Even though the rain changed some of the Barbecue on the Green’s event, the fundraiser still delivered top notch food to those who bought tickets.

This, and other events help fund Sturdivant Hall, which is an important part of Selma’s history.

According to the hall’s website, construction of what is now known as Sturdivant Hall began in 1852 but was not completely finished until 1856. Following completion, Edward Watts and his family lived in the house until 1864, when the house was sold and the family moved to Texas. The house was purchased from Watts by John McGee Parkman, a local banker, for the sum of $65,000 on Feb. 12, 1864.

Following the end of the American Civil War, Parkman was made president of the First National Bank of Selma. The bank engaged in cotton speculation and accumulated huge losses. The military governor of Alabama, Wager Swayne, had his Reconstruction authorities take possession of the bank and arrest Parkman. He was imprisoned at the county jail at Cahaba. Assisted by his friends, Parkman attempted to escape from the prison on May 23, 1867, but was killed, according to the website.

From there, the house has been handled either by private owners or the city of Selma, and is still considered one of the most historical places in the city. We hope that citizens continue to participate in events like this to help support the historical sites.