Colbert County, Alabama; Tuscumbia, Alabama; Trenholm High School; African-American History
Trenholm High School, which is located on Trenholm Memorial Drive, was the last African-American High School in Tuscumbia, Alabama before desegregation. The school, which opened in 1870 and closed in 1969, was subsequently torn down. A movement by the Trenholm Alumni Association and the Colbert County Historical Landmarks Foundation led to the placement of a historical marker on the last location of the school which was a center of culture in the African-American Community. The inscriptions on the brick walkway leading to the historical marker include memorials, descriptions of student activities, and commemorate the accomplishments of members of the student body after graduation. The Trenholm Reunion is held every Labor Day Weekend.
Pam Kingsbury, University of North Alabama
Limestone County, Alabama; Athens, Alabama; Trinity School; African-American Education
The Trinity School Cistern, which is located on Market Street near the railroad track in Athens, Alabama, is the last remnant of the Trinity School. Trinity School, which was in operation from 1865 to 1997, was a school for the children of slaves. Miss Mary Frances Wells who served as the school's principal and advocate was largely responsible for establishing the school on the old Richardson family property.
Helen Keller; Ivy Green; Tuscumbia; Colbert Count; Alabama; Historic Towns; Museums; Anne Sullivan
The Helen Keller Birthplace, known as Ivy Green is the original home and grounds of Helen Keller's family. The home was built in 1820. It is a modest, white clapboard, Southern style home of Virginia cottage construction. There are four large rooms on the first floor with three small rooms upstairs separated by a hall. The grounds include the cottage where Anne Sullivan lived with Helen, a kitchen, a nineteenth century log cabin, and the original water pump where Helen had her first breakthrough and signed the word water at age six. Helen Keller was born a normal child, but at the age of 19 months she became sick and was left blind and deaf. At the age of 6, Helen was taken to Dr. Alexander Graham Bell. Through Bell, Helen met Anne Sullivan, who had taught at the Perkins School for the Blind. After the breakthrough at the water pump, Helen learned rapidly. By the age of 10, Helen had mastered Braille, the manual alphabet, and had learned how to use a typewriter. By the age of 16 Helen could speak well enough to get herself into college. In 1904 she graduated from Radcliffe College with honors. In 1954, the house and grounds were turned into a museum and was placed on the National Register of Historical Places. Ivy Green is located at 300 North Commons Street in a quiet residential area just a few blocks from downtown Tuscumbia. Its hours of operation are Monday through Saturday, 8:300 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Jacob Grandstaff, University of North Alabama Abigayle Peterson, University of North Alabama
Colbert County, Alabama; Sheffield, Alabama; Montgomery Avenue, Sheffield, Alabama; Veteran's Memorials; Bird Sanctuaries
The residents of Montgomery Avenue and the citizens of Sheffield, Alabama have preserved several spaces for public use on the historic street. The Veteran's Park, which is maintained by the Veterans of Foreign Wars, is the home to several monuments to local residents who have died while serving their country. The park is also home to a bird sanctuary.
Colbert County, Alabama; Sheffield, Alabama; Wilson Dam; Nitrate Plants
Village One, located in Sheffield, Alabama, is a subdivision of stucco homes built around 1918. The village was designed in the shape of a handbell. At completion, the village had 112 houses, two schools, and one large apartment building. (Maud Lindsey was hired as the first kindergarten teacher at the school.) The houses were intended to serve as homes for the people who moved to the area to work on Wilson Dam and in the nitrate plants. Harold Caparn, who was from New York and who helped expand the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, was chosen as the architect for the project. Most of the houses are either craftsman or Mission style. When World War I ended and there was less need for the nitrate plants, the houses were unoccupied. Henry Ford wanted to purchase the village as part of his plan to develop the area. Some of the houses were occupied by Alabama Power Company employees and Tennessee Valley Authority employees in subsequent years. In 1949, the streets, playgrounds, and school were deeded to the city of Sheffield by the TVA and the houses were auctioned to the public.
Tennessee Valley Historical Society, newsletter, fall 2011.
Limestone County, Alabama; Athens, Alabama; Libraries
The Athens-Limestone Public Library solved two problems very creatively with their 2014 move to the old Kroger building at 603 South Jefferson Street. The old library (located near Julia Newman School) was approximately 10,000 square feet and the new building has almost 40,000 square feet.
Colbert County, Alabama; Sheffield, Alabama; Temple B'Nai Israel; Jewish Culture; Friendship Community Church
Friendship Community Church, an Evangelical Church, is located at 800 North Atlanta Avenue in Sheffield, Alabama. Friendship Community Church is housed in what was once the first Jewish Temple in the Shoals area. Sheffield was the home of what became Temple B'nai Israel from 1906 until 1953. The original building had no indoor plumbing and the toilet facilities were outhouses. The temple was remodeled and updated in the 1940s when the choir loft and indoor toilets were added.
