Signs, Signs (The 150-Year Anniversary)

Today marks 150 years since Selma fell to Union Gen. J.H. Wilson

 near the end of the War Between the States. 

The historic markers near the Riverside Park entrance show the city's fortifications

 and tell how the brief battle ended.  Selma was a major producer of supplies

 and munitions, including Confederate warships. Its naval foundry, army arsenal,

 shipyard and powder works were destroyed by the Union soldiers after the battle.

 Much of the town was also burned. 

Gen. Nathan Bedford Forrest defended Selma for the Confederacy, but despite

 his success in many other battles, he was unable to save the city

 with men and supplies so depleted in the final days of the war. 

Another marker will be unveiled at Arsenal Place this afternoon,

 and a Brooke Cannon that was manufactured here during the war

 will be fired at the same time the battle began.

Linking to Signs, Signs

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