Coach Lawrence Huggins from R. B. Hudson High School (Volunteer #1)
Huggins was 29 years old at the time of Bloody Sunday.
Architectural Drawings; Watercolors; Houses; Dwellings; Brickwork; Doors & Doorways; Windows; Shutters; Porches; Columns; Balconies; Hand Railings; Ironwork; Roofs; Chimneys; Moldings; Women; Trees; Landscapes (Representations); Tuskegee, AL; Macon County, AL
This image is a watercolor painting of the Cobb House in Tuskegee, Alabama done by Tom Brown Kirkland sometime between 1917 and 1942. The year the house was built in is unknown. The painting shows the front exterior of the house with its doors, windows, shutters, two story columned porch, steps, balcony, iron hand railing, brick walls, sloped roof, and two chimneys surrounded by trees and landscaping. There is a woman in period dress at the foot of the steps. The house is placed within framing art showing its architectural features including the molding under the roof and around the doors, the columns, the bricks, the iron railing from the balcony, various scales, and a floor plan of the porch. In the lower right corner, there is an Alabama Polytechnic Institute School of Architecture stamp. Above the stamp there is a stamped red star with a handwritten inscription "2nd Medal." At the top of the painting is the phrase: "Measured and drawn by Tom Brown Kirkland." The painting is in good condition, with four small spots of discoloration in the lower left corner, and is encapsulated.
Kirkland, Tom Brown (rendering) ; Daniels, James (house)
Auburn University Libraries. Special Collections and Archives Dept. Architecture, School of -- Architectural Renderings Student Projects
This image is the property of the Auburn University Libraries and is intended for non-commercial use. Users of the image are asked to acknowledge the Auburn University Libraries. For information about obtaining high-resolution copies of this and other images in this collection, please contact the Auburn University Libraries Special Collections & Archives Department at archive@auburn.edu or (334) 844-1732.
Library of Congress (Historic American Buildings Survey): http://www.loc.gov/item/al0329/
Tuskegee -- Macon County -- Alabama ; 504 East Main Street, Tuskegee, Macon County, AL (Southwest corner of Main and Yancy Streets)
Coca-Cola Bottling Plant/Pratt Bottling Company
In 1907, two men named Russell and Arthur Pratt of Huntsville, Alabama moved a Coca-Cola bottling facility from Sheffield to downtown Florence. The Pratt Bottling Company bottled Coca-Cola in addition to creating and manufacturing their own soft drinks and ice cream flavors. Two years later in 1909, Russell Pratt became the main distributor for Coca-Cola on the West Coast; meanwhile, Arthur Pratt left Florence to pursue Coca-Cola distribution in Newark, New Jersey and New York City, New York. Julia Pratt and manager Burt Snyder took over the operations at the Pratt Bottling Company until 1940 when the Pratt Bottling Company was sold to Walter Matthews Sr. in 1940. Eventually, the Coca-Cola bottling operations moved from downtown Florence to the Florence Industrial Park. Comcast Cable owns the old Pratt Bottling Company building located off of Court Street today.
Matthew C. Fesmire, University of North Alabama
Text Source: Barske, Carolyn. "Images of America: Florence." Charleston: Arcadia Publishing, 2014. Picture Source: UNA Archives & Special Collection. William L. McDonald Collection. “Coca-Cola Bottling Plant/Pratt Bottling Company.” Florence, Alabama. Box 12: Florence Industry, 12-56.
Early Twentieth-Mid to Late Twentieth Century
Cemeteries; Florence, AL; Lauderdale County, AL
To reach Cody Cemetery from Florence take to Highway 20 County Road 8, take a right. The cemetery is located on the left side of the road a mile after the turn. The cemetery is located in a wooded area 50 feet off the road and is fenced. The cemetery has a total of seven recorded burials.
Dylan Tucker, University of North Alabama
"Cody Cemetery." http://www.interment.net/data/us/al/lauderdale/cody/index.htm. Accessed August 24, 2015.
From downtown Florence take Cloverdale Road (State Highway 157), go for about 2 miles, turn left about 50 yards after crossing Cox Creek. A historical marker can be seen here (about General John Coffee and the War of 1812) at the entrance to the property. Continue on Cloverdale Rd. until you pass a CVS Pharmacy. Take a left at the first red light and the cemetery will be on the left. The cemetery is enclosed by a brick wall about 4 feet high and is about 100 feet by 100 feet in area. As far as can be determined, there are 64 graves inside of the wall, 20 of these are of the marble vault type tombs, 4 are of marble slab type, 8 are marble vertical or perpendicular type, and 6 are stones with no engravings at all. Maintenance of the cemetery has increased (Florence Historical Board) and the trees have been cleared so it is now easily accessible. The cemetery is located next to recently constructed Walmart. General John Coffee lies among his family and close friends in this cemetery. The high brick wall that encloses the cemetery was constructed in 1924 to protect the site. On the marble stone above Coffee's grace are these words prepared by his friend, President Andrew Jackson: “Sacred to the Memory of General John Coffee who departed this life on the 7th day of July, 1833, age sixty-one years. As a husband, parent, and friend, he was affectionate, tender, and sincere. He was a brave, prompt, and skillful general, a disinterested and sagacious patriot, an unpretending and honest man. To complete his character, religion mingled with these virtues her serene and holy influence gave him that solid distinction among his fellow men which detraction cannot sully nor the grave conceal. Death could do no more than removed so excellent a being from the theatre he so much adorned in this world, to the bosom of the God who created him and who alone has the power to reward the immortal spirit with exhaustless bliss.” There are also over 130 slave burials outside of the walled cemetery. The Florence Historical Board has identified these with simple stone markers. A full description of the graves can be seen here: http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~allauder/cem-coffee-John.htm
Hill, William Q. "Coffee Cemetery." Rootsweb. March 22, 1969. http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~allauder/cem-coffee-John.htm. Accessed April 12, 2015. McDonald, William L. "A Walk Through the Past: People and Places of Florence and Lauderdale County, Alabama." Bluewater Publishing, 2003. 408.
