Office of Sheffield Land, Iron and Coal Company
Sheffield, Alabama; Colbert County; Jewish History; Alfred Huger Moses
Alfred Huger Moses, founder and first mayor of Sheffield, Alabama (along with his brother, Mordecai) was the owner of the Sheffield Land, Iron and Coal Company, located on Montgomery Avenue.
Pam Kingsbury, University of North Alabama
Alfred Huger Moses Home; Sheffield, Alabama; Montgomery Avenue; Colbert County; Jewish Settlers
Alfred Huger Moses, the designer and first mayor of Sheffield, built his family home at what is now 1315 North Montgomery Avenue, Sheffield, Alabama. The house burned to the ground circa 1890.
Sheffield; Colbert County; Jewish Owned Businesses
Alfred Huger Moses was responsible for the layout of the residential, business, and industrial areas of Sheffield, Alabama, which was incorporated in 1895. He named Montgomery Avenue after Montgomery, Alabama where he and his family had lived (and where he and his wife are buried) before moving to Sheffield. The family home, which burned n the late 1880s, was located on North Montgomery Avenue near where the bluff overlooks the Tennessee River.
Special Collections, 55.3, from Said Schrader Collection. Collier Library, University of North Alabama, Florence, Alabama.
Photograph courtesy of Special Collections, UNA.
Morris Nathan; Founder of Sheffield, Alabama; Colbert County; Jewish Settlers
Alfred Huger Moses and Morris Nathan were the first two alderman of Sheffield, Alabama. Nathan was buried in the Jewish section of Oakwood Cemetery in Sheffield, Alabama before the Jewish community incorporated or built a temple.
Sheffield, Alabama; Colbert County; Jewish Settlement in Alabama; Alfred Moses
Alfred Huger Moses and his brother, Mordecai, were largely responsible for the founding of Sheffield, Alabama. They named the city after Sheffield, England hoping for similar success in industrialization. The sales of 500 lots for the establishment of Sheffield, Alabama was a three day event starting on May 8th, 1884. The sale realized sales of $350,000.
Pam Kingsbury, University of North Alabama.
Jewish Owned Businesses in Downtown Florence, Circa 1900
Jewish Owned Downtown Businesses; Florence, Alabama; Lauderdale County, AL
The Tri-Cities Professional Directory of 1900 listed the following Jewish businesses in Florence, Alabama: M. Coplan, Grocer F. Cohn, Clothing H. Kreisman, Grocer A. Kreisman, Gents' Furnishings Frank Perry, Grocer Charles Perry, Gents' Furnishings M. Reisman, Dry Goods
Pam Kingsbury, Universsity of North Alabama
Coleman, Edwin M., "A History of Temple B'nai Israel, Florence, Alabama, Centennial Celebration, !906 - 2006. Private Printing. Florence, Alabama. 2006.
Photograph courtesy of the Archives, Collier Library, University of North Alabama, Florence, Alabama.
Bettie Ann Highway, Lauderdale County, Alabama: Historic Markers
The Bettie Ann Highway was once the home to a thriving farming community that included Toonersville and Whitehead. The text from the historical marker offers description of how the road came to be named: The home-place of Bettie Anne Springer-Thornton lies 1.6 miles north on the east side of Lauderdale County Road 51. This home was originally a one-room log cabin, built between 1892 and 1894 by Levi Patrick Thornton. Two rooms and a dog-trot were added prior to 1905. The home was razed and rebuilt in 1945, excluding the south room which remained intact. Bettie Anne Springer, daughter of William Marion Springer (1833-1884) and Rutha Jane Oldham (1826-1896), was born November 17, 1859, in Brooksville, Mississippi, and died May 6, 1932. Bettie Anne was affectionately called “Aunt Bett” by family and friends alike. She donated a portion of property for the construction of the highway, and her son, Samuel Beaver Thornton, donated land for the Old Mt. Bethel Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Levi Patrick Thornton, son of William Henry Thornton (1817-1855) and Sarah Rowsey-Burt (1814-1893), was born August 3, 1850 , in Lauderdale County, Alabama, and died May 14, 1915. Levi and Bettie Anne were married on February 8, 1876, and had twelve children. They are buried in the Ingram-Thornton Cemetery in Good Springs (old Thorntontown). Sponsored by Thornton Family Descendants and Benefactors [2009: Co. Rd. 5 at Co. Rd. 568, Rogersville]
Pam Kingsbury< University of North Alabama
