The word Cahaba can be seen throughout the state of Alabama. It represents everything natural and man-made from a river and flower to a conference center and even a tractor company. Yet, do you know where the name originated?

(photo courtesy Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge)

The name Cahaba (or Cahawba), comes from two Choctaw words, meaning "water above." It is believed that a large Choctaw village existed at the site where the Alabama and Cahaba Rivers join in the Cahaba River Valley near present-day Selma in Dallas County. This site would also become the first official capital of Alabama in 1820, thanks to the efforts of then Governor William Wyatt Bibb. The capital at Cahawba would remain only until 1825 when detractor's voted to move it to Tuscaloosa.  

The 191 mile-long Cahaba River originates in the Appalachian Mountains of north-central Alabama near Trussville. It is the longest free-flowing river in Alabama and contains more species of fish per mile than any other river in North America. World Wildlife Fund and the Nature Conservancy recognized the Cahaba River as being one of only eight "Hotspots of Biodiversity" in the world.  

The Cahaba is the main drinking water source for the Birmingham Water Works, serving one-fifth of Alabama's population. The river, named one of "Alabama's Ten Natural Wonders," also attracts more recreational enthusiasts than any other river in the state and has been proposed for designation as a National Wild and Scenic River.

In 2002, the Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge was established to protect a three and one-half mile stretch of the river and surrounding land located just outside West Blocton. The refuge is home to five federally listed species and the largest known population of the endangered shoals lily, also known as the Cahaba Lily. From mid-May until mid-June, people flock to see the brilliant white displays in one of the finest remaining colonies of Cahaba Lilies in the world.  

The Cahaba River Society was founded in 1988 to restore and protect the Cahaba River watershed and its rich diversity of life. The nationally recognized non-profit also advocates for clean drinking water for the Birmingham metropolitan area and works to strengthen water resource protection policies at the state level.

In 1985, the Cahaba Trace Commission was created to "promote the rich historical, cultural and natural assets of the Cahaba River Valley and neighboring areas." Eleven counties are included in the trace, since they fall within the river's 1,870 square mile watershed. Tracing the river from its origin to the valley, the commission's goal is to promote the river and the surrounding towns that are home to some of the south's historic structures-opening up new avenues of tourism.  

Understanding the importance of the Cahaba River helps explain why so many choose to not only conserve this treasure, but also why the name Cahaba is popular amongst Alabamians.  

Wonder how Cahaba Tractor got its name? When the Gamble family purchased the small tractor business named Cahaba Tractor back in 1979, they kept the name to continue the tradition of honoring Alabama's greatest resource.  

As the state motto contends, "Audemus Jura Nostra Defendere" (We Dare Defend Our Rights), the people of this great state have a history and pride in taking care and preserving what is truly important.  

(photo courtesy Hunter Nichols)