Coffee High School opened in 1916, becoming the first public high school in Florence. The building cost $96,000, a very large amount for the early 1900's. The school was named Coffee High School after Mrs. A.D. Coffee, the daughter-in-law of General Coffee, donated the land the school was built on. The first graduating class consisted of 11 students. Coffee High School was moved from its original building in 1951 to new buildings on Hermitage. The school then was merged with Bradshaw high school in 2004 to form Florence High School.
Claire Eagle, University of North Alabama
Elizabeth Womack McDonald. History of the Florence City schools, 1820-1967, 1900. UNA Library Catalog, EBSCOhost (accessed April 29, 2015).
Colbert County, Alabama; African American History; Fairs; Colbert County Colored Fair
As far back as 1912 there is a record of a fair for African Americans taking place in Colbert County. The fair took place at a location called the Fair Grounds. The fair was popular, with a large turnout for the event. The event officially began on a Wednesday in October of 1912. The festival opened with a street parade that included a band and was followed by kids from the local schools. There were also several exhibits, talks, and displays during the course of the fair. The fair closed on Saturday night ending four days of fair activities. The fair, according to the newspaper the Alabama Dispatch was the only fair for African Americans to take place in the state. The paper also notes that by the end of the fair thousands of African Americans had attended this event. All signs point to this fair generating a large amount of interest in the African-American community.
"Colored Fair in Progress Large Crowds In Attendance And Great Interest Being Manifested." Alabama Dispatch, October 17, 1912.
Courthouses; Tuscumbia, Alabama, Colbert County, Alabama
Colbert County was established in 1867, fourteen years before the courthouse was built. Commissioners met at a local hotel called The Horn House while the probate judge’s office was located on the second floor of a brick building on Main Street in Tuscumbia. On March 7, 1870, an election took place to decide if Cherokee or Tuscumbia would be the permanent county seat. Tuscumbia would go on to win by a vote of 1367 to 794. On December 13, 1880, the county spent $2,000 and bought four lots in downtown Tuscumbia from Colonel J.F. Deshler. These lots would soon provide the location of the Colbert County Courthouse. Construction of the courthouse began on August 22, 1881. The architect chosen was a man named Mr. Edward Laurent of Nashville. Mr. William Dowling of Chattanooga was awarded the contract for the construction of the courthouse. Mr. Hornung was chosen to be the contractor for the laying the stone foundation. In the northern part of town, workers were expected to produce about 500,000 bricks for building material. This two-storied Italianate styled structure was finished by May of 1882 for a cost of $14,750. The building served the county well until a fire gutted the structure on May 14, 1908. With most of the brick walling undamaged, the county created a “special courthouse tax” to fund the reconstruction. This new Neo-Classical Revival styled courthouse was completed in 1909. Since then, a north wing has been added in 1948. Also, a $2,000,000 architecturally compatible west wing was built in 1975.
John Grissom, University of North Alabama
Gamble, Robert. "Colbert County Courthouse Square Historic District." In Historic Muscle Shoals: Buildings and Sites., 43-44. Vol. 10. Florence, Ala.: Tennessee Valley Historical Society, 1983. Graves, Arthur D. Tuscumbia: America's First Frontier Railroad Town. Tuscumbia, Ala.: Tuscumbia Main Street Project [and] Preservation Incentive Project, 1989. 23-24.
Colbert County Courthouse Square Historic District
Colbert County, Alabama; Tuscumbia, Alabama; Colbert County Courthouse Square Historic District; Architecture; National Register of Historic Places
The 22 buildings which comprise Tuscumbia's Colbert County Courthouse Square Historic District reflect a broad range of architectural styles, including Victorian, Gothic, and Greek Revival. The most distinctive architectural example is the courthouse itself, a Greek Revival structure designed by Nashville architect Edward Laurent, and built by William Dowling of Chattanooga in 1881. The seven buildings known collectively as Commercial Row date from the 1840s, and have been utilized by a wide variety of businesses over the years. One notable example was the North Alabamian newspaper, published by Captain A.H. Keller, father of Helen Keller, from an office on the corner of Main and Fifth Streets. In addition to the courthouse and seven commercial buildings, the Courthouse Square district encompasses four churches, eight historic homes, Spring Park and the Tuscumbia Railroad Depot. The district was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973.