Bettie Ann Highway, Lauderdale County, Alabama; Rural Community
J. L. Parker House, 1833-1932 (Lakewood)
Architectural drawings; Watercolors; Houses; Dwellings; Doors & doorways; Windows; Shutters; Porches; Columns; Balconies; Stairways; Hand railings; Ironwork; Roofs; Chimneys; Moldings; Men; Women; Horses; Carriages & coaches; Trees; Landscapes (Representations)
This image is a watercolor painting of the J.L. Parker House, also known as Lakewood, in Livingston, Alabama done by James Lake Parker III in 1932. The house was built in 1833. Miss Julia Strudwick Tutwiler resided at Lakewood during her tenure as President of Alabama Normal College (now the University of West Alabama). The painting shows the front exterior of the house with its doors, windows, shutters, columned porch, columned balcony, exterior iron staircase with hand railing, sloped roof, and two chimneys surrounded by trees and landscaping. There is a woman on the exterior staircase, a man on the walk leading to the house, and a woman and driver in a horse-drawn carriage, all in period dress. The house is placed within framing art showing its architectural features including the molding under the roof and around the upper windows, the columns, the decorative windows around the doors, the ironwork of the exterior staircase, various scales, and a floor plan of the porch and staircase. Along the lower right edge just above the corner, there is an Alabama Polytechnic Institute School of Architecture stamp with a handwritten inscription "2nd Medal" and a stamped red star. In the lower right corner is the artist's information block which reads: "James Lake Parker III, measured drawing, Ala. Poly. Inst." The painting is in fair condition, with minor edge wear, holes, and spots of discoloration, and is encapsulated.
Parker, James Lake, III (rendering); Unknown (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/al0732/ ; Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lakewood_%28Livingston,_Alabama%29
Livingston -- Sumter County -- Alabama ; U.S. Highway 11 (Washington Street), Livingston, Sumter County, AL
2005.36.108: Pierce M.B. Young to Louisa Young, 1859 May 15
1859; West Point; New York; Father (Robert M. Young, Sr.); Mother (Caroline Young); Yankees; Abolition; Young Ladies; Financial Obligations; West Point; United States Military Academy; Business Matters; Furlough
Letter was written right before P.M.B. Young's first furlough after two years at West Point. He mentions a receipt of money from father and agreement with father's views. Includes comments about reluctance to ask someone for a favor, disdain for Yankees, and enchantment with northern young ladies but no interest in marrying any of them. Original document consists of one hand-addressed envelope and two hand-written pages.
P.M.B. Young Collection, Bartow History Museum
2005.36.377: Pierce M.B. Young to Caroline Young, 1860
1860; West Point NY; Father (R.M. Young); Sister (Louisa Young); General Scott; Prince of Wales; Ceremony; Dignitaries; Joining Confederacy; Family Affairs
Pierce described the pomp and circumstance surrounding the visit to West Point by the Prince of Wales. Pierce expressed his displeasure about the fuss the Yankees made over dignitaries and his readiness to join the Southern Confederacy. He mentioned receipt of a letter from Louisa and a wish that he could forget that "infernal marriage." 4 handwritten pages.
P.M.B. Collection, Bartow History Museum
2005.36.84: P. Young to Sister, 1856 August 14
Transcription; Capt.; Father; Mr. P; Miner; Fany; Rob; George; Mother; Marietta; Georgia Military Institute; Mechanics + Optics; Gossip, Dating?; Health; Rain
Pierce's letter to his sister upon his arrival back at school. Asks her to have their father send a book for study. Chastises her for betraying his confidence regarding the reputation of a lady and then warns to be careful talking to men, they are all deceitful. He mentions new cadets coming soon. Three handwritten pages.
2005.36.178: R. Buster (?) Young to Mother, 1856 August 29
Transcription; 1856; Savannah; Atlanta; Mrs. Hill; Dr. Thompson; Madir; Ida; Irish Cook; Sister Mantielle; Food
A short letter from R. Young letting his mother know he arrived in Atlanta. The cook was not there when they arrived and his porter had to find another cook. Also mentions others having breakfast and had some butter and brandy peaches. One handwritten page.
