The story of modern Alabama began in 1519 when Alonso de Pineda sailed into Mobile Bay almost 100 years before Jamestown and Plymouth Rock. The territory and state of Alabama has had a number of towns and cities that have served as a capital.
St. Stephens, Old St. Stephens Historical Park, 2056 Jim Long Road, St. Stephens AL 36569; 251-247-2622. Web: http://www.oldststephens.net. When Alabama Territory was carved out of the larger Mississippi Territory, St. Stephens served as the territory’s first capital from 1817 to 1819. Once a prosperous capital, St. Stephens is now a ghost town within an historic park.
Huntsville, Alabama Constitution Hall Historic Park & Museum, 109 Gates Avenue, Huntsville AL 35801; 256-564-8100. Web: https://www.huntsville.org/listing/alabama-constitution-hall-historic-park-%26-museum/42. After Alabama achieved statehood in 1819, the capital moved temporarily to Huntsville. The first Alabama constitution was written here in 1819.
Cahawba, Old Cahawba Archaeological Park, 9518 Cahaba Road, Orrville AL 36767; 334-872-8058. Email: cahawba@bellsouth.net. Web: https://ahc.alabama.gov/properties/cahawba/cahawba.aspx. This village served as Alabama’s first permanent state capital from 1820 to 1825.
Tuscaloosa, Capital Park, 2828 6th Street, Tuscaloosa AL 35401. Web: https://www.visittuscaloosa.com. Alabama’s capital from 1826 to 1846.
Montgomery, Alabama State Capitol, 600 Dexter Avenue, Montgomery AL 36104; 334-262-3935. Web: http://ahc.alabama.gov/alabama-state-capitol.aspx. Alabama’s capital since 1846.
Other Alabama Capitals
Moundville Archaeological Park, 634 Mound State Parkway, Moundville AL 35474; 205-371-2234. Web: https://moundville.museums.ua.edu. Moundville was one the largest city north of Mexico and the capital of the natives of the area. It features 29 ancient mounds.
Mobile. Mobile, Alabama became the first capital of French Louisiana in 1702. In 1720, the capital is moved to Biloxi, Mississippi. In 1722, the capital is moved to New Orleans, Louisiana.
First White House of the Confederacy, 664 Washington Avenue, Montgomery AL 36130; 334-242-1861. Web: http://www.firstwhitehouse.org. Montgomery served as the first capital of the Confederate States of America.