Brian Corrigan, University of North Alabama
National Register of Historic Places, Colbert County Courthouse Square Historic District, Tuscumbia, Colbert County, Alabama, National Register #73000338. "Colbert County Courthouse Square Historic District," Wikimedia Commons, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Colbert_County_Courthouse_Square_Historic_District (accessed November 9, 2015).
Colbert County High School; Colbert County School System; Leighton, Alabama; Colbert County, Alabama; High School; School; Education
The history of Colbert County High School dates back to the year 1910. The school is located in the historic town of Leighton, Alabama, which is located in eastern Colbert County at the intersection of U.S. Highway 72 and Colbert County Highway 48. In 1907 the State Legislature provided for one high school in each county of the state. Various communities competed with each other in a lively fashion, but the Leighton community was selected in preference to both Cherokee and Tuscumbia when an offer was made to put up a $12,000 building. The High School was opened in 1910.
Thomas Hale, University of North Alabama
“About the School: The History of Colbert County High School”, Accessed on November 29, 2015, http://www.colbertindians.org/?PageName=‘AboutTheSchool’ ; Article from “1976—The Bi-Centennial Year in Pictures Taken at CCHS”.
Colbert County Reporter / Standard & Times
Historic Newspapers; Historic Businesses; Commercial Row,;Tuscumbia; Colbert County, Alabama; Standard and Times; Colbert County Reporter; Tuscumbia Historic District
The Standard & Times was founded in 1829. The building still stands at 106 W 5th Street as part of the original seven buildings that comprised the historic Commercial Row where it continues to serve as a newspaper office for the Colbert County Reporter. The original printing press of the Standard and Times still sits in the back of the Colbert County Reporter, along with other vintage printing equipment (see photos).
Jacob Grandstaff, University of North Alabama
Rose Trail is a RV and campground located on Pickwick lake and reservoir. Pickwick Reservoir is a lake created by the Pickwick Dam in Tennessee. Construction began in 1934. The lake is under the jurisdiction of the TVA. It extends for 53 miles from Tennessee to the Alabama- Mississippi border. The dam, and resulting lake were completed in 1938. The dam is 113 feet high. It still produces hydroelectricity with six large generators within the dam. The mean elevation of the lake water is 408 feet. The dam also has two locks. The area's lake is a popular spot for many different activities. Fishing is a popular sport in the lake, particularly for bass and catfish. Boating and water skiing are allowed on the lake. There are piers and boat ramps in the park for campers, as well as bathrooms and showers. The park is only open from March-September.
Carrie Keener, University of North Alabama
Langley, John. 2015. 'RV Parks And Campgrounds'. Colbertcountytourism.Org. http://www.colbertcountytourism.org/index.php/2012-11-08-15-09-04/rv-parks-campgrounds.
Colbert County, Colbert Ferry; National Park Service; Bicycle; Campground
This campground and park is located on the site of where George Colbert once operated a ferry for crossing the Tennessee River. He also operated a small inn for the travelers on the Natchez Trace. George Colbert supposedly took Andrew Jackson's Tennessee Army across the river for $75,000 during the War of 1812. George Colbert helped the US negotiate with the areas Indians, as he was half Choctaw. This is a bicycle only campground. It provides picnic tables, grills, and fire rings for campers. There is only a small white building in the space of the campground. Bluffs are nearby for viewing the river. The campground can be difficult to find and is located at milepost 327.3.
"Colbert Ferry - Natchez Trace | NatchezTraceTravel.com." Colbert Ferry - Natchez Trace | NatchezTraceTravel.com. Accessed December 1, 2015. http://www.natcheztracetravel.com/natchez-trace-alabama/florence-tennessee-river/124-colbert-ferry.html. Nps.gov,. 2015. 'Colbert Ferry Bicycle-Only Campground - Natchez Trace Parkway (U.S. National Park Service)'. http://www.nps.gov/natr/colbert-ferry-bicycle-only-campground.htm.
Colbert Heights Elementary School; Colbert County School System; Tuscumbia, Alabama; Colbert County, Alabama; Elementary School; School; Education
In December of 1938 the small school of Melrose, at the foot of Colbert Mountain, burned. Interim classes were held at Colbert Heights Baptist Church while the new school located at the present site of Colbert Heights High School was built. The name was changed to Colbert Heights upon completion of the new facility. Beginning in 1964 a grade was added yearly until the school contained grades one through twelve. In 1980 a kindergarten was added. The Colbert County Board of Education began building a separate elementary school at the present location on Sunset Drive in 1983. The school began serving grades K-6 in the fall of 1984. A gymnasium was build in 1987. Eight new classrooms were added in 1994 to accommodate students and faculty from the closing of Littleville School.
“About the School: School History”, Accessed on November 26, 2015, http://ches.colbert.k12.al.us/?PageName=‘AboutTheSchool’
Colbert Heights High School; Colbert County School System; Tuscumbia, Alabama; Colbert County, Alabama; High School; School; Education
In December of 1938 the small school of Melrose at the foot of Colbert Mountain burned. Interim classes were held at Colbert Heights Baptist Church until construction was complete at the present site of Colbert Heights High School. The name was changed from Melrose to Colbert Heights upon completion of the new facility. Beginning in 1964, a grade was added yearly until the school contained grades one through twelve with the first class of seniors graduating in 1967. Through the years, Colbert Heights High School has had a number of changes and additions. In 1974, a new gym was constructed. To accommodate continued growth, more classrooms were added to the existing school in 1978. Colbert Heights High School served as a kindergarten through twelfth grade school until 1984. A separate elementary school was built during this time allowing for the growth of the junior high and high school grades. In 1995, the school went through a transformation with the addition of a junior high annex and the demolition of the old sandstone building which was replaced with the construction of new offices and classrooms.