2005.36.159: R.S.W. Fraser to Capt. P. Young, 1857 June 5
1857; Marietta; West Point; Friendship; bouquet; R.S.W Fraser; Pierce M.B. Young
A letter to P. Young upon his leaving for West Point from his friend Fraser. He included a bouquet with the note and mentioned he will miss him most when thinking about singing together on the guitar. He said he hoped to see him again when he returns. One handwritten envelope and two handwritten pages.
Architectural drawings; Watercolors; Houses; Dwellings; Doors & doorways; Windows; Shutters; Porches; Columns; Stairways; Balconies; Hand railings; Arches; Ironwork; Roofs; Chimneys; Moldings; Women; Trees; Landscapes (Representations)
This image is a watercolor painting of the Pease Home in Columbus, Georgia done by Elwyn B. Richey sometime around 1934. 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, exterior stairs, balcony, iron hand railing and decorative iron arches, flat roof, and two chimneys surrounded by trees and landscaping. The house is placed within framing art showing its architectural features including the iron hand railing and decorative iron arches; the molding around the doors, a side view of the house, various scales, 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" and an artist block which reads: "Elwyn B. Richey, Alabama Polytechnic Institute, fourth year major II, 'a colonial house.'" The painting is in good condition with a minor piece missing from the lower right edge and is encapsulated.
Richey, Elwyn B. (rendering) ; Unknown (house)
Library of Congress (Historic American Buildings Survey): http://www.loc.gov/item/ga0274/ ; Georgia Archives: http://cdm.sos.state.ga.us:2011/cdm/singleitem/collection/vg2/id/10466/rec/5
Columbus -- Muscogee County -- Georgia ; 908 Broadway, Columbus, Muscogee County, GA (Broad and 9th Streets)
1939: They like winter in New York State: the state that has everything
Skiing--New York (State)--1930-1950, Tourism--New York (State)--1930-1950, United States--Works Progress Administration
This poster was created to promote winter tourism in New York State. It depicts a man and woman cross-country skiing. Both are wearing blue snowsuits, red scarves, red-and-white striped mittens and socks, and brown shoes. A snow-covered hill is shown in the background. This poster was created as part of the Federal Art Project of the Works Progress Administration (WPA).
Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division
http://www.loc.gov/pictures/collection/wpapos/item/96508548/
2005.36.626: Robert Young Legal Document, 1858
1858; Bill of Sale; Property; Real Estate; Cotton; Legal Document; Germany; Champion; Robert Young; Chatham County; Georgia; Transcription
Robert Young is filling out a legal bill of sale to Germany and Champion, this is some form of legal document. 3 handwritten pages
2005.36.318: Robert Young to P.M.B. Young, 1860 Feb 29
1860; Walnut Grove; Georgia; Waco; Texas; Pierce; P.M.B. Young; Robert; George; Josephine; Family; West Point Military Academy; Schooling; Challenging; Hope; Graduation; Learning; Moving; Reuniting; Summer; Home; Affection; Correspondence; Transcription
Robert writes to Pierce at West Point, encouraging him to work hard and take advantage of the time he has to make the most of his studies, which will put him in the best possible position to have a good life after he graduates. He lets him know he is moving to Texas but looks forward to reuniting the family in Georgia over the summer. 4 handwritten pages
2005.36.160: Robert to Mother, 1857 March 27
Good Health; Appetite; Garden; Sister; Paradise; Family; Brother; Country; New York; Boston; Philadelphia; Mother; Ambition; Summer; Children; Cherokee Country
A letter from Robert to his mother, sent from Savannah, Georgia. Robert describes the beauties of Savannah, and potential plans to send his children to stay with his mother. He goes on to briefly describe his time in the northern cities of Philadelphia, Boston, and New York, and Cherokee Country as well. Lastly, he discusses his attempts to find a profession for his brother that will give him ambition. 4 handwritten pages and 1 envelope
An oral history with Roberta Jackel, an employee of Auburn University, concerning her participation in the Women's March on Washington that occurred on January 21, 2017, in Washington, D.C. Jackel offers compelling commentary about growing up in Atlanta, GA during the Civil Rights Movement and her witness to the rise of Women's Liberation. She details her internship and later seasonal employment at an abortion clinic in downtown Atlanta in the 1970s, which helped to shape her values on women's reproductive rights. Jackel's oral history offers a lens through which to view the tenuousness of the rights bestowed upon Americans in the 1960s and 1970s as she expounds on her recent efforts to remain involved in local and national activism, fearing the restriction or retraction of those rights. Her testimony includes a comical anecdote about Jane Fonda napping in her (future) husband's bed after an anti-war protest in Atlanta.