Coleman, Edwin M., A History of Temple B'nai Israel Florence, Alabama, Centennial Celebration, 1906 - 2006.
Colbert County, Alabama; Muscle Shoals, Alabama; Henry Ford
Henry Ford, in 1921, wanted to buy the unfinished Wilson Dam and two nitrate plants in Muscle Shoals. The United States government was willing to sell both to a private company with the intention of producing nitrate fertilizer. Ford's dream was to develop North Alabama in the same way that he had developed Detroit, Michigan. The dream died but two streets in Muscle Shoals -- Ford and Edison -- are a reminder of Ford's desire to build a seventy mile city in North Alabama.
Swigger, Jessie. History is Bunk: Assembling the Past at Henry Ford's Greenfield Village. University of Massachusetts Press, Amherst, Massachusetts, 2014.
Photo courtesy of the Huntsville Times archives.
Colbert County, Alabama; Sheffield, Alabama; Montgomery Avenue, Sheffield, Alabama; Water Tower; Tennessee River
Montgomery Avenue, in Sheffield, Alabama, has maintained several spots along the street for the citizens of the area to enjoy the natural beauty of North Alabama. A water tower marks the end of the street and a small park with an overlook allows residents and visitors an unobstructed view of the Tennessee River and the city of Florence.
Sheffield, Alabama; Tennessee River; public spaces
Limestone County, Alabama; Athens, Alabama; Tom Arlin Dean House; Architecture
Tom Arlin Dean, an engineer who admired the Rosenbaum House in Florence very much, followed many of Frank Lloyd Wright's ideals in creating the house located at 509 Clinton Street in Athens, Alabama. The house, which is a neighbor to two of the registered historic places -- the Robert Donnell House at 601 Houston Street and the Walker-Kuykendal House at 309 Clinton Street -- was showcased in the Limestone Journal on May 23, 1989. The house features steel beams, solid brick masonry, and California heart of redwood construction. The total finished space is 2,555 square feet and the house features two levels.
Volin, Cynthia (interview), September 18th, 2015.
Colbert County, Alabama; Tuscumbia, Alabama; Harvey Robbins
Harvey Robbins who founded National Floor Products in Florence with his father, Stanley Robbins, in 1957, is credited with restoring downtown Tuscumbia, Alabama. Born in Dayton, Ohio, he and his family moved to the Shoals while he was still relatively young. He graduated from Deshler High School and attended the University of Florida and the University of North Alabama. In the late 1990s, after selling the family business, he focused his attention on development and projects for the city of Tuscumbia. Three of his favorite projects were giving Spring Park a makeover, renovating and reopening the Palace Ice Cream and Sandwich Shop (where he had "courted" his wife Joyce Ann McKinley when the building, located at Fifth and Main, still housed a drug store), and building Coldwater Books (101 West 6th Street, Tuscumbia) which features an indoor waterfall. His efforts to boost the city brought him national acclaim including an article in the New York Times and a spot on NBC's "Today Show."
Delinski, Bernie. Times Daily, Florence, Alabama, January 30, 2013, page one.
Calhoun County, Alabama; Piedmont, Alabama; Rick Bragg; Alabama Authors
Rick Bragg, who was born on July 26, 1959, in Piedmont, Calhoun County to Charles and Margaret Bundrum Bragg, is a noted journalist, teacher, and writer who won the Pulitzer Prize for his work with the New York Times. His most lasting contribution to Alabama letters and Southern literature, is his trilogy of family stories, He believed that they would only be of interest to himself and his family. The books have been bestsellers among people who see themselves and their families in his stories. Bragg graduated from Jacksonville High School in 1977, went to Jacksonville State University for six months, and was awarded Harvard University's Nieman Fellowship in 1992. He has worked for the Anniston Star, the Birmingham News, and the New York Times. The trilogy of books about his family are: All Over But the Shoutin' (1997), Ava's Man (2001), and The Prince of Frogtown (2008). . He worked with Jessica Lynch (2003) and Jerry Lee Lewis (2014) on their life stories; his journalism was collected into the anthology Somebody Told Me (2000); and his features have been collected into anthology My Southern Journey (2015).. Rick Bragg teaches courses in literary journalism and feature writing at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa.
Kingsbury, Pam. Inner Voices, Inner Views: Conversations With Southern Writers, The Enolam Group, Norwalk, Connecticut, 2005, p. 1-5.
Montgomery County, Alabama; Montgomery, Alabama; Southern Poverty Law Center; Civil Rights
The Southern Poverty Law Center was founded by Morris Dees, Joe Levin, and Julian Bond in Montgomery, Alabama in 1971. A non-profit, public interest law firm the a Southern Poverty Law Center specializes in civil rights cases that include hate groups. The Southern Poverty Law Center also has several education programs, most notably Teaching Tolerance. Southern Poverty Law Center is located at 400 Washington Avenue in Montgomery, Alabama. A fountain designed by Maya Lin commemorates the death of Civil Rights workers.