“About the School: School History”, Accessed on November 26, 2015, chhs.colbert.k12.al.us/?PageName=‘AboutTheSchool’
Colbert County, Alabama; Native American History; Ferry; George Colbert
Colbert’s Ferry was a ferry service and an inn run by George Colbert. In 1801, the United States government managed to secure the right to build roads on the Natchez Trace. However, Colbert managed to secure all ferry routes over the rivers for the Chickasaw nation. This meant that only the Chickasaw nation was allowed to operate any ferries on the Trace. The cost of using Colbert’s Ferry was only a dollar for both a man and his horse. However, Colbert was noted to have complained that many of his customers were too poor to afford the service.
Colbert County Heritage Book Committee (Colbert County, Ala.). 1999. The Heritage of Colbert County, Alabama. Clanton, AL: Heritage Pub. Consultants. 43
Colbert County, Alabama; Native American History; Native American house
George Colbert’s House was built on the Natchez Trace along the Tennessee River near the ferry he owned and operated. This house was one of the first buildings in the area to have a clear record of its completion. Historians have placed the completion of the home between 1801 and 1806. The home was a different from many of the settler’s homes during this time period. Most homes that were constructed by settlers were built from log in a dogtrot style. Colbert’s home was instead a frame building. The house also had several chimneys along with two rooms. The house itself could be compared to the home of a wealthy, white southerner at the time.
Historic Businesses; Seed Store; Tuscumbia; Colbert County, Alabama
According to the current owner of Coldwater Seed and Supply, it is one of the oldest, continually-operating seed stores in Alabama. It was founded in 1930.
Tuscumbia; Colbert County; Alabama; Andrew Jackson; Old Jackson Highway; Stagecoach Stop
The Coldwater Stagecoach Stop is located 302 South Dickson St. in Tuscumbia. It was built as early as 1815 as a small log cabin. It served as a stagecoach stop on the Jackson Military Road and is believed to be one of several cabins operated as a hotel by Michael Dickson, the first white settler to Tuscumbia.
“Natchez Trace Parkway,” Accessed November 17, 2015, http://www.scenictrace.com/coldwater-stagecoach-stop/
Architectural drawings; Watercolors; Houses; Dwellings; Doors & doorways; Windows; Shutters; Porches; Columns; Balconies; Hand railings; Woodwork; Roofs; Chimneys; Moldings; Women; Trees; Landscapes (Representations)
This image is a watercolor painting of the Cole Home in Macon, Georgia (probably the Jerry Cowles House) done by Harry A. MacEwan sometime between 1917 and 1942. The year the house was built in is unknown. The painting shows the front exterior of the house with its doors, windows, shutters, columned porch, steps, balcony, wooden hand railing, sloped roof, and two chimneys surrounded by trees and landscaping. There is a woman in period dress at the base of the steps. The house is placed within framing art showing its architectural features including the molding under the roof, the columns, the wooden railing from the balcony, a side view of the house, and a floor plan. In the lower right corner, there is an Alabama Polytechnic Institute School of Architecture stamp with the handwritten inscription "2nd Medal", a red star, and an artist block which reads: "Measured drawing, Harry A. MacEwan, Alabama Poly. Inst., Auburn, Ala." The painting is in good condition with a minor piece missing from the upper right corner and is encapsulated.
MacEwan, Harry A. (rendering) ; Alexander, Elam (house)
Library of Congress (Historic American Buildings Survey): http://www.loc.gov/item/ga0035/
Macon -- Bibb County -- Georgia ; 4596 Rivoli Drive (moved from 519 Walnut Street (corner of Walnut Street and Vine Street) after WWII), Macon, Bibb County, GA
College Men Are Putting More Spirit In Wrestling Game
Historic Markers: Florence, AL; Lauderdale County, AL
This historic marker is located at the intersection of Lelia Avenue and Willingham Road, Florence, Alabama. The text on the marker reads: "The land on which this district rests was part of the 1818 sale by the Cypress Land Company which established the City of Florence. During The Civil War Confederate soldiers constructed breastworks here for the defense of Florence. House construction began in 1907 and thirty~three were built before 1929. This lovely neighborhood contains fine examples of Prairie Mission, and English Tudor architecture but the Bungalow style dominates. A tour of the district reveals the excellent condition of the homes, the tree-lined streets and the comfortable life available here. The neighborhood was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1995."
“College Place Historic District Marker”. Accessed 09/28/2015. http://www.lat34north.com/historicmarkersal/
Collier Library was built by the Works Project Administration and opened to students in 1930. It was built in the Gothic Revival architectural style, like many of the WPA buildings on the University of North Alabama campus. In 1963, an expansion doubled the size of the original library and in 1982, another expansion again doubled the square footage of the library.
Ashley Pentecost, University of North Alabama
"Collier Memorial Library." Department of History & Political Science. Accessed April 15, 2015.