Heather M. Haley, Ph.D. candidate, Department of History, Auburn University, in cooperation with the University Archives and Special Collections
All files are the property of the Auburn University Libraries and are intended for non-commercial use. Users of these materials are asked to acknowledge the Auburn University Libraries. For information about obtaining high-resolution copies of this and other items in this collection, please contact Auburn University Libraries Special Collections & Archives Department at archives@auburn.edu or (334) 844-1732.
Article reporting on the state of both teams before Auburn plays Georgia Tech
1942-06-12: President Franklin Roosevelt's radio address on the scrap rubber campaign
World War, 1939-1945, Roosevelt, Franklin D.--(Franklin Delano),--1882-1945, Consumer rationing--United States--1940-1950
This sound recording captures a radio address by the President, in which he appealed for support of the scrap rubber campaign. The campaign was held because the Japanese had cut off about 92 percent of the U.S. rubber supply.
Roosevelt, Franklin D.--(Franklin Delano),--1882-1945
United States National Archives: IBM: International Business Machines Corporation Collection, 1935-1945: Sound Recordings of Franklin D. Roosevelt Speeches, 1935 - 1945
http://research.archives.gov/description/2198578
1900s: Buses in front of high school in South Texas
Motor vehicles, Transportation -- Texas -- Brownsville -- Photographs, United States -- Texas -- Brownsville, Schools -- Texas -- Brownsville, Photographs
This picture shows two school buses parked in front of a high school building in Brownsville, Texas between 1900 and 1920.
Center for American History, The University of Texas at Austin
The Center for American History at the University of Texas at Austin owns the copyright for the images in this collection. We encourage use of these images under the fair use clause of the 1976 Copyright Act. All images in this collection may be used for educational and scholarly purposes, but we do ask that a credit line be included with each image used. Credit Line: The Robert Runyon Photograph Collection, image number 02808, courtesy of The Center for American History, The University of Texas at Austin.
http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.award/txuruny.02808
United States -- Texas -- Cameron County -- Brownsville
Colbert County Alabama; Listerhill Alabama; Metal's Terrace; War Housing Project Ala 1213; African American Housing; African American History
Metal’s Terrace was a project initiated to provide housing for African American workers in the Shoals. This was also known as the War Housing Project Ala 1213. This housing was to be used strictly for African Americans. It became ready to house African American workers in 1944 during the Second World War. As such, the workers were also referred to as war workers. The project was given 32 acres of land to build housing for the African American war workers. The project managed to complete 48 buildings with around 36 of the serving as actual housing units. The project very much resembles a village as goods and services were also provided for the workers in the form of barbershops, stores, and a community center. The project was completed in year with the original construction date as August 24, 1943. Construction was finished a year later in 1944. The buildings were located across the street from Reynolds Metals in Listerhill, Alabama.
"Negro Housing Project Ready For Occupancy," unidentified newspaper, in Sheffield Public Library. Feb 4, 1944.
Colbert County Alabama; Sheffield Alabama; Negro Recreation Center; Michael Center; African American Recreation; African American History
The Negro Community Recreation Center was built in the 1950s strictly for African American use in Sheffield, Alabama. The cost of the Negro Recreation Center was reported to be S80,000. Alongside the new community center a pool was built. The building was later officially known as the Michael Center. The center was used to host parties and sports and general community activities and needs.
David McCarthy, "New $80,000 Negro Community Center Nearing Completion In Sheffield," unidentified newspaper in Sheffield Public Library, October 2, 1955
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
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
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, 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
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
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 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
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.
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.
Colbert County, Alabama; Tuscumbia, Alabama; African American history; African American Church; African American History
The church is located near Lagrange College and the home of Abraham Ricks. The church no longer holds regular services. A former slave, Parson George Ricks, established the church. After gaining his freedom, Parson Ricks took work as a cotton picker. He worked this job until he could afford land. After reaching this goal he built his church on 300 acres of land. The building only has one room and served as a school as well.
McWilliams, John L. Tuscumbia. Charleston, S.C., South Carolina: Arcadia Pub. 2012. 66-67
Colbert County, Alabama; Cherokee, Alabama; Chickasaw Indian Agency; Native American history
The Chickasaw Indian Agency oversaw the removal of Native Americans during the forced relocation known as the Trail of Tears. The agency specifically dealt with the removal of the Chickasaw Nation in both Alabama and Mississippi. This agency was originally located in Mississippi. In 1825, a man named Benjamin Smith moved the agency from Mississippi to Cherokee, Alabama. Benjamin Reynolds would later take over for Benjamin Smith and run the agency. Reynolds was responsible for negotiating the removal of the Native American tribes from their lands during the Trail of Tears.
