Old Cahawba is located at the site of Alabama’s first state capital (1820-1826). It became a ghost town shortly after the Civil War. Today, the old Cahawba site is an interpretative park that’s operated by the Alabama Historical Commission. Visitors to the park have the opportunity to explore a landscape of ruins and relics, chimneys and gravestones, ornamental well heads and columns.
Provided are pictures of the Perine Well that is located in the park. This well was bored in 1852 by Nathan B. Reed to an astonishing depth of 735 feet. It was originally intended to supply water to power the machinery of Mr. Mathews’ cotton factory. Producing more than 1,200 gallons of water per minute, the well was, by volume, the largest of its kind at the time and quickly drew visitors eager to witness its seemingly endless flow. In April 1856, Edward M. Perine purchased the factory from Mr. Mathews and converted it into his own private 26-room mansion. The Perine Well was used to supply water for the needs of the Perine mansion and to maintain the grounds of the estate, which included a conservatory and vineries.
Over the years, the well has continued to serve as a popular photo opportunity for visitors documenting their time at Old Cahawba. The Perine Well continues to flow steadily from deep underground. Cahawba once boasted more than 20 artesian wells, but this is the only one still consistently flowing – likely due to its exceptional depth.
The Perine Well is located at the south end of the Old Cahawba park. Start at the Welcome Center if you visit the park. The staff will provide additional interesting facts about Perine Well and details about its location in the park.
Directions to Old Cahawba: Google Maps – 32.324464, -87.103039.
Pictures that are provided were taken February 2012 and January 2014.
Source: Old Cahawba