Railroad Bridge
Recreation; Railroad Bridge; Colbert County; Muscle Shoals; TVA
The Railroad Bridge is a part of the TVA Nature Loop. The TVA Nature Loop is a 2.5 mile loop trail on TVA protected land. Overall, there are roughly 11 miles of footpaths in the area. The loop is around a section of the TVA reservation. The path is well paved and taken care of. People with disabilities should be able to navigate along the path. The park is pet friendly. One of the most interesting features of the trail is the Railroad Bridge.<br /><br /> The bridge once crossed the expanse of the river from Muscle Shoals to Florence. It originally had an upper and lower deck. People, carriages, and animals could travel along the bottom deck while trains crossed across the top. The pier itself dates back to 1832, and the rest of the structure dates to 1903. The original bridge opened in 1839 as a toll bridge.In 1939, the bottom part of the Old Railroad Bridge, which allowed traffic and pedestrians to get across, closed because O’Neal Bridge opened for traffic. The Old Railroad Bridge was only used for train crossing until it was closed in 1988. Now only a portion of the bridge still exists and has been renovated