Selma

Selma is a city on the Alabama River in Dallas County, Alabama, where neighborhoods spread along both sides of the waterway. The downtown area extends north from the water, with wide streets leading to parks and residential districts.

The town grew in the 19th century as a river trading hub and became a center of munitions production during the Civil War. A century later, it became the site of civil rights demonstrations that drew national attention.

The bridge that residents and visitors cross daily still carries the weight of memory in its steel and pavement. Many people walk slowly across the span, pausing to look at the river and streets where marchers once walked.

Most visitors start exploring near the riverfront, where parking areas and information signs are located. Walking allows you to see the main points within a few hours, though summer heat can be intense.

Filmmakers often return here to shoot scenes in authentic mid-20th-century settings, as many buildings remain unchanged. The streetscapes recall the decades when the town became a national stage.

Location: Dallas County

Inception: 1815

Elevation above the sea: 38 m

Shares border with: Montgomery

Website: https://selma-al.gov

GPS coordinates: 32.41639,-87.02472

Latest update: December 12, 2025 21:48