Old St. Stephens                                            

Though the town itself is now a ghost town, Old St. Stephens Historical Park is home to one of the most important historical and archaeological sites in Alabama.

Prior to Mississippi becoming a state in 1817 St. Stephens had been the eastern most city of the Mississippi Territory. Upon Mississippi gaining statehood, Alabama became its own territory and St. Stephens the capital. Alabama's first Governor, William Wyatt Bibb, presided over the first meeting of the Territorial Legislature at the Douglass Hotel on St. Stephens' High Street.

There are many recreational activities available for visitors, including fishing, RV camping, primitive camping, biking, birdwatching, sightseeing, picnicking, and hiking.

A 100-acre quarry lake provides visitors with a fine place to swim, fish, boat, and relax. Take a hike through the woods to view the town ruins, or cool off on the sugar-white beach on an aquamarine lake. There is a boat ramp available to those who want to fish, or who just want to enjoy the breathtaking scenery from the water. Bird watchers will want to make sure they bring their binoculars and cameras! 

During a brief three decades, beginning in the 1790s to its decline in the 1820s, St. Stephens was the site of a Spanish fort, an American fort and trading post, and the Alabama Territorial capitol.

The University of South Alabama Center for Archaeological Studies, and the Alabama Museum of Natural History Summer Expedition Program have ongoing archaeological digs which will shed new light on the people who lived and died at Old St. Stephens.

Nearest Highway: Highway 43                                         
Hours of Operation: For information concerning park hours, prices, and availability please contact sshc@alabama.gov or visit www.oldststephens.com