Collier Special Collections -- University of North Alabama
Libraries; resources: Florence, Alabama; Lauderdale County; Collier Library; University of North Alabama; Rosenbaum Family Papers
The Special Collections and Archives at Collier Library at the University of North Alabama include many locally published manuscripts about the establishment of the cities of Florence, Tuscumbia, Sheffield, and Muscle Shoals. The Rosenbaum Family papers are housed in the archives and offer insights into the ways in which local Jewish business leaders guided the area toward calmer race relations. The archives also house the William Lindsey McDonald Collection of papers which offer additional context for local history. The Sadie Schrader collection of photographs is housed at the archives. She was a member of Temple B'Nai Israel.
Pam Kingsbury, University of North Alabama
10th Alabama Infantry; Civil War; Colonel Richard Oric Pickett; Tidewater Architecture; Florence, AL; Lauderdale County, AL
Colonel Pickett Place, Home of Richard Oric Pickett a Colonel of the 10th Alabama Infantry under the “Defender of North Alabama” Confederate General Philip Roddey. The house is a “double-pile cottage” and rare example of Tidewater architecture in Alabama. The style originated on the southern coast during the colonial period. The house was built in 1833 by Thomas Crowe for his new bride, Elizabeth Hooks, as a wedding present. Richard Oric Pickett’s father, from a Virginia planter family, had moved to Limestone County Alabama in 1829 when Richard was six years old. Richard moved to Florence to begin his study of law in the office of James Irvine. He married Fannie Boggs a sister of Irvine and cousin to Union General Ulysses Grant. The couple moved into what is now known as Pickett Place. Pickett began his own law practice in Moulton. After the outbreak of the Civil War, Pickett organized a group of volunteers for the Confederate army as Company H of the 35th Alabama Infantry. He led the company in the Battles of Baton Rouge and Champion Hill. Pickett was given command of the 10th Alabama Infantry and promoted to Colonel in November 1863.
Michael Williams, University of North Alabama
McDonald, William Lindsey. 2003. Civil War tales of the Tennessee Valley. n.p.: Killen, Ala. : Heart of Dixie Pub. (1812 CR 111, Killen, Ala., 35645), [2003], 2003. UNA Library Catalog, EBSCOhost (accessed April 30, 2015). City of Florence, Alabama. n.d. "Historical Markers." Florenceal.org. Accessed April 17, 2015. http://florenceal.org/At_a_Glance/Historical_Markers/index.html.
Photo from following websites: http://florenceal.org/At_a_Glance/Historical_Markers/index.html Photo from following websites: http://www.lat34north.com/historicmarkersal/MarkerDetail.cfm?KeyID=39-040&MarkerTitle=Colonel%20Pickett%20Place%201833%20
Historic Markers; Florence, AL; Lauderdale County, AL
This historic marker is located at the intersection of Hermitage Drive and North Court Street, Florence, Alabama. The text on the marker reads: "This "double-pile cottage" is a rare Alabama example of Tidewater architecture that originated along the Southern seaboard during the colonial period. This house was built in 1833 by Thomas J. Crowe, proprietor of the early National hotel in Florence, as a wedding gift for his bride, Elizabeth Hooks of Tennessee. It later became the home or Richard Oric Pickett, who arrived in 1843 to become one of the town's leading attorneys. Pickett was Colonel of the 10th Alabama Infantry under General Philip Roddey, called "Defender of North Alabama" during the Civil War."
“Colonel Pickett Place 1833 Marker”. Accessed 09/28/2015. http://www.lat34north.com/historicmarkersal/
The Columbiana City Cemetery represents over 200 years of history in the Shelby County area. Many recognized names are interred in this old cemetery and deserve to be remembered. In 2006 Eagle Scout Robert Justice took on the major task of logging all of the names in the cemetery and then publishing that list on the Shelby County Historical Society website. In 2011 The Columbiana Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints undertook an extensive refurbishment of the cemetery. Thereafter, using Robert Justice’s compilation of names, they created a grid system map to locate all names interred here. They also went completely through the grounds looking for and finding additional graves that had either been lost in the landscaping or added since Robert’s work. Located in Columbiana, Alabama on both sides of Shelby County Highway 47 South. Rootsweb Census of Columbiana Cemetery Columbiana Cemetery listings on Findagrave.com
Liz Clayton, Shelby County Historical Society
Shelby County Tax Records 2015 Parcel #21 7 26 4 001 001.000
Commercial Building (Fant’s Department Store Extension)
Department Store; Marshall County; Commerce; Guntersville, Alabama
The original building was constructed circa 1935. It was altered in 1970 by the addition of four aluminum windows to the second story. It has two stories and is in the Early 20th Century Commercial style. It sits on a brick foundation and has walls made of brick. It has a flat roof. It became an extension to Fant’s Department Store circa 1942, along with the building next to it. It is located at 355 Center Gunter Avenue, Guntersville, Alabama.
Sanborn Insurance Maps, 1930, 1948; aerial photos 1957 and 1962
Commercial Building (Fant’s Department Store)
This commercial building was built circa 1915. It is a one-story Folk Victorian style building with a flat roof. The building is constructed with brick and masonry. The building has a recessed entrance with the storefront covered in corrugated metal, added when updated in 1965. Has a metal awning across the entire front. Has a brick foundation. It is located at 355 center Gunter Avenue Guntersville, Alabama.