Curott, David. Colbert & Lauderdale County History Written on Signs of the Past. Bluewater Publishing, 2011. 20
Colbert County, Alabama; Tuscumbia, Alabama; St. Paul African Methodist Church; African American History; African American church
St. Paul African Methodist Church was established in the early 1840s. A group of African Americans from a congregation called First Methodist left to form what is now known as the St. Paul African American Methodist Church. The original name of the group was Church Springs. The first iteration of the church was located in an old cowshed located near South Street. A pastor named Robin Lightfoot, who would later die during the Civil War, led this church. The church was later established as the St. Paul African Church in 1879. The congregation would later be relocated to in 1895 before relocating again in 1968 to Court and Alabama Streets.
Curott, David. Colbert & Lauderdale County History Written on Signs of the Past. Bluewater Publishing, 2011. 158
Colbert County, Alabama; Tuscumbia, Alabama; Funeral home; African American History; African American Funeral Home
The Thompson and Son Funeral home was originally built in 1912 for a doctor and his family. The Thompson family along with Tim Ricks converted the house into a funeral home. Ricks left the business in 1922. The house was then renamed Thompson’s funeral home until the 1930s. During the 1930’s Thompson’s son would join the business, which would then be known as the Thompson and Son funeral home. Colonel Arthur D. Graves bought the business in 1968. The funeral home still retains the original interior from when it was constructed. The business is also still in operation to this very day.
Arthur Graves interview by Sam Keiser. November 11, 2015.
Colbert County Alabama; Tuscumbia Alabama; African American history; African American home
Dr. A.W. Davis and his wife had a home built called Shady Dell in 1920. The home is located across from where his former office stood. Dr. Davis was the first black physician in northwest Alabama. He arrived in Tuscumbia in 1903. He practiced medicine from 1914 until 1942. While his office is gone there is a sign where it once stood. The house is located on 606 East 8th Street in Tuscumbia. The house is a two story building in the style of a Dutch Colonial Revivalist Craftsman home.
Application for the historic rehabilitation tax credit program
Colbert County, Alabama; Tuscumbia, Alabama; Mt Carmel Baptist Church; African American Church; African American History
Mount Carmel Baptist Church was conceived of and organized in 1929. The original incarnation of the church consisted of a group of men meeting in the home of Mingo White, Sr. The group eventually planned to rent a store for use as a church. The group would continue to use the store as a meeting place for worship services and made several additions over the years. Over time the church would be known as the Mount Carmel Baptist Church. In 1960, the walls of the church were restored and official services could begin again. The Church can still be found at its original location today on 606 S Mulberry St, Tuscumbia, Alabama 35674
McWilliams, John L. Tuscumbia. Charleston, S.C., South Carolina: Arcadia Pub. 2012. 38-39
Colbert County, Alabama; Tuscumbia, Alabama; Battle of Ococoposa; Native American History,
The battle of Ococoposa was fought between the United States and Native American tribes in the Shoals. The battle took place in June of 1787. Local Native American tribes had been conducting raids on settlements for a period of seven years. In response to this, Colonel James Robertson led an expedition of a hundred and thirty men from Nashville, Tennessee to Ococoposa. The actual battle took place at the mouth of Spring Creek, which was an area that local Native American tribes called home. The battle ended in a victory for Colonel Robertson. His men then took over and raided an unnamed village near Spring Creek.
Colbert County Heritage Book Committee (Colbert County, Ala.). 1999. The Heritage of Colbert County, Alabama. Clanton, AL: Heritage Pub. Consultants. 42
Colbert County, Alabama; Tuscumbia, Alabama; Ricks Cemetery, Cemetery; African American Cemetery; African American History
The Ricks family cemetery is an African American cemetery located near the Church of Christ established by George Parson Ricks and the Oaks Plantation. The grave of George Parson Ricks, a former slave on the Oaks, can be found in this cemetery along with his sons and other descendants. The cemetery is still managed and maintained by Parsons descendants. The cemetery itself is located behind the Oaks Plantation.
