Dallas County celebrated its 200^th anniversary on Saturday at the Old Cahawba Archaeological Park in Orrville.

The day-long event began with a proclamation from Rep. Prince Chestnut, followed by Dallas County Probate Judge-elect Jimmy Nunn.

Orrville Mayor Louvenia Lumpkin and her family were on the grill cooking ribs, hot dogs and polish dogs.

Dallas County Commissioners Larry Nickles and Valerie Reubin also dropped by the 200^th celebration.  The bicentennial gave people the opportunity to reflect on and recognize the contributions to this community and the world. Dallas County actually turned 200 years old on Feb. 9.

Site Director Linda Derry gave a history lesson of Old Cahawba and Dallas County as well as unveiling Alabama’s Indigenous mound trail.

Sheryl Smedley, executive director for the Selma and Dallas County Chamber of Commerce, was pleased with the event.

“You couldn’t ask for a better day,” Smedley said. “We date back to being 200 years old, and we are one of the oldest communities in the state of Alabama.”

Lumpkin said she was honored to participate in the milestone for Dallas County.

“I’m so excited, it’s my first time seeing something turn 200 years old,” Lumpkin said. “I did a lot of work in the kitchen, but I enjoyed myself.”

People from Elmore County and Marshall County drove down to attend the bicentennial of the state’s largest land mass.

Lanita Tolbert, a Selma resident, said she appreciated the celebration.

“Everything was great, I just wish more people had shown up,” Tolbert said.

Despite living in Orrville, Saturday marked the first time Lula Watters and her daughter, Jarlicia Watters, visited Old Cahawba. Lula Watters is Lumpkin’s sister.

“I’ve never been out in this part of Orrville before,” Lula Watters said.

“I thought the event was great,” Jarlicia Watters said. “We got to tour the whole area and the ghost town.”