Did historic Selma’s homes, monuments withstand possible tornado? Photos, video of damage

Selma and Autauga County residents are still assessing damage from a dangerous storm that tore through the area Thursday afternoon.

The potential tornado drove through the historic Alabama town from west to east and appears to have done at least some damage to many homes in the center of town.

Selma is the site of historic homes, a Civil War battlefield, several Confederate monuments, and many sites that honor the struggle for Black Americans’ civil rights.

Along Dallas Avenue, Sturdivant Hall’s exterior appeared damaged.

The historic building was surrounded by downed trees and debris. It was built by Edward Watts in 1856 and named to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973.

Sturdivant Hall is also the setting for one of Kathryn Tucker Windham’s classic stories included in 1969′s “13 Alabama Ghosts and Jeffrey.”

Selma resident Bailey Harris shared a video Thursday afternoon as she walked to pick her child up from school.

“Walked miles to go get Hadley from school. So sad please pray for the city of Selma,” she added on Facebook.

Other monuments fared better.

Brown Chapel AME downtown is in process of extensive renovations — and was unhurt, a member of the renovation crew said Thursday evening.

“Damaged the house where our crew lives and many beautiful old Selma landmarks but Brown Chapel was untouched!”