Colbert County, Alabama; Tuscumbia, Alabama; Trenholm High School; George Washington Trenholm; African American History
Trenholm High School was originally founded as the Osborne Colored Academy in 1877. From there it became Tuscumbia’s Colored School, which lasted until 1921. The Tuscumbia’s Colored School changed its name to Trenholm High School in 1921. The school was named after a beloved teacher and principal George Washington Trenholm. While the school was segregated, it offered a wide range of educational activities for students. Some of these activities included clubs, contests, and plays. Trenholm High School had an active athletics program for students to participate in, including basketball, football, and track teams for its students. The black community in the area also heavily supported Trenholm High School. The school also became a space for community activities. The school began being used as a meeting site for various organizations and speakers. The building also provided entertainment for the community through various concerts and movies as well as prominent lecturers and speakers. Church congregations also used the school as a meeting place. Trenholm no longer stands today. A small memorial next to the school can be found with a list of every principal the school had prior to its removal.
Arthur Graves, interview by Sam Keiser, November 11, 2015 Colbert County Heritage Book Committee (Colbert County, Ala.). 1999. The Heritage of Colbert County, Alabama. Clanton, AL: Heritage Pub. Consultants. 64-65
Lauderdale County, Alabama; Florence, Alabama; Rosenwald School; Mount Zion; African American History; Anita Cobb
Mount Zion was a Rosenwald school located in Florence, Alabama. The local community was provided a grant from Julius Rosenwald to build a school for the African American community. Like other Rosenwald schools the local community had to provide additional funds to buy the land for and funds for the school building. The school was a small one-room structure that served grades one through six. The classes were divided into two rooms separated by sliding doors. Each classroom had its own entrance. The building also had a cloakroom where the school children could hang their clothes and leave their lunches. There was also a small kitchen that provided heating for the school through the use of stoves. Two of the stoves were used to heat the building while the other one was used for cooking. The chimney also came down into the kitchen. The older girls at the school would cook all the food for the other children. They would arrive at school and begin cooking the food. Before lunch began, they would be dismissed from class early in order to finish cooking the food. The school was located off of Highway 189.
Cobb, Anita interview by Sam Keiser. Florence Alabama, November 18, 2015.
Colbert County, Alabama; Cherokee, Alabama; Rosenwald school; African American History
Cherokee High School was one of seven Rosenwald School built for African Americans in Colbert County. The Julius Rosenwald Grant provided the funds for the building. The local African American community provided the remaining funds and land for the school. Around $2,900 came directly from the community. The grant from the Rosenwald’s was only worth only $800. Residents in the community were also able to raise around $900 through various donations and fundraisers. The first class graduated in 1938 and the last class graduated in 1969. The school was closed down after 1969 due to integration. The location of the school can be found on 4595 Old Lee Hwy
Curott, David. Colbert & Lauderdale County History Written on Signs of the Past. Bluewater Publishing, 2011. 17
Colbert County Alabama; Tuscumbia Alabama; church; African American Church; African American History; Tuscumbia Shed Church
This church was located close to what is now downtown Tuscumbia. The original buildings were cotton gins sheds. It has been said that these cotton gin sheds were used as a church as far back as the year 1870. The church served as a place of worship for African Americans of all Christian denominations. This was in part due African American parishioners not having churches to call their own. The location of the church was originallyon a hill that now serves as the Basden Bus Company parking lot.
Arthur Graves interview by Sam Keiser. November 11, 2015 McWilliams, John L. Tuscumbia. Charleston, S.C., South Carolina: Arcadia Pub. 2012. 35
The Civilian Conservation Corps Company 4499
Colbert County, Alabama; Muscle Shoals, Alabama; Civilian Conservation Corps; New Deal; Company 4499
The Civilian Conservation Corps was a public works relief program set up as a part of the New Deal Program. The last Company of men sent to the Muscle Shoals area in 1936 was the 4499 company. These men originally worked under the United States Forest Service. The men were used to maintain the park created on the TVA property and to help with improving the landscape of the area. Before the TVA was created, there was a problem of erosion of farmable lands in the Tennessee Valley. Many of the problems came from a lack of proper nutrients in the soil, from over farming. By employing men to work solely on improving the lands people could start to farm again. One noticeable impact to the land by this company of men was the introduction of the plant kudzu. This plant is now found all across the state of Alabama and has greatly lessened the impact of erosion on the land.
Carrie Keener, University of North Alabama
'FDR, TVA, And CCC Federal Influence In The Shoals: The Journal Of Muscle Shoals History Volume XIX'. 2015. Florence. William Lindsey McDonald Collection. UNA Special Archives.
Colbert County Alabama; Sheffield Alabama; African American History; African American School; Sheffield Colored School; Sterling High School.
