For the next four years, visitors from all over the nation — the world— will have the opportunity to take the Civil War Trail in chronological order, if they wish.

Or, they can just come on down to some of the attractions. And Selma figures high on the list.

The Alabama Department of Tourism released a new brochure in print and online that marks the Civil War Trail. The release is in anticipation of the 150th anniversary in 2011 of the beginning of the Civil War.

Featured in the new brochure are 47 attractions and sites, including Old Live Oak Cemetery and the Old Depot Museum in Selma, plus Old Cahawba near Orrville.

“I think that’s just great,” said Jean Martin, docent for the Old Depot Museum. “We have it all.”

Selma Tourism Bureau Executive Director Candace Johnson sees lots of potential to bring more folks into the area by mentions in the brochures. The print editions were shipped to the Centre for Commerce last week.

“We got good coverage,” Johnson said.

Lodging tax dollars are already 18 percent more than they were last year. With the state pitching in on promoting Selma and Dallas County’s Civil War heritage, that can only mean more dollars.

Johnson can’t wait to get them here either and tell the rest of the story.

“Once we get them here, we can show them all our history,” said Johnson. “There aren’t many places that have the Civil War and go full circle to civil rights.”

Selma-Dallas County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Sheryl Smedley said she’s thrilled at the potential impact the tourists could have on the area.

“This is exciting,” she said. “It makes more opportunities economically.”

Smedley said she expects business owners to take the information and research it to see how they can market their business to the people who come in because of the state’s emphasis on the Civil War.

“It’s going to reach out and touch a lot of different people, young and old,” she said.