$295/couple

**EVENT CANCELLED DUE TO UNSAFE WATER LEVELS AFTER RECENT HEAVY RAINS**

Relive an epic 1920s Cahawba Riverboat Pilgrimage on a Valentine’s weekend cruise on Friday, March 12th and Saturday, March 13th 2010.



Above: participants boarding for the original Cahawba Pilgrimage in the       1920s. Are your relatives in the picture?

We had a lot of interest in this event, but we had to reschedule the cruise for
March 13 , 2010, a month later than originally planned, because of dangerous river conditions. With the new date, we will arrive at the St. James Hotel Friday afternoon March 12th and cruise to Cahawba on Saturday morning, March 13th .

Every part of the cruise will be the same (except the awful weather, we hope).

Alabama’s original capital city was Cahawba, situated where the Cahaba River joins the Alabama River below Selma. This true antebellum capital was abandoned after the civil war, but the displaced residents never forgot their homes and community as long as they lived. In the 1920s, they returned to their romantic past in a series of annual pilgrimages by riverboat to the old town.



Above, a 1928 Program of an early Cahawba Pilgrimage. Click here to download a printable version.

This March, the Alabama Scenic River Trail’s guests will recreate the magic of almost a century ago when they spend Friday night at Selma’s St. James Hotel, the only surviving authentic accommodations from riverboat days. On Saturday morning they will embark aboard the enclosed and heated riverboat Phoenix for the run down to Old Cahawba Archaeological Park. Breakfast will be served on board.

The river trip will feature music and guests speakers who will inform and entertain with knowledge of the river and its natural and historic features, including a presentation on the history, natural history, and archaeology of the old capital. Upon arrival at Old Cahawba, travelers will board a wagon and embark upon a hayride tour given by the Park’s director.  

After returning to the Phoenix, Selma entertainers Nancy Ziccardi and Friends will sing for us while we enjoy a light dinner during the cruise back to Selma.

Whether it’s the river, the history, the stately homes or the naturalist in you, there’s something in this cruise to please everyone.

The event  fee includes accommodations at the St. James Hotel, passage aboard the Phoenix, breakfast in the morning, hors d 'oeuvres in the afternoon and a tour of Old Cahawba. Reservations are required.

The cost of the cruise and stay in the restored historic Hotel is only $295.00 a couple or $240.00 for a single. To make a reservation, send a check to

Alabama Scenic River Trail
c/o Jim Felder
799 Ashley Dr.
Madison AL 35758

or check with Glenn Dean (gypsy5262@aol.com)  or by phone at 334 558 4616.