Sterling High School was another prominent school for African Americans in Colbert County. The origin of the school is in a Baptist Church on East 20th St. Originally, the school only served five students and a man named Henry Hopkins was hired as their teacher. Due to a fire, the school was forced to relocate to another church. Sheffield Colored School was then built in 1918 and served as an elementary school for African American students. It was during this time that the school’s eventual namesake Benjamin J. Sterling served as a teacher and principal for the Sheffield Colored School. In 1921, the school expanded to teach high school level children. At first only grades one through eleven were offered until 1922 when grade twelve was offered. In 1942, the name of the school was officially changed to Sterling High School. Sterling High school established an athletics program that included basketball, track, and football. They even went up against Trenholm High School during the season. The school was eventually closed in 1968 due to integration. The building was finally destroyed ten years later in 1978. The location of the school can be found at E 19th St in Sheffield Alabama.
Curott, David. Colbert & Lauderdale County History Written on Signs of the Past. Bluewater Publishing, 2011. 155 Colbert County Heritage Book Committee (Colbert County, Ala.). 1999. The Heritage of Colbert County, Alabama. Clanton, AL: Heritage Pub. Consultants. 64-65
Civilian Conservation Corps Camps at the TVA
Colbert, County; Muscle Shoals, Alabama; the New Deal; TVA; Wilson Dam; National Park Service
The Civilian Conservation Corps, or CCC, was created by President Roosevelt as part of the New Deal. The main goals of the CCC was to reduce fire hazards, control disease, repair railroads, and prevent erosion. A CCC company located in the Muscle Shoals area cleared a 240-acre area of land for the Muscle Shoals City Airport. After this task they were used to maintain tree saplings to help with reforestation of many of the country's forests. In cooperation with the Naitonal Park Service, the CCC created footpaths, trails, bridges, parking areas, picnic areas, shelters, a field museum, boy scout meeting houses and an observation point overlooking a river; this all encompassed the new TVA park opened on July 4, 1935. The CCC in the Muscle Shoals area also produced a radio program broadcast over the area every week. The last company sent to the area was company 4499. This company originally worked for the United States Forest Services. Their main goal was to help prevent erosion.
Colbert County, Alabama; Tuscumbia Alabama; Church; African American Church; African American History; High Street Church of Christ
Former members of the Church of Christ in the Ricks community originally founded the High Street Church of Christ. The congregation first met in the home of one of its members to worship. The congregation continued to grow and moved to the Art Fellows Hall and then to Trenholm High School. Between 1921 and 1922 the congregation put together plans to create their own church building on Ninth and High Streets. The High Street Church of Christ can still be found at this location today.
McWilliams, John L. Tuscumbia. Charleston, S.C., South Carolina: Arcadia Pub. 2012. 39
Colbert, County; Tuscumbia, Alabama; Hiking; Camping; Pet Friendly
Cane Creek is a privately owned nature preserve cooperating with the Nature Conservancy of Alabama. This is a 9.1 mile out and back hiking trail near Tuscumbia. The main feature of the trail is the waterfall. The trail has a moderate hiking rating and can be used for camping, hiking, and trail running. The area is also pet friendly. The park is free to the public year round.
"Cane Creek Canyon Nature Preserve." AllTrails.com. Accessed November 30, 2015. http://alltrails.com/trail/us/alabama/cane-creek-canyon-nature-preserve. 'Colbert County Northwestern Alabama Gateway'. Florence. Florence City. UNA Special Archives.
Colbert County, Alabama; Cherokee, Alabama; Zion Missionary Church; African American History; African American Church
Zion Church used to be an white Baptist church prior to the Civil War. During the war, the church was used as a hospital by Union troops. After the Civil War, the white parishioners no longer wanted to use the church as it had become defiled. Because of this the church was then sold to an African American congregation that used to meet across the railroad tracks. The original building is still intact though there have been several additions since it was first built. The color of the bricks can be used as indicators to identify the additions. The darker colored bricks indicate the additions to the church. The church can be found off Lee Hwy in Cherokee, Alabama.
Arthur Graves interview by Sam Keiser. November 11, 2015
LaGrange College; LaGrange, Alabama; Leighton, Alabama; Colbert County, Alabama; School; Education; Historical
LaGrange College was located on LaGrange Mountain. In 1830 it became the first State chartered college in Alabama. Within two months of its opening, there were seventy students enrolled at LaGrange College. The school year lasted for ten months. Tuition was $20 and board was $80, which covered students’ food, lodging, washing, and firewood for the ten months. At the peak of enrollment, LaGrange College had 230 students. Dr. Richard H. Rivers became president of the college in 1854, when the college was facing financial problems. Dr. River’s solution, in response to an offer of better support, moved the college to Florence, Alabama in 1855. The Florence institution was denied permission to use the name of LaGrange College, thus being chartered as Florence Wesleyan University on February 14, 1856; today the college is the University of North Alabama.
