Downtown Montgomery Live Cam

Discover what it would be like to live in the Downtown neighborhood



History

Downtown Montgomery, located in the state of Alabama, USA, has a rich and storied history that dates back to the early 19th century. It has played a significant role in shaping the history of the United States, particularly during the Civil Rights Movement. Here's an overview of its history:

Early Settlement: Montgomery was founded in 1819 and named after Richard Montgomery, a Revolutionary War general. It was chosen as the capital of Alabama in 1846 because of its strategic location along the Alabama River.

Cotton and Slavery: Like many Southern cities, Montgomery's economy was heavily reliant on cotton and slave labor during the antebellum period. The city's growth and prosperity were tied to the plantation economy, which fueled its development.

Civil War: During the Civil War (1861-1865), Montgomery served as the first capital of the Confederate States of America. The provisional Confederate Congress met in the Alabama State Capitol building in February 1861 and elected Jefferson Davis as the President of the Confederacy.