Central Alabama

Selma to Montgomery March Byway
length: 43 miles along Highway 80 from Selma to Montgomery
As this All-American Road winds its way from the streets of Selma, Alabama, through the gentle rolling hills of Lowndes County, and into the state’s Capitol City of Montgomery, travelers finds themselves transfixed in history. Also designated as a National Historic Trail, this section of U.S. Highway has known many facets of history in its years of existence. However, it wasn’t until Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., began leading voting rights demonstrations in Selma early in 1965, culminating with the historic Selma-to-Montgomery March, that the route became internationally known.

After a failed attempt just three weeks earlier, Dr. King marshaled forces that made their way 43 miles from the Edmund Pettus Bridge to Montgomery, giving birth to the most important piece of social legislation in the century. This march helped bring access to the ballot box for many African Americans in Southern states. Here, for the first time in U.S. history, one can reach out and touch live persons who were a part of making this a Scenic Byway and Historic Trail.

Black Belt Nature and Heritage Trail
Highway 80 from Stateline to Stateline. This corridor showcases much Alabama has to offer, including scenic vistas, historic landmarks, small town charm and serves as a gateway to Alabama's rural heritage.

Black Warrior River Scenic Byway
Primarily, the urban route encircles approximately 12 miles along the Black Warrior River.  Three bridges along the route offer breathtaking views of the river and its riverbanks.  The route spotlights the boundless natural scenic beauty of the Black Warrior River and exhibits historic ruins, structures and markers including the site of the Alabama State Capitol from 1826 until 1847.   Bicycle and pedestrian trails, parks, picnic facilities, fishing piers, boat landings, historic markers, art galleries, and restaurants as well as sites for new development align the route.  Bordering the route are the historic downtown areas of Tuscaloosa and Northport and facilities of academic and athletic renown including the University of Alabama and Stillman College.  Enlightening sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places are in abundance nearby and along the route.  Just a short drive away, the Moundville Archaeological Park is within 15 miles; Lake Lurleen State Park is within 10 miles; the Sipsey River Swamp, one of Alabama’s Natural Wonders and the state’s largest wetland, is within 10 miles as well as renowned museums and an array of cultural opportunities.        

Rich in history, Tuscaloosa was discovered in 1540 by troops of the Spanish explorer Hernando DeSoto.  The area was originally home to Native Americans.  The name Tuscaloosa is derived from Choctaw Indian Chief Tuskaloosa which, literally translated, means “Black Warrior.”  Long before white people settled, there was an Indian village near the present site of Tuscaloosa.  The first white settlers came to the area around 1816 and Tuscaloosa and Northport were settled around the Black Warrior River.  Tuscaloosa was incorporated in 1819 and Northport was incorporated in 1871.  A ferry was established soon after the first settlers arrived and the first bridge was built in 1835 to connect Tuscaloosa to the north and west of the river.  Large shoals made it impossible to navigate to the east.  First the ferry and then the bridge made Tuscaloosa the head of navigation for downstream travel to Mobile. 

Today, the Black Warrior remains a very important river to the area and it is an essential link in Alabama’s inland waterway system.  The Black Warrior Basin drains the largest coalfield in Alabama and the Black Warrior River became the primary artery for its export.  For this reason, permanent modification of the Black Warrior River Channel was envisioned and in 1886, the U.S. Army and their Board of Engineers began discussing a system of five locks and dams on a fifteen mile segment.  The construction began in 1888 in Tuscaloosa.  The Black Warrior was the first river in the state to receive such navigational improvements.  New locks and dams that ensure year-round navigation for barge and pleasure boat traffic have replaced the original ones and frequent dredging is required to maintain the navigational depth of nine feet.     

Unquestionably, the Black Warrior River has been central to the history and economy of the area and it is central to future development.  Community leaders are working diligently to showcase this inexhaustible natural asset.  The prospective Tuscaloosa-Northport Black Warrior River Scenic Byway includes twelve miles of existing roadway which boarders the evolving Tuscaloosa Riverwalk and the Northport Riverwalk.  Master Plans for Riverfront development have been adopted by the City of Tuscaloosa and the City of Northport.  Riverfront development plans include an amphitheatre, a convention center and hotels, a welcome center, marinas and boat docks, restaurants, retail shops, parks, pedestrian and bicycle trails, open spaces, picnic areas, pavilions, scenic overlooks, mixed use developments, office parks, residential developments, and office complexes.       

In addition to the historic downtown areas of Tuscaloosa and Northport, the proposed route includes the historic Queen City Bathhouse complex which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  Plans are underway to restore and reuse the Bathhouse as a transportation museum .   Also along the route is the future site of the 122 year old Espey Bridge, the oldest iron bridge in Alabama.   It will be moved to the Northport levee system as part of the Northport Riverwalk pedestrian and bicycle trail.  Both projects will utilize Alabama Department of Transportation-Transportation (ALDOT-TE) funds.  To date, three miles of the thirteen mile Tuscaloosa Riverwalk pedestrian and bicycle trail have been constructed and the City of Northport has completed two miles of Riverwalk pedestrian and bicycle trails utilizing ALDOT-TE funds and local funds.        

Alabama Scenic Byways | info@alabamabyways.org
c/o Alabama Association of Regional Councils
5900 Carmichael Road| Montgomery, AL 36117| 334.277.2221