Thomas Hale, University of North Alabama Autumn Owens, University of North Alabama
“LaGrange College 1830-1855”, Accessed on November 18, 2015, colbertcountytourism.org/index.php/lagrange-college Bishop, Allison. “War doomed first state college, LaGrange.” University of North Alabama Archives. University History: LaGrange College (UH:LG2). Potter, Nancy. “Remembering the Mountain.” University of North Alabama Archives. University History: LaGrange College (UH:LG2). “LaGrange College.” The Florence Informer: Volume 1 Number 23 March 27 – April 2, 1989. University of North Alabama Archives. University History: LaGrange College (UH:LG2). http://www.lagrangehistoricsite.com/
LaGrange Military Academy; LaGrange, Alabama; Leighton, Alabama; Colbert County, Alabama; School; Education; Historical
After LaGrange College moved to Florence in January 1856, a group of LaGrange citizens organized a college in the vacant buildings under the old name, LaGrange. To increase patronage, a military feature was introduced in 1857. The college reopened in February 1858. as LaGrange College and Military Academy. The Academy soon flourished and became known as the “West Point of the South”. In 1860, the name was changed to LaGrange Military Academy. During its existence, 259 cadets from 9 states attended the Academy. The Academy was forced to suspend classes on March 1, 1862, due to cadets leaving to join the Confederate Army. Major J.W. Robertson was authorized to organize the 35th Alabama Infantry Regiment, C.S.A.. Robertson was elected Colonel of the regiment and the remaining cadets of the Academy formed part of one company. On April 28, 1863, the 10th Missouri Calvary of the Union Army burned the Military Academy. The village of LaGrange dwindled away after this.
Thomas Hale, University of North Alabama
“LaGrange Military Academy 1857-1862”, Accessed on November 18, 2015, colbertcountytourism.org/index.php/lagrange-college http://www.lagrangehistoricsite.com/
Colbert County Alabama; Cherokee Alabama; Cemetery; African American Cemetery; African American History
When the Zion First Missionary Church was sold to the African American congregation, the land next to the building found use as a cemetery for the African American congregation. As such, the cemetery is strictly filled with only African American congregants. The cemetery is located next to the Zion Missionary Baptist church in Cherokee, Alabama off of Lee Hwy.
Arthur Graves interview by Sam Keiser. November 11 2015
Recall LaGrange; Festival; LaGrange Military Academy; LaGrange, Alabama; Colbert County, Alabama; Civil War; Living History; Annual
Recall LaGrange is an annual living history festival at the LaGrange College and Military Academy site. The living history recalls the days and life around LaGrange College and Military Academy, from the cadets of the academy and organization of local regiments, to life of citizens in and around LaGrange.
“LaGrange College & Military Academy” Pamphlet; “Recall LaGrange”. Digital version, Accessed on November 18, 2015, www.colbertcountytourism.org/images/Downloads/LaGrange College Brochure.pdf http://www.lagrangehistoricsite.com/
Tuscumbia Female Academy; Tuscumbia, Alabama; Colbert County, Alabama; School; Education; Historical
The Tuscumbia Female Academy was also known as the Tuscumbia Female Seminary. It was established around 1825-26, as a means of education for women. The Academy was destroyed by arson between 2 and 3 a.m. on the morning of September 13, 1868. It was burned due to civil turmoil during Reconstruction by members of the Loyal League of Tuscumbia, after being aroused by an agitator from Memphis.
Richard C. Sheridan, Deshler Female Institute: An Example of Female Education In Alabama 1874-1918 (Birmingham: Birmingham Printing and Publishing Co., 1986), 7. Nina Leftwich, Two Hundred Years at Muscle Shoals (Tuscumbia, 1935), 118-123.
Deshler Female Institute; Tuscumbia, Alabama; Colberty County, Alabama; School; Education; Historical
The Deshler Female Institute was named in memory of Brigadier General James Deshler. The land and building, previously a home, was donated on December 6, 1871 by James Deshler’s father, Major David Deshler. David wanted to donate the land and home in his will, as a tribute to the memory of his son. The original buildings were destroyed by a tornado on November 22, 1874. The buildings were rebuilt in 1875. The Institute closed in 1917 due to lack of funding. The Institute remained predominantly empty until 1924, when the city tore down the old building to build a new one. The new building would become the Deshler High School. The Institute was centrally located in Tuscumbia and surrounded by Main Street, Dickson Street, Second and Third Streets.
Richard C. Sheridan, Deshler Female Institute: An Example of Female Education In Alabama 1874-1918 (Birmingham: Birmingham Printing and Publishing Co., 1986). Picture from University of North Alabama Archives; Photo Collection: File AA5: Architecture - Academic: Deshler Female Institute, Photo AA5.1. Capt. Arthur Henley Keller, History of Tuscumbia, Alabama (Sheffield, Alabama: Tennessee Valley Historical Society, 1981; 1888), 14-15.
