33 Ghost Towns That Have Become Stunning Tourist Attractions

24. Cahawba, Alabama, USA – Alabama's Antebellum Ghost Capital

Once the thriving first permanent state capital of Alabama (1820-1826), Cahawba was a bustling antebellum river town known for its commerce and political importance. Strategically located at the confluence of the Alabama and Cahaba rivers, it suffered from seasonal flooding. After losing its status as the capital, experiencing devastation during the Civil War (including serving as a prison), and enduring a major flood in 1865, the town was largely abandoned. Today, Cahawba is preserved as Cahawba Archaeological Park. Visitors can wander through the overgrown streets, explore cemeteries, and see the ruins of grand homes and public buildings emerging from the landscape. This park offers a poignant look at the rise and fall of a Southern capital, revealing layers of history from Native American presence through its antebellum peak and subsequent decline.