05/07/2026
On May 7, 1866, the citizens of Dallas County made a decision that would forever change the fate of Cahaba. In a decisive vote of 736 to 57, the county seat was moved to Selma, officially ending Cahaba’s role as the political and administrative center of the county.
A county seat is more than just a location—it is the hub of government, where courts are held, records are kept, and civic life is centered. Losing that designation often meant a sharp decline in economic activity and population, as businesses, professionals, and residents followed the institutions that supported them.
By 1866, Cahaba was already struggling. Flooding from the Alabama River had damaged property and discouraged long-term investment. The Civil War had further weakened the town’s economy and infrastructure. At the same time, Selma was growing rapidly due to its transportation connections, including river traffic and railroads, making it a more practical choice for a county seat in a changing postwar landscape.
In the days leading up to the vote, this issue was widely debated in local newspapers, offering a window into the concerns and priorities of Dallas County residents. Citizens submitted opinion pieces arguing both for keeping the county seat at Cahaba and for moving it to Selma, making their voices heard in print. One such article appeared in the Selma Times Journal on May 1, 1866, illustrating how publicly contested this decision had become.
The results of this pivotal vote were published the following day in The Morning Times on May 8, 1866, providing a snapshot of Reconstruction-era decision-making at the local level. The overwhelming margin reflects how strongly residents felt about relocating the center of government.
Today, visitors to Old Cahawba Archaeological Park can stand at the site where the courthouse once stood. While no standing structure remains, a raised grassy mound marks the footprint of what was once a central place of law and governance. Prior to 1905, workmen in search of salvageable bricks dismantled the old Dallas County Courthouse. The grassy mound visible today contains the damaged bricks that were left behind after this process. Visitors interested in finding the exact location of the courthouse are encouraged to speak with staff at the Visitor Center, who can help point the way to this important site.
This raised mound of rubble may seem small, but it represents a turning point in Dallas County’s history. The relocation of the county seat illustrates how geography, economics, and the aftermath of war can reshape communities—leaving lasting marks on the landscape and in the historical record.
