Selma history

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of the settlement is rooted in the times of the first French expeditions, when this location on the high bank of the Alabama River was marked on maps as Ecor Bienville. Later, with the arrival of American settlers, this territory became known as Moore's Bluff and served as a trading post.

The official birth of the city occurred in 1820, when The Selma Land Company was formed. The name for the new city was chosen by one of its founders, the future Vice President of the United States, William Rufus King. Inspired by the "Songs of Ossian", he named the city Selma, which in a literary context meant "high throne" or "high seat", emphasising the settlement's elevated position above the river.

Key Factors of Formation

The transformation of a small trading post into a thriving city was driven by a fortunate combination of geographical and economic circumstances:

• Geographical Advantage: The city is situated on high bluffs, which reliably protected it from seasonal floods that often plagued neighbouring settlements in the lowlands.
• River Artery: The Alabama River served as the main transport route, allowing goods to be shipped to the Gulf of Mexico coast. This made Selma a vital logistical hub.
• Agricultural Centre: Its location in the centre of a fertile region known as the "Black Belt" facilitated the development of agriculture and the trade of raw materials.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

In the first decades of its existence, Selma developed rapidly as the commercial and cultural centre of the region. The economy was built primarily on the processing and transport of cotton, which was brought here from surrounding plantations for shipment by steamboat to the port of Mobile.

The wealth generated by trade contributed to an architectural flourishing: majestic Greek Revival mansions began to appear in the city, and churches and educational institutions were built. By the mid-19th century, Selma had transformed from a frontier settlement into one of the wealthiest and most influential cities in the state.

Major Milestones in the History of Selma

The city's history is replete with events that influenced not only the region but also the course of history for the entire United States. Below is a chronology of key moments in Selma's development.

• 1820 — Official founding of the city by The Selma Land Company and its naming by William Rufus King.
• 1852 — Selma receives city status, reflecting its growing importance as a trade and transport hub in Alabama.
• 1863 — Construction of a large arsenal and naval foundry, turning the city into one of the main industrial centres of the South.
• 1865 (April 2) — The Battle of Selma, during which the city was captured by Union troops and its industrial infrastructure was destroyed.
• 1878 — Founding of Selma University, which became an important educational institution for the African American community.
• 1940 — Opening of the famous Edmund Pettus Bridge across the Alabama River, which replaced an old swing structure and improved transport connections.
• 1965 (March 7) — An event that went down in history as "Bloody Sunday", when a peaceful march for voting rights was violently suppressed on the Edmund Pettus Bridge.
• 1965 (March 21–25) — The successful completion of the historic march from Selma to Montgomery led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
• 1987 — The Edmund Pettus Bridge is designated a National Historic Landmark.
• 1996 — The US Congress officially establishes the Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail, immortalising the path of civil rights activists.
• 2000 — James Perkins Jr. becomes the first African American elected as Mayor of Selma.
• 2015 — Large-scale commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the marches, attracting global attention and highlighting the city's status as a symbol of the struggle for human rights.

Stages of Development and Their Significance

Selma's development is a journey from a trading landing to a city that changed the country's political landscape. Below are the key stages that defined the city's modern appearance and status:

• The "Golden Age" of Cotton Trade (1840s–1850s). Thanks to the Alabama River, the city became the region's main port. This time was marked by rapid economic growth and the formation of the architectural look of the centre: brick warehouses, commercial buildings, and wealthy estates were built, many of which survive to this day.
• Industrialisation and War Production (1860s). During the Civil War, Selma transformed from an agrarian centre into an industrial giant. The construction of the foundry and arsenal attracted thousands of workers and engineers, which accelerated urbanisation and complicated the urban infrastructure.
• Educational Rise (Late 19th Century). The post-war period brought important social changes. The opening of Selma University and other educational institutions made the city a regional centre for education, especially for the African American population, contributing to the formation of a new intelligentsia.
• Military Modernisation (1940s). During World War II, the opening of Craig Air Force Base gave a powerful boost to the local economy. The influx of military personnel revitalised trade and the service sector, and also contributed to the expansion of the city's housing stock.
• Infrastructure Breakthrough. The construction of the Edmund Pettus Bridge was a significant town-planning decision. It not only improved logistics by connecting the city with southern regions but also created an architectural landmark that later became a recognisable symbol of the city.
• Cultural and Political Transformation (1960s). The events of the Civil Rights Movement radically changed Selma's status. From a typical southern town, it turned into an international symbol of the fight for justice, which forever defined its place in world history.
• Development of Heritage Tourism (21st Century). In recent decades, the economic focus has shifted towards heritage tourism. The restoration of the historic centre and the creation of museums have turned the city's history into its main asset, attracting travellers from all over the world.

