Eufaula's Annual Pilgrimage and Antique Show will mark its 34th anniversary this year. This major Southern event, scheduled for April 9-11, is sure to draw thousands to this gracious old Southern city.

The three tribes of Creek Indians who occupied this region of the Muscogee Nation gave Eufaula its name. In 1832 the Treaty of Cusseta forced the Indians to give over their land to the white man, and Barbour County was incorporated shortly thereafter.

War hero General William Irwin had been granted thousands of acres and he strongly promoted the region's development and was responsible for the first steamboat wharf along Eufaula's river bluffs. His hard work and powerful influence prompted settlers to change the name of the community to Irwinton; however, due to travelers' constant confusion between it and the other town of Irwinton, Georgia, the change was short-lived. The city was re-named Eufaula.

Captain Seth Lore was another prominent figure in Eufaula's early history. Lore was largely responsible for much of the development of what is now the downtown area. The majority of the older part of the city is within the area referred to as the Seth Lore and Irwinton Historic District.

So what of the old South remains to be seen in Eufaula today? For starters, nineteen early structures will be featured in this year's Pilgrimage. The 1858 Cato-Smith House is a magnificent example of Greek Revival architecture. This home was built on land purchased from the Creek Indians and contains an impressive collection of Civil War artifacts and some of the Cato family's original furnishings.

The Drewry-Mitchell-Moorer Home is still owned by the family of its builder, Dr. John Drewry. Dr. Drewry came to Eufaula in 1848 and constructed this gorgeous mansion with its twenty-two ornate Italian columns.

Imposing Waterford chandeliers grace Fendall Hall, an 1860 Italianate style of architecture. Hand-stenciled walls and murals set this home apart as a unique piece of Eufaula's early history. This home belongs to the Alabama Historical Commission.

If you love Victorian architecture, you won't want to miss a tour of the Foy-Beasley Home. Built in 1895, this ultimate example of Victorian style has it all: a tower room, gabled roof and wrap-around gallery.

And what would an old Alabama town be without a tavern? The Tavern, Eufaula's oldest frame structure, was built as a stopover inn for travelers along the Chattahoochee River. But don't let the name mislead you. The Tavern is a beautiful home and now a private residence. During the Civil War it served as a hospital for Confederate soldiers.

Of course, churches played a major role in the early lives of Eufaula's settlers. Three of these early buildings are included in this year's Pilgrimage tour. The Presbyterian Church features the original sanctuary, including pews and stained glass windows. This structure dates back to 1869.

St. James Episcopal Church is a newer facility, dating to 1905. The bell tower and carved altar are two of the most impressive features of this early edifice.

Not to be missed is St. Luke AME Church. Eufaula's Baptist congregation built the church in the 1840's, but ownership of the building was taken over by the AME Church in 1877.

Probably the most well-known home in all of Eufaula is Shorter Mansion. This Greek Revival beauty is listed on the National Trust for Historic Preservation and is the headquarters for the Eufaula Heritage Association. The home was built in 1906 by Eli and Wylena Shorter.

Shorter Mansion will also host the Candlelight Tasting, a popular prelude to Friday and Saturday's Candlelight Home Tours. Attendees can enjoy sampling fine foods while listening to chamber music. Advance reservations are an absolute must for this 6-7pm event and the charge is $10. A package is available for $18 that includes both the Tasting and the Candlelight Home Tour.

The Candlelight Tour takes you through three of the area's finest homes: Roberts-Archibald, Pugh-Wilkinson, and Russell-Jarrett House. Tickets for this tour are $11.

If bed and breakfasts delight you, Kendall Manor is one to put at the top of your list. The home is an exquisite example of the Italianate style with remarkable interior and exterior detail. The home was built in the 1860's by James T. Kendall.

Not only is Kendall Manor a wonderful place to stay during your visit to Eufaula, it also adds the occasional excitement of a special murder mystery weekend. During these special events guests can participate in solving an interactive who-dunnit while being treated to a luxurious time of relaxation in posh first-class facilities. For reservations or information, contact Barbara Lubsen at (334) 687-8847.

Another highlight of the Pilgrimage is the Antique Show. Touted as one of the most prestigious in the Southeast, the show will bring together the finest in antiques and collectibles from a number of notable dealers. Admission for this event is $3.

Tales from the Tomb is the title for the tour of Fairview Cemetery's residents. A professional guide will share the tales of many of Eufaula's early settlers' lives. $2 per person is the charge for this tour.

If you're working within a tight budget, don't worry about missing out. Even though there is a charge for touring the homes, you can always drive yourself around the town and see a lot of what will be on the tour-at least from the outside. And if you enjoy needlework, Southern Bank of Commerce on East Broad Street will be displaying local work from the past and the present. Best of all, admission is free.

The Pilgrimage Art Show is another free event. This outdoor display will be held on Saturday and Sunday on North Randolph Avenue and will include the works of artists from all over the Southeast.

Several money-saving packages are available. Individual home tours are $4 each, but for $35 you can purchase a special package that gives you admission to 9 homes plus the Antique Show. A $40 package deal includes a 9-home tour plus the Candlelight Tour and Antique Show admission.

For reservations or information about any of the above events call 1-888-EUFAULA (383-2852).

On Friday, April 9th and Saturday, April 10th, Daily Tours are from 9am to 5pm. Candlelight Tours are Friday and Saturday 7-9pm. Sunday's Tours are 1-5pm, and Tales from the Tomb runs 7-8 pm.

Other things to see and do in the area: Tom Mann's Fish World, Hwy. 431 N.; Vietnam Memorial, across from Shorter Mansion; Whiskey Bottle Tombstone, Clayton Cemetery (featured in Ripley's Believe It or Not); and the Eufaula National Wildlife Refuge, Hwy. 165 N. 

Where to stay: Kendall Manor, 534 West Broad St. (334) 687-8847; Lakepoint Resort State Park (334) 687-8011; Comfort Inn Suites, Hwy. 431 S. (800) 221-2222; Jameson Inn, Hwy. 431 S. (800) 541-3268.