Community Freewill Baptist Church Cemetery
The Community Freewill Baptist Church Cemetery can be reached from Florence, Alabama. Travel north on Highway 17 towards Tennessee. Turn left onto County Road 24. The cemetery will be located on the right side of the church. A full list of cemetery records is located in the source.
"Community Freewill Baptist Church Cemetery." http://www.interment.net/data/us/al/lauderdale/cody/index.htm. Accessed September 2, 2015.
Located in Bleeker along County Road 179. Coordinates: 32.5945811, -85.1732725
Confederate Brigadier General Sterling Wood from Florence
Brigadier General Sterling Wood; Florence, AL; Lauderdale County, AL; Civil War; Confederacy
Sterling Wood was a Brigadier General for the Confederate Army from Lauderdale County. Wood passed the bar to become a practicing lawyer in 1845 and joined his brother’s practice in Florence, Alabama. Wood was elected to represent Lauderdale County in the Alabama House of Representatives in 1857. He was chosen to serve as district solicitor in that session. After Alabama succeeded in 1861, Wood joined the Confederate Army as a captain in the 7th Alabama and was elected its Colonel. Wood was promoted to Brigadier General on January 7, 1862. General Wood was engaged in many of the pivotal battles in the Western Theater of the Civil War. His brigade fought under General Johnston at Shiloh as part of Hardee’s corps. His command participated in the Kentucky campaign of General Bragg. In that campaign he was recognized for valor at Perryville, where he was severely wounded. His command was again active in the Murfreesboro campaign. The last battle for Wood was Chickamauga after which he resigned his commission. After the war he resumed practice as a lawyer in Tuscaloosa.
Derry, Joseph Tyrone. 1895. Story of the Confederate States; or, History of the war for southern independence embracing a brief but comprehensive sketch of the early settlement of the country, trouble with the Indians, the French, revolutionary and Mexican wars. n.p.: Richmond, Va. : B.F. Johnson publishing company, 1895., 1895. UNA Library Catalog, EBSCOhost (accessed May 1, 2015). Evans, Clement A. 1962. Confederate military history; a library of Confederate States history, in twelve volumes. n.p.: New York : Thomas Yoseloff, [1962], 1962. UNA Library Catalog, EBSCOhost (accessed April 30, 2015).
Photo from following websites: http://www.google.com/search?q=Brigadier+General+Sterling+Wood+from+Florence&safe=active&rlz=1C1EODB_enUS572US572&es_sm=93&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=u5hHVYHvB4SXgwTKoYGYCw&ved=0CAgQ_AUoAg&biw=1150&bih=666&dpr=0.9&surl=1#safe=active&tbm=isch&q=Florence+alabama+wesleyan+hall&imgrc=GK5UMAdfhCjO6M%253A%3BmnyYYoTTC2SMqM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fcdn.stateuniversity.com%252Fassets%252Flogos%252Fimages%252F581%252Flarge_Wesleyan_hall.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.stateuniversity.com%252Funiversities%252FAL%252FUniversity_of_North_Alabama.html%3B500%3B375 Photo from following websites: http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=11114
Montgomery County, Montgomery, Monument, American Civil War, Confederacy, Alabama Soldiers, Historical Monumental Association of Alabama, Jefferson Davis, Governor Robert Bentley
In 1865, the Historical Monumental Association of Alabama (HMAA) decided to request $5000 from the Alabama state legislature in order to build a marble monument dedicated to the 122,000 Alabamians who fought for the Confederacy during the American Civil War. Original efforts were delayed by appeals from Virginia in order to help protect the remains of Alabama soldiers who lay in shallow graves at the sites. Montgomery postponed the project in order to care for soldier’s graves on battlefields. Fundraising for the project began in 1865 and was mainly headed by the Ladies Memorial Association. This organization raised $47,000 though several efforts in order to build the monument. On April 29, 1886, former Confederate President Jefferson Davis laid the cornerstone. The dedication ceremony was on December 7, 1898 with the grand unveiling. On June 24, 2015, Governor Robert Bentley order the removal of four Confederate flags after a national controversy over displaying the flag in public places.
The statue of a Confederate Soldier stands in front of the Lauderdale County Courthouse on Court Street. It was placed in its current location in 1902 when the new courthouse was finished.
Confederate Steam Boats Captured in Waterloo
Confederate Steamboats; Waterloo, AL; Civil War; Lauderdale County, AL; Tennessee River; Commander Andrew H. Foote; Fort Henry
After the fall of Fort Henry at the mouth of the Tennessee River, the USS Contestoga, Tyler, and Lexington steamed up the river on February 6, in pursuit of Confederate steamers. The Union forces under the command of Commander Andrew H. Foote captured to confederate supply steamers at Waterloo Landing. The cargo steamers Sallie Wood and Muscle were taken as prize vessels. The Muscle was carrying a load of iron in route to the Tredgar Iron Works in Richmond.
Tucker, Spencer C. 2009. "Myron J. Smith, Jr. The Timberclads in the Civil War: The Lexington, Conestoga and Tyler on the Western Waters. Jefferson, NC: McFarland." North & South: The Official Magazine Of The Civil War Society 11, no. 4: 79. America: History and Life with Full Text, EBSCOhost (accessed April 30, 2015).
Photo from following websites: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:USS_Conestoga_h55321.jpg#/media/File:USS_Conestoga_h55321.jpg
Museums; Attractions; Decatur, AL; Morgan County, AL
Cook's Natural Science Museum is located on 412 13th St. SE in Decatur, AL. This museum contains a vast amount of exhibits on animals, insects, rocks and other natural items in the Tennessee Valley. The museum is open Monday-Saturday 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. It is opened on Sunday 2:00 p.m-5:00 p.m. For more information, visit their website: http://www.cookmuseum.org/
“Cook's Natural Science Museum.” Accessed July 9, 2015. http://msnha.una.edu/plan-a-visit
Coon Dog Labor Day Celebration; Labor Day; Coon Dog Cemetery; Cherokee, Alabama; Colbert County, Alabama; Festival
The Coon Dog Labor Day Celebration is held at the world’s only Coon Dog Cemetery. Enjoy “old time” bluegrass music, buck dancing, barbecue, and a liar’s contest. Held annually on Labor Day. Admission is free. The Coon Dog Cemetery is on Coondog Cemetery Rd., in Cherokee, Alabama.
“Labor Day Events”, Accessed on November 29, 2015, http://www.colbertcountytourism.org/index.php/2012-11-08-15-07-00/annual-events
Colbert County, Alabama; Cherokee, Alabama; Coon Dog Memorial Cemetery; Cemeteries
On September 4, 1937, Tuscumbia merchant Key Underwood buried his trusty coon dog Old Troop in a part of the Freedom Hills Wildlife Management area known then as Sugar Camp. In the years that followed, other coon dog owners began to follow Underwood's example, and Coon Dog Memorial Cemetery was born. In addition to nearly 200 grave markers, the cemetery boasts a striking stone monument depicting two coon dogs as they tree unseen prey. Today, the cemetery is a top local tourist attraction in the Cherokee area, with its annual Labor Day festivities drawing a particularly large crowd. To reach the Coon Dog Memorial Cemetery from Tuscumbia, head west on Highway 72 towards Memphis. After 8.5 miles, turn left onto AL-247 and head south. Follow this road for 13 miles until you see the signs for the cemetery on your left.
W.E. Rickard, "Coon Dog Cemetery," in The Heritage of Colbert County, Alabama (Clanton, AL: Heritage Publishing Consultants, 1999).
Morgan County, Cemeteries, Cooper Cemetery
From I-65 take Highway 55 west to Highway 31 North. Highway 55 turns right, follow Highway 31 for .25 miles. Highway 55 then turns left. Follow for 2.5 miles and turn left on Huckaby Bridge Road. Turn left and follow the road .5 miles. The road then curves to the left, but continue straight. Go .3 miles and the cemetery will be on the left. The cemetery is located 100 feet from the road and located on private property. The oldest grave in the cemetery belongs to Mary Kemp who was born in 1810.
"The USGenWeb Archives Project - Morgan County, Alabama: Cemetery Transcriptions." The USGenWeb Archives Project - Morgan County, Alabama: Cemetery Transcriptions. Accessed June 1, 2015.
In Red Bay, amidst five magnolia trees, sits a home in ruins. Between 1917 and 1919 Dr. Oscar Copeland had a Colonial style home with wide porches on the side constructed. The interior had 15 rooms, a long, wide, central corridor on both floors, and a stairway that extended from the front parlor to the second floor. Antique furnishings completed the interior. The home was one of the finest in Red Bay.
Boswell, Lurlie Wren. "Do You Recall." Outlaw Press, 1986.
Festivals; Hartselle,AL; Morgan County, AL
During the warm month of May, Downtown Hartselle holds a competitive BBQ cook-off so grillmasters can compete and show off their skills for the public. Antique and specialty shops will be open for visitors to browse.
“Cotton Pickin' BBQ Cook-off.” Accessed July 16, 2015. http://www.northalabama.org/
Located in Smiths Station along Lee Road 252. Coordinates: 32.64917, -85.23134
Museum; Attraction; Courtland, AL, Lawrence County, AL
The Courtland Heritage Museum is located on 252 College Street in downtown Courtland. The museum is housed within a building constructed in 1900. The structure used to house businesses and a service club. The museum today displays artifacts and memorabilia of Courtland's history. For more information please call: 256-637-2710
“Courtland Heritage Area.” Accessed July 9, 2015. http://msnha.una.edu/plan-a-visit
Historic Districts; Courtland, AL; Lawrence County, AL
Courtland Historic District is located in the center of Courtland, Alabama, in Lawrence County. The town was founded in 1818 and was established the following year. The citizens chose the site due to the close proximity to the Tennessee River to help with the transportation of cottons and other goods. The Lawrence County seat was originally going to be located in Courtland, but was moved to Decatur instead. The development of Courtland was hindered until residents received help from the Tuscumbia, Courtland and Decatur Railroad. Most of the earlier structures in the town were constructed of logs, and later replaced with frame and brick buildings. The oldest houses in the district include a few I-houses and the 1828 Federal-style John McMahon House. The town began to rise after the Civil War with the construction of the Presbyterian church. In 1887, the Southern Railway built a depot to replace the previous one; it was later converted to a library in 1980. In the 1920s, Bungalows and other modern homes were constructed in the district. The Courtland Historic District was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1991.
"National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. Accessed March, 27, 2015.
Courtview Headquarters of Confederate General Nathan Bedford Forrest
Courtview; Confederate General Nathan Bedford Forrest; Greek Revival Architecture; Sarah Independence McDonald; University of North Alabama; Florence, AL; Lauderdale County, AL
The Greek revival mansion built in 1855 by George Washington Foster required an act of the Alabama legislature to close Court Street. Foster’s daughter Sarah Independence McDonald and her family lived there until 1900, when it was purchased by Emmet O’Neal. Therefore, it had a commanding view of the town and river below. Confederate General Nathan Bedford Forrest chose this vantage for his headquarters while the Army of the Tennessee prepared for its ill-fated invasion of Tennessee. In 1922, Thomas M. Rogers bought the house and in 1948 the University of North Alabama acquired it.
Hannings, Bud. 2013. Every day of the Civil War : a chronological encyclopedia. n.p.: Boston, Massachusetts : Credo Reference, 2013., 2013. UNA Library Catalog, EBSCOhost (accessed April 30, 2015).
Photo from following websites: http://battleofselma.com/?page_id=1208 Photo from following websites: https://www.una.edu/history/Historic%20UNA/rogers-hall.html
This historic marker is located at the intersection of East Ervine Avenue and North Court Street, Florence, Alabama. The text on the marker reads: "George Washington Foster, planter, built this Greek Revival Mansion. An Act of the legislature was required to close Court Street, In fall of 1864 it was headquarters of Nathan B. Forrest, General, CSA. Foster's daughter, Sarah Independence McDonald and her family, lived here until 1900 when it became the home of Governor Emmet O'Neal. In 1922 it was acquired by Thomas M. Rogers Sr., and in 1948 by the University of North Alabama."
“Courtview, Rogers Hall 1855 Marker”. Accessed 09/28/2015. http://www.lat34north.com/historicmarkersal/
Cow Pen Factory; Civil War; Green Hill; Colonel Florence M. Cornyn; Lauderdale County, AL
The Cow Pen Factory was a water powered mill on Cow Pen Creek near Green Hill, Alabama. The factory had been founded in 1850. In 1860, the factory employed sixty-eight men and sixteen women and produced 117,600 yards of cloth. In the early years of the civil war, it produced uniforms for the Confederate Army. During Colonel Florence M. Cornyn’s raid on Lauderdale County in the spring of 1863, Union troops burned the factory along with several other industrial sites in the county. The factory was rebuilt after the war and operated until 1880.
McDonald, William Lindsey. A walk through the past : people and places of Florence and Lauderdale County, Alabama. n.p.: [Killen, Ala.] : Bluewater Pub., 2003., 2003. UNA Library Catalog, EBSCOhost (accessed April 30, 2015). McDonald, William Lindsey. 2003. Civil War tales of the Tennessee Valley. n.p.: Killen, Ala. : Heart of Dixie Pub. (1812 CR 111, Killen, Ala., 35645), [2003], 2003. UNA Library Catalog, EBSCOhost (accessed April 30, 2015). McDonald, William Lindsey. 2003. "Alabama Trails Business & Manfacturies." genealogytrails.com. Accessed April 10, 2015. http://genealogytrails.com/ala/lauderdale/businesspast.html.
Photo from following websites: http://civilwartalk.com/threads/corinth-ms-court-martial-and-murder-of-colonel-francis-cornyn-10th-missouri-cavalry.108468/
Limestone County, Athens, Schools, Cowart Elementary School
Cowart Elementary School was named as a show of respect for J. L. Cowart, a former Athens High School and principal of the school. Between 2010-2011 there were approximately 287 students attending the school. Their mission is Live to Learn and Love to Lead. The school address is 1701 West Hobbs St., Athens, Alabama.
Taylor, Betty Lindsay. "History of the Schools in Athens and Limestone County, Alabama."
Recreation; Athens, AL; Limestone County, AL
Located on the Tennessee River in Athens, the Cowford Campground offers well-groomed and shaded campsites that have RV hook-ups. The 48 campsites are pull-through and leveled with gravel. Cowford Landing offers visitors boating, fishing, and swimming with a sandy beach area. Cowford also has water, sewer, and a bathhouse/laundry room. The campsite is located on 8700 Cowford Road in Athens, Alabama.
"Cowford Campground." http://www.limestoneparks.com/. Accessed July 29, 2015.
Limestone County, Athens, Business, Craig Building Supply
Craig Building Supply began on February 1, 1978. James T. Craig was the owner. Craig had worked at a local lumber company in Limestone County for 19 years. He purchased Boyd & Boyd Building Materials from Carlos Boyd. Craig Building Supply began with only three employees, then steadily grew to 15 employees through the year. The company is now Persell Lumber, located on North Clinton Street in Athens, AL.
County, Ala. The Heritage of Limestone County, Alabama. Limited 1st ed. Clanton, AL: Heritage Pub. Consultants, 1998.