Battle of Selma anniversary commemorated
Published 10:26 pm Thursday, April 2, 2015
A Civil War cannon made in Selma was fired by Martin Jowers, Preston Williams and Nelson Andrews during Thursday’s commemoration program.
People from across the state gathered at the Arts Revive Carneal building Thursday to relive key moments in the Battle of Selma on its 150th anniversary.
The battle was fought on the afternoon and evening of April 2, 1865.
The battle was recounted with narrations and explanations from James Hammonds, president of the April 1865 Society, Inc.
Hammonds played recordings from various markers around Selma that tell about key events in the battle. Five local narrators were present at the observance.
James Hammonds, president of the April 1865 Society, Inc. speaks at the program.
“The narrators are the backbone of the historical marker program,” he said. “I can envision down the road, when we have 20 markers up and 20 different stories being told, you can throw all of those together and you can have something really neat with the narrations.”
Brief speeches were given by Mayor George Evans and Dallas County Probate Judge Kim Ballard.
Ballard thanked Hammonds and the society for keeping in touch with the city’s history, through the Battle of Selma Re-enactment and other projects.
“This is bringing an industry into town that you don’t have to do anything to get,” Ballard said. “This event will have people staying in hotels, and spending dollars at gas stations and restaurants.”
A Civil War cannon made in Selma in 1864 was fired after the ceremony.
Dozens of people attended the event, which surprised Hammonds due to all of the other events happening Thursday in Selma.
“We didn’t know how many people would turn out because of all the other things going on in town, including someone who was much beloved who passed away [Selma Park and Recreation Director Elton Reece], and his funeral being today in addition to the chili cook off,” he said.
Some people traveled from different cities to witness the observance of Selma’s history.
Director of the Southeast Regional Archaeological Conservancy Jessica Crawford traveled with a group from Tuscaloosa.
“It’s another example of how interesting history can be, and how it can benefit the general public and the community,” Crawford said. “It brings people into the area, and puts dollars in locals’ pockets and helps provide jobs.”
The rest of the festivities surrounding the Battle of Selma, including the re-enactment of the battle, will take place April 23-26.
