COLBERT COUNTY-As the celebration of Alabama’s Bicentennial begins, the Colbert County Tourism and Convention Bureau is inviting residents and visitors to explore Tuscumbia and Sheffield during a series of walking tours.
Free walking tours will be held every Saturday in April to visit historical places in Sheffield and Tuscumbia.
The hour-long tours begin at 10 a.m. in both cities. The Tuscumbia tours begin outside Cold Water Bookstore, 101 W. Sixth St., with the exception of a walk at Winston Cemetery. The Sheffield tours begin at the Municipal Building, 600 N. Montgomery Ave. The tours will be led by local historians.
Susann Hamlin, president and CEO of Colbert County Tourism, said Sheffield and Tuscumbia are steeped in history. “This year’s tours are a great opportunity to learn the history of the cities and help celebrate our state’s 200th birthday.”
Alabama’s bicentennial celebration runs through 2019. Alabama became a state on Dec. 14, 1819. This year’s theme for the celebration is Discover our Places, followed by Honoring Our People in 2018 and Our Stories in 2019.
The Tuscumbia tours, organized by Colbert County Tourism will include visits to Ivy Green on April 1 and The Coldwater Stage Coach Stop on April 15, both led by Lori Johnson; First Presbyterian Church for a program about early churches of the town on April 8, led by Ron Hudson; Winston Cemetery on April 22, led by Lanny Perry; and The Julian Home on April 29 for a program on the town’s architecture led by Ninon Parker.
Johnson is excited about the walking tours. “Tuscumbia has a rich and important history. I am so thankful Colbert County Tourism offers these walking tours. They are invaluable and delightful opportunities to explore our amazing little town and learn about how we became who we are and about the interesting and innovative people who made Tuscumbia the unique place it is today.”
The Sheffield tours are organized by the Historic Sheffield Commission. Jimmy Austin, who will lead the tours, said the walks will focus on the history of homes and other structures along North Montgomery Avenue. “It’s a great opportunity to come out and learn about the history of Sheffield.”
In addition to Sheffield and Tuscumbia, walking tours will be held in towns throughout Alabama on Saturdays in April.
“These walking tours are a great way to get out and enjoy the spring weather and find out about the history of our state,” said Brian Jones of the Alabama Tourism Department.
Hamlin said walking tour participants should wear comfortable shoes and dress appropriately for the weather that day. The tours are handicap accessible. For more details on the Sheffield or Tuscumbia tours call 256-383-0783.