Historic Deshler High School (1924-1950)
Deshler High School; Historic; Tuscumbia School System; Tuscumbia, Alabama; Colbert County, Alabama; High School; School; Education
Deshler High School was built in 1924 on the location of the former Deshler Female Institute. The school lasted until 1950 when the city opened the present Deshler High School on the site of the antebellum Winston plantation located across the Commons from the Deshler Stadium.
“About the School: History of Deshler”, Accessed on November 20, 2015, www.deshlerhigh.org/?PageName='AboutTheSchool' Richard C. Sheridan, Deshler Female Institute: An Example of Female Education In Alabama 1874-1918 (Birmingham: Birmingham Printing and Publishing Co., 1986), 49.
Deshler High School; Tuscumbia School System; Tuscumbia, Alabama; Colbert County, Alabama; High School; School; Education
The current Deshler High School was opened in 1950 on the site of the antebellum Winston plantation located across the Commons from the Deshler Stadium. In 1954, Tuscumbia added a cafeteria, auditorium, and Junior High building. In 1966, work began on a new round gymnasium with surrounding vocational shops and a hexagonal library. The high school is located on N. Commons Street, near where the original stood.
“About the School: History of Deshler”, Accessed on November 20, 2015, www.deshlerhigh.org/?PageName='AboutTheSchool'
New Bethel Elementary; Colbert County School System; Tuscumbia, Alabama; Colbert County, Alabama; Elementary School; School; Education
New Bethel Elementary is part of the Colbert County School System. New Bethel was built on its present site in 1915. The original structure was a two room wood constructed building. The original building burned in February, 1924. A new building was constructed but again was destroyed by fire in the 1950's. The current school is located on New Bethel Road, Tuscumbia, Alabama.
“About the School: History of New Bethel”, Accessed on November 27, 2015, nbes.colbert.k12.al.us/?PageName=‘AboutTheSchool’
Cherokee High School; Colbert County School System; Cherokee, Alabama; Colbert County, Alabama; High School; School; Education
Cherokee High School was founded in 1925 as Cherokee Vocational High School as it was the first designated vocational school in Colbert County. The original high school building was located where the current gymnasium stands. As the school expanded with the end of segregation in 1968 the old high school became the junior high school. That building burned on January 21, 1971. Cherokee High School is located in Cherokee, Alabama and serves the western portion of Colbert County as part of the Colbert County School system. It is located along County Road 21 (North Pike) off of U.S. Highway 72.
“About the School”, Accessed on November 29, 2015, www.chsindians.org/?PageName='AboutTheSchool’
Northwest-Shoals Community College; Muscle Shoals, Alabama; Colbert County, Alabama; Two-Year College; Community College; Education
Northwest-Shoals Community College was formed in 1993 by the Alabama State Board of Education through the merger of Northwest Alabama Community College's Phil Campbell Campus and Shoals Community College. The merger was enacted in order to provide more effective and efficient educational services to residents of rural northwest Alabama and the Shoals area. Northwest-Shoals Community College is a comprehensive two-year public institution of higher learning providing vocational, technical, academic and lifelong educational opportunities for the northwest Alabama Region. The College is part of the Alabama College System, a statewide system of post-secondary colleges, governed by the Alabama Board of Education. Northwest-Shoals derives its original charter from the Alabama legislature through the Alabama Trade School and Junior College Authority Act of 1963.
“NW-SCC History”, Accessed on November 29, 2015, http://www.nwscc.edu/history.shtml
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.
“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 Alabama; Leighton Alabama; African American school; African American History; Leighton Training School
Leighton Training School was a trade school established with the help of a grant provided by Julius Rosenwald. Like other Rosenwald schools, the African American community was required to raise additional funds for the school to be built. The African American community was also required to provide the land for the school. The African American community in Leighton raised sufficient funds in 1928 to secure five acres of land for a school building. Julius Rosenwald also provided $400 in additional funds that also went towards securing the five acres of land. The building, which was made from brick, cost around $8000 and was finished a year in 1929. Like other Rosenwald schools the building was very simple and did not include a dining room or cafeteria. Instead, the women in the local community prepared the food. The school operated until 1970 when integration became the law of the land. The school still holds reunions to for its graduating classes every two years. The school has also been placed on the Alabama Register of Historical Landmarks in 1977. The school can still be found on N. Washington Ave in Leighton, Alabama.
