Established in 1820, Selma is nestled along the high soap stone banks of the Alabama River in Dallas County and is the second oldest surviving city in Alabama. With over 1,200 homes on the National Historic Register, the largest historic districts in the Southeast, it is easy to see why Selma is known for its wealth of diverse attractions. Dallas County is located in a region known as the Blackbelt, aptly named for the dark, rich fertile soil that is important in agribusiness.
Several major historic events have propelled Selma into the national and international spotlight. During the Civil War, Selma's arsenals produced more than half of the munitions used by the South. In 1865, the Confederacy lost the "Battle of Selma," and with it the town. Federal troops looted and burned over 600 homes and businesses. Selma is considered the birthplace of voting rights, culminating in the 1965 March for Voting Rights to Montgomery, led by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Selma's diverse industrial and business base is home to over 100 manufacturing facilities, employing over 18,000 workers.
Today, thousands of tourists visit the city and surrounding areas to experience the rich cultural and historical sites.
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