A lot of the downtown area was a shell of the former glory. You would discover trendy shops, eating places, and night spots separated by multistory brick facades that were tumbling down and dumpy. There was a recently updated civil rights memorial. The best looking office building down town was labeled the Southern Poverty Law Center:
A lot of the government state capital buildings were kept up well. Following was the Alabama Historical Museum celebrating the 200th anniversary of the state. On the grounds of the museum was the first confederate white house for Jefferson Davis that was well preserved.
Our friend stated that the downtown area was making a comeback recently. After the forced integration in the 1960s, the money makers left the downtown area and invested in the areas just east of town. These areas are thriving today.
In one of the nicer buildings areas downtown was the Hank Williams Museum. The 1952 Cadillac convertible perfectly preserved was worth the price of admission. Hank Williams Jr. got to drive it to high school after he inherited it. What a cool ride! No photos were allowed but the museum web site has a great picture. Hank died at the young age of 29 due to a heart disease His music continues to be legend.
Tuscumbia, Alabama is where Helen Keller grew up on a large plantation. She was born a normal happy girl until she had a high fever and seizures at the age of two. After the illness she couldn't hear nor see due to brain injuries. This turned her into a fairly wild child until the age of 6 when one of her caretakers was able help her connect with her environment. She built on this eventually able to speak, graduate from college, and inspire the world. Pictured here is her childhood home.
Next on to Tennessee and Mississippi
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