Colbert County Heritage Book Committee (Colbert County, Ala.). 1999. The Heritage of Colbert County, Alabama. Clanton, AL: Heritage Pub. Consultants. 59
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 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, County; Muscle Shoals, Alabama; Florence, Alabama; Fishing; Wilson Dam
Wilson Dam Lake was created from the damming of the Tennessee River by the construction of the Wilson Dam. The lake's normal elevation is 505 feet. The average depth is 97 feet. The distance of the backwater upstream is 17 miles and the area of the surface is 14,500 acres. Much of the flooded land was once farmland used in the Shoals. On the southern edge of the lake there is a leak of water and overflow water flows out into the Tennessee River. There are many myths surrounding the area around the dam and lake, most involving the native catfish. The lake is popular for fishing and the size of the fish are often exagerated in reports. Blue catfish often range from 50-80 pounds, but can be as large as 100 pounds. The lake was flooded by the TVA, the ones in control of Wilson Dam and the Tennessee River. By building a dam in the area the TVA was able to power the surrounding cities. Another benefit to building the dam and creating the lake was by powering the nitrate plants in Muscle Shoals. These plants provided much needed fertilizer for eroded farmland.
Sherer, Dennis. "Myths, Legends Surround Historic Wilson Dam." TimesDaily. June 19, 2010. Accessed November 30, 2015. http://www.timesdaily.com/archives/myths-legends-surround-historic-wilson-dam/article_90620d82-e607-5aef-a483-b42a0fe94a40.html. 'Destination Shoals'. 2011. Florence. Florence City. UNA Special Archives.
Howell & Graves Junior High School (Historical)
Howell & Graves Junior High School; Colbert County School System; Muscle Shoals, Alabama; Colbert County, Alabama; Muscle Shoals Board of Education; Junior High School; School; Education; Administration
The Howell & Graves Junior High School was designed by architect Harry J. Frahn and built in 1927 in the neoclassical style and the neo-Tudor Gothic tradition, symbolically associated with the Ivy League schools. Decorative brick work, which originally crowned the building, gave it a castle-like appearance. It was known as one of the finest buildings in the region and was often the scene of political rallies and other special events. The state-of-the-art auditorium, with a seating capacity of 500, had elevated floors and opera-style seating. The stage had hand-painted canvas backdrops and lighting. In 1959, for a sum of $300, this school was transferred from the Colbert County School System to the newly formed Muscle Shoals City Board of Education. The building itself still exists, however, it is currently the Muscle Shoals Board of Education Building. The structure and historical marker are located on S. Wilson Dam Rd.
“Howell & Graves Junior High School” Historical Marker, Side 2; Erected 2006 by the City of Muscle Shoals and Colbert County Historical Landmarks Foundation Alabama Historical Association.
Colbert County Alabama; Cherokee Alabama; Native American History; Native American School; Caney Creek Chickasaw School
Caney Creek Chickasaw School was a Native American school that was originally founded by Presbyterian ministers. The school officially opened January 15, 1827 and was located on Red Rock Rd five miles away from Cherokee on the McWilliams' property. This allowed ministers and missionaries to become a part of movement to civilize the Native American tribes. Missionaries that participated would be given a federal grant to aid their efforts. When the school first opened it had thirty-five students. The school curriculum was heavily focused on religion and language in order to conform the students to the standards and beliefs of white settlers. Children were taught skills based on the traditional values of the settlers. The school lasted until 1836 when the school had to be closed down due to lack of funding after Andrew Jackson was elected president.
Curott, David. Colbert & Lauderdale County History Written on Signs of the Past. Bluewater Publishing, 2011. 11 Colbert County Heritage Book Committee (Colbert County, Ala.). 1999. The Heritage of Colbert County, Alabama. Clanton, AL: Heritage Pub. Consultants 42-43
Muscle Shoals Career Academy/ Muscle Shoals Center for Technology
Muscle Shoals Career Academy; Muscle Shoals Center for Technology; Vocational School; Muscle Shoals, Alabama; Colbert County, Alabama; School; Education
In 1975, The Muscle Shoals Board of Education conducted a needs assessment in conjunction with the Alabama State Department of Education to determine the business and industry employment needs in the Shoals area. As a result of the needs assessment survey the following occupational programs were initially implemented at the vocational school: Auto Body, Auto Mechanics, Business and Office Education, Carpentry, Distributive Education, Health Occupations, Horticulture, Industrial Electricity, Radio and TV repair, Trowel Trades, and Welding. Since the original opening of the school in 1977, Cosmetology, Engineering Graphics, Electronics/Robotics, Principles of Technology, Technology Education, Family and Consumer Science, and Cisco Academy programs were approved by the Alabama Department of Education and implemented at the Muscle Shoals Area Vocational School. Due to economic shifts in the local economy Trowel Trades and Horticulture were eliminated from the vocational curriculum. The Industrial Electricity program was eliminated due to low student enrollment. In 2000, the faculty and staff requested a school name change to reflect the curriculum changes that represented the technology and computer skills required for today's labor force. In October 2000, the name of the Muscle Shoals Area Vocational School changed to the Muscle Shoals Center for Technology.