Arthur Graves interview by Sam Keiser. November 11 2015.
Colbert County, Alabama; Cherokee, Alabama; LaGrange Rock Shelter; Paleo-Indian site; Native American History
The LaGrange Rock shelter is considered to be where the first natives lived in the southeastern United States. Archaeologists have put the earliest human activity in this area between 11,000 and 9,000 years ago. Researchers have found evidence of human activity such as flint chips and cutting tools. By carbon dating these materials researches were able to establish a time frame of when human activity first began. Because of the early period of use, the site is referred to as a Paleo-Indian site. Because of the significance of this site it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974.
Colbert County Heritage Book Committee (Colbert County, Ala.). 1999. The Heritage of Colbert County, Alabama. Clanton, AL: Heritage Pub. Consultants. 55
Colbert County, Alabama; Tuscumbia, Alabama; Railroad; Native American History; Trail of Tears.
The Tuscumbia-Courtland & Decatur railroad was established by a group of investors led by Benjamin Sherrod in 1841. Originally a two-train car, the railroad was established to allow ships to bypass the shoals of the Tennessee River. In 1843, the railroad line expanded to other towns including Courtland, Jonesboro, Leighton, and Decatur. After the completion of the railroad it would be eventually put to use during the Trail of Tears. The train played a prominent role during the forced relocation of the Native American tribes in Georgia. The train provided the means to transport a large number of Native Americans quickly to Tuscumbia Landing where they would then be shipped off to land allocated for their use west of the Mississippi. The primary tribe to be relocated on this train were the Cherokee Nation. The Creek Nation in Georgia had largely been moved out prior to the use of the train. The Cherokee Nation would travel to Decatur where they would board the train heading for Tuscumbia Landing.
Gail King, Historic Document Research, Geophysical Survey, Mapping, and Archaeological Inventory at Tuscumbia Landing, A Trail of Tears National Historic Trail site in Colbert County, Alabama (Aug 2011) pg. 109-143
Colbert County, Alabama; Tuscumbia, Alabama; Tuscumbia Landing; Native American History
During Indian Removal, Tuscumbia’s Landing served as the point of disembarkation for the water route used to move Native Americans west of the Mississippi. The train to Tuscumbia brought the Cherokee Nation to Spring Park, where they were held before being shipped on boats along the Tennessee River. Tuscumbia Landing still holds significance to the descendants of the Native Americans. Every year during the Oka Kapassa festival Native Americans make the two-mile journey from Spring Park to Tuscumbia Landing to signify the road their ancestors traveled during the Trail of Tears.
Gail King, Historic Document Research, Geophysical Survey, Mapping, and Archaeological Inventory at Tuscumbia Landing, A Trail of Tears National Historic Trail site in Colbert County, Alabama (Aug 2011) pg. 101-143
Colbert County, Alabama; Tuscumbia, Alabama; Churches; African American Church; African American History
The First Baptist Church of Tuscumbia was originally formed by a small group of African American worshipers. The church was established in 1866 shortly after the Civil War under the guidance of Elder W.E. Northcross. The church members did not have an official church building to meet at so they were forced to constantly relocate their meetings. The members of the church were able to eventually buy property on Eleventh and High Streets. The building the congregation built would also serve as the site of a school for African American youth. The building, which was made of brick, was completed in 1892. Membership in the church grew so rapidly that the First Baptist Church in Tuscumbia became the largest congregation of African Americans in Colbert County.
Colbert County Heritage Book Committee (Colbert County, Ala.). 1999. The Heritage of Colbert County, Alabama. Clanton, AL: Heritage Pub. Consultants. 35-37
Colbert County, Alabama; Sheffield Alabama; African American Church; Church; African American History
First Baptist Missionary Church was originally founded in 1886. The first church consisted of two wooden buildings. These buildings would later be destroyed in a fire. The congregation was then forced to use the Masonic Hall as their new meeting place. Eventually, the City of Sheffield donated two lots for the use of the congregation. A new building for the congregation was planned. Taking note of the earlier fire, the congregation decided that the new building would be made of brick. The church building would last until 1965 when a new building was constructed for the congregation. The ground was officially broken two years later in 1967. The church can be found on 1103 Sterling Blvd, Sheffield, AL 35660
Colbert County Heritage Book Committee (Colbert County, Ala.). 1999. The Heritage of Colbert County, Alabama. Clanton, AL: Heritage Pub. Consultants. 70