upon your arrival prepare to be welcomed Southern style to the Alabama Capitol Building, Alabama War Memorial, Civil Rights Memorial, Alabama Department of Archives & History and the First White House of the Confederacy. A memorable excursion back in time.
Today the city's historic Union Station houses the Montgomery Visitor Center at 300 Water Street. Call (334) 262-0013 for a complete listing of various engaging exhibits in the community.
If you don't want to drive: park your car and ride the Trolley. The trolleys today are replicas of the old 1886 Lighting Route Trolleys and are a delight to use. The new trolleys travel from the Montgomery Visitors Center at Union Station every 20 minutes on two different routes Monday-Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The cost is 25 cents or $1 for each person for a day pass. You can't beat that!
For a walk back in time visit "Old Alabama Town," a collection of 50 meticulously restored buildings in the heart of downtown Montgomery. Seldom do travelers have a chance to return to the days of the pioneer taverns, one-room schools, cotton gins, grist mills, blacksmiths, antebellum townhouses and slave quarters. Self-guided walking tours are available from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday-Saturday. For information call: (334) 240-4500 or 1-888-240-1850.
How about a visit to the Montgomery Zoo? Here's your chance to see what life is like in the wild with more than 600 animals from all over the world. Picture this: 170 species, coexisting together throughout 40 acres of barrier-free habitats. For information call: (334) 240-4900.
Museums? You name it -- Montgomery has it. Here are a few:
Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts: the museum consists of the Blount collection of American Art and a one-of-a-kind interactive children's exhibit, along with a permanent collection of American and European old masters. No admission charge. For information call: (334) 244-5700.
Rosa Parks Museum: the exhibits depict the events that sparked the Bus Boycott and the Early Civil Rights Movement. For information call: (334) 241-8661.
The Hank Williams Museum: this unusual gallery holds an odd assortment of memorabilia (including a bright blue Cadillac convertible) from the life of country and western singer, Hank Williams.
The Betsy Ann Riverboat is an authentic stern-wheel riverboat docked in downtown Montgomery in historic Riverfront Park. If you are interested in returning to a bygone era with a romantic river cruise, call: (334) 265-7739 for information.
Montgomery and Maxwell/Gunter AFB have shared an outstanding relationship since the base was established in 1918. Military people contribute significantly to the economic, cultural, social and spiritual life of the community. The Air Force has a direct economic impact of more than $800 million dollars in the community.
The historic Air Park at Maxwell/Gunter offers visitors a chance to see a grand selection of vintage aircraft. Maxwell is home to the 908th Airlift Wing which operates C-130 Hercules aircraft from the base in support of military operations worldwide. For visiting hours information call: (334) 953-2055.
There are several places to shop in downtown Montgomery, but, if you are in a real shopping mood drive out to the EASTDALE MALL at 1000 Eastdale Mall Road. This shopping mecca offers several well known chain stores: Dillard's, Casual Corner, Radio Shack, Sears, and -- not to be forgotten -- Victoria's Secret, which, on the day I was there, had the following BIG sign in their window: "Free Bra Fittings Today!" Well.
The Mall also has many unusual shops such as:
The Body Shop: An extraordinary emporium that sells postage-stamp-size skirts and shirts for young girls -- all accompanied by ear-deafening music. Bring your ear-plugs.
Wet Pets: sells fish, dogs, birds and hamsters and, for the buyer who wants something unique and/or peculiar, albino frogs! Fish tanks line each wall with thousands of the little creatures swimming around and around going nowhere. Cages are filled with birds making their little chirping noises, along with hamsters in their tiny cages spinning frantically on their squeaky wheels, no doubt in their perpetual search for a hidden exit. Additionally, there are a wide assortment of sleepy-eyed dogs, all caged behind glass walls. All-in-all a stunning experience for both the shopper's eyes and ears.
Applebees is an oasis for tired and hungry shoppers. Stroll on over and peruse their menu. They offer a nice selection of appetizers. Try the Nachos Nuevos: crisp red, blue and yellow corn chips smothered in spicy ground beef, black beans and queso sauce, topped with sour cream, tomatoes and chopped jalapenos. This Tex-Mex marvel is not made for sissies -- have plenty of cold water at-the-ready.
Entrees are plentiful with steaks, chicken, salmon, pasta and more. Salads are available for the healthy eaters. For those folks who get weak in the knees at the sight of a bountiful selection of luscious desserts that simply insist on being ordered, this is the place for you. Try the Apple Chimicheesecake (tart apples and almond toffee-bits blended with rich cheesecake then wrapped in a tortilla and deep fried) served warm with vanilla ice cream, and covered with caramel sauce sprinkled with cinnamon sugar. Calories? Don't even think about it, but . . . oh. so. good!
If you are interested in viewing historical churches, please visit Saint Peter's Catholic Church, which was built in 1834. The church building was rebuilt in 1851 in order to accommodate a growing parish. The fourteen glorious, stained glass windows were installed later -- today, each one remains a work of art. One must go into the church to fully appreciate the magnificence of the Spanish architecture and the pristine beauty of the white interior enhanced with brilliant gold leaf. The traditional style of the altar reflects old-world Catholic traditions and heritage. The church is located at 219 Adams Avenue. Call (334) 262-7304 for information.
Where to stay in downtown Montgomery? Try the Embassy Suites Hotel located near the Visitor's Center and Union Station at 300 Tallapoosa Street, (344) 269-5055.
If you are interested in staying in a marvelous Alabama Bed and Breakfast, the McKibbon House is located just a scant 65 miles from Montgomery. Entitled the "Gingerbread House" by the Ford Times, it is owned and operated by a charming family, Tina, Fred and Peggy Dew. The inn offers guests accommodations in four bedrooms, each with its own personality. The house is a fine example of Queen Anne architecture and is referred to by historians as a "Southern Treasure." For information call: (205) 665-1275.
The ALABAMA SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL is a shining star in Montgomery's crown. This internationally acclaimed theatre is the fifth largest Shakespeare Festival in the world, presenting world-class contemporary and classic productions and educational programs virtually year-round. Alabama's Shakespeare Festival is the only American theatre invited to fly the flag of England's Royal Shakespeare Company. Open Monday - Sunday. For further information call: 1-800-841-4ASF or visit: ASF.NET.
If you are in Montgomery on Memorial Day plan to take part in the Jubilee Cityfest. Named one of the Southeast Tourism Society's Top 20 Events, this bodacious, weekend happening features fine Southern food, fun, fine arts and non-stop musical entertainment on four stages. Be prepared for a spectacular, down-home, good time!
Maxine Sommers is a travel writer and lecturer from Texas. Reach her at this e-mail address. Please contact Maxine for permission to reprint. Thanks.
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