Architectural Appearance and Urban Development

The architectural landscape of Selma is the history of the American South frozen in stone and wood. The urban layout reflects periods of the cotton trade boom, Civil War destruction, and subsequent recovery. Thanks to heritage preservation efforts, Selma possesses one of the largest historic districts in the state of Alabama, where majestic estates and industrial buildings stand side by side.

The "Old South" Era and Greek Revival

The period before the 1860s, known as the Antebellum era, was the time of the city's greatest economic power. Wealthy planters and merchants sought to demonstrate their status through architecture, choosing a monumental and austere style.

• Style: Greek Revival.
• Characteristic Features: Massive colonnades, symmetrical facades, porticos, and the use of white colour imitating the marble of ancient temples.
• Iconic Landmark: Sturdivant Hall. Built in the 1850s, this mansion is considered one of the finest examples of Neoclassicism in the South. Its facade is adorned with six massive columns, and the interiors have preserved the luxury of that era.

Reconstruction and the Victorian Era

Following the destruction of the Civil War, the city began to rebuild in the late 19th century. Strict classicism was replaced by the eclecticism and decorativeness characteristic of the Victorian period. Houses with turrets, carved verandas, and complex roofs appeared in residential neighbourhoods.

• Styles: Queen Anne, Italianate, Gothic Revival.
• Characteristic Features: Asymmetry, use of brick, stained glass, decorative woodwork, and tall narrow windows.
• Iconic District: Old Town Historic District. Many cottages and mansions have been preserved here, demonstrating the transition from post-war modesty to the new prosperity of the turn of the century.

Sacred Architecture and Romanesque

Selma's churches play a key role not only in the spiritual but also in the architectural life of the city. In the early 20th century, styles referencing medieval Europe gained popularity, giving religious buildings the appearance of reliable fortresses.

• Style: Richardsonian Romanesque and Neo-Gothic.
• Characteristic Features: Massive brick walls, arched windows, bell towers, and domes.
• Iconic Landmark: Brown Chapel A.M.E. Church. This red brick building with two towers and a dome, built in 1908, is a striking example of the majestic church architecture of that time.

Industrial Style and 20th Century Modernisation

The development of transport and industry in the first half of the 20th century brought functionality to the city's appearance. The Alabama River waterfront and central streets filled with commercial buildings, and engineering structures became new dominant features.

• Style: Industrial Architecture, Stripped Classicism.
• Characteristic Features: Use of steel and concrete, functionality of structures, large display windows of commercial buildings on Water Avenue.
• Iconic Landmark: Edmund Pettus Bridge (1940). The steel arch bridge became not only a vital transport artery but also the most recognisable silhouette of the city, symbolising the engineering thought of the mid-20th century.

Distinguished Figures of Selma

The history of the city is inextricably linked with people whose names are known far beyond Alabama. From 19th-century statesmen to legends of modern sport, these individuals have made significant contributions to politics, culture, and public life.

• William Rufus King (1786–1853) — Politician and Diplomat.
  One of the city's founders who gave it its name. King served as a Senator from Alabama, was Ambassador to France, and was elected the 13th Vice President of the USA. His estate was located in the vicinity of Selma, and he is buried in the city mausoleum.
• Benjamin Sterling Turner (1825–1894) — Politician and Entrepreneur.
  Born into slavery, Turner became a successful merchant and the first African American elected to the US Congress from Alabama (1871). He actively fought for the restoration of citizens' rights after the Civil War and the development of the local economy.
• Amelia Boynton Robinson (1911–2015) — Civil Rights Activist.
  A key figure in the Civil Rights Movement. It was she who invited Martin Luther King Jr. to Selma and became one of the organisers of the famous marches to Montgomery. Her activities played a decisive role in the passing of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
• Kathryn Tucker Windham (1918–2011) — Writer and Folklorist.
  A famous American storyteller born in Selma. She became famous for a series of books about Southern ghosts, the most well-known being "13 Alabama Ghosts and Jeffrey". Windham became a cultural symbol of the state, preserving its oral traditions.
• J.L. Chestnut Jr. (1930–2008) — Lawyer and Author.
  The first African American attorney in Selma after the Reconstruction era. He provided legal support to participants in the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s and became an important voice in the fight for social justice in the South.
• Mia Hamm (born 1972) — Athlete.
  A native of Selma who became a legend of world women's football. A two-time Olympic champion and two-time World Cup champion, she held the record for international goals for many years and contributed to the popularisation of women's sports in the USA.