“About the School: School History”, Accessed on November 26, 2015, http://muscleshoals.al.mst.schoolinsites.com/?PageName=‘AboutTheSchool’
Muscle Shoals Middle School; Muscle Shoals School System; Muscle Shoals, Alabama; Colbert County, Alabama; Middle School; School; Education
At its opening in 1970, the current MSMS building housed grades nine through twelve. These grades remained in this building until 1999 when the new high school was built. Middle school students previously attended McBride Middle School (now McBride Elementary School). Muscle Shoals Middle School was created fall 1999 for grades six through eight. In 2008, a new ten room addition was added to house the sixth grade students.
“About the School: Facility”, Accessed on November 26, 2015, http://muscleshoals.al.msm.schoolinsites.com/?PageName=‘AboutTheSchool’
Colbert County, Alabama; Tuscumbia, Alabama; African American Church; Lesley Temple CME Church; African American History
Lesley Temple CME church is a Methodist church first formed in 1880 under Pastor Lesley. The church was first located at a site called Gin Hill on what used to be Highway 43. The church was rebuilt in 1927. Because building paper which was placed on the outside of the building the church garnered the nickname “Black Paper Church.” The church is now located on High Street in Tuscumbia, Alabama. As of 2015, the church will be celebrating its 135th anniversary.
Muscle Shoals Street Rod Festival; Street Rod Festival; Tuscumbia, Alabama; Colbert County, Alabama; Cars; Car Festival; Festival
The Muscle Shoals Street Rod Festival is held every year in Spring Park, Tuscumbia, Alabama. It is a show of over 200 gleaming street rods and classics dating from 1972 and older. The festival is held on the 1st Sat. in June. Admission is free.
“Muscle Shoals Street Rod Festival”, Accessed on November 29, 2015, http://www.colbertcountytourism.org/index.php/2012-11-08-15-07-00/annual-events
African Heritage Festival; Tuscumbia, Alabama; Colbert County, Alabama; African Heritage; Heritage Festival; Festival
The African Heritage Festival provides an opportunity to explore African culture – art, fashion, craft, music, dance, food. It is held annually on the 1st Saturday in June. Admission is free. The event is held at the Willie Green Center at 609 S. East St., Tuscumbia, Alabama.
“African Heritage Festival”, Accessed on November 29, 2015, http://www.colbertcountytourism.org/index.php/2012-11-08-15-07-00/annual-events
Helen Keller Festival; Tuscumbia, Alabama; Colbert County, Alabama; Helen Keller; Spring Park; Festival
This popular festival pays tribute to America’s “First Lady of Courage” with four days of activities: parade, fine art & craft show, art exhibits, Keller Kids, staged musical entertainment, history programs and tours, two performances of “The Miracle Worker Play.” STS* Top 20 and ABA* Top 100 event. 4th weekend in June (Thurs-Sun). Most events are free. Festival is held in Downtown Tuscumbia and Spring Park.
“Helen Keller Festival”, Accessed on November 29, 2015, http://www.colbertcountytourism.org/index.php/2012-11-08-15-07-00/annual-events
Colbert, County; Muscle Shoals, Alabama; Wilson Dam; Wilson Lake; TVA
The powerhouse controls Wilson Dam. The building is connected parallel to the dam on the south side. It houses the generating machinery for producing electricity from the dammed water. It also controls the overflow water flowing out of Wilson lake. The powerhouse contains the penstocks to conduct water towards the turbines. The top level is the main generator room. The building is built of reinforced concrete columns and girders supporting a slab roof by steel trusses.
'FDR, TVA, And CCC Federal Influence In The Shoals: The Journal Of Muscle Shoals History Volume XIX'. 2015. Florence. William Lindsey McDonald Collection. UNA Special Archives. Peyton, John Howe. 1916. 'America's Gibraltar Muscle Shoals'. Paper. Florence. William Lindsey McDonald Collection. UNA Special Archives.
Colbert County, Alabama; Tuscumbia, Alabama; Festival; Native American History; Oka Kapassa; Spring Park Tuscumbia
Oka Kapassa festival is a festival held every year to remember the Native American presence in Tuscumbia. The festival is allows visitors to learn about Native American culture both past and present during. The festival is free to the public on both days. However, the first day is primarily geared towards schoolchildren. The festival has a myriad of booths that explore both the story of the Native Americans in Tuscumbia as well as their culture. Examples of Native American culture that is on display at this festival includes: music, artistry, craftsmanship, food, language, and many other cultural aspects of their heritage. The festival is located in Spring Park in the city of Tuscumbia.
Oka Kapassa. Accessed December 1, 2015. http://okakapassa.org/.
Colbert County Alabama; Tuscumbia Alabama; Native American History
Ococoposa, also known as Cold Water, was the site of a French trading post and was the home of Chickasaws and the Cherokees. The Chickasaw’s lived at the top of a hill near the Ocacapoosa spring. The Cherokees lived in the western portion of the area. The area would later be known for a battle that took place between the Native Americans and the United States military.
Colbert County Heritage Book Committee (Colbert County, Ala.). 1999. The Heritage of Colbert County, Alabama. Clanton, AL: Heritage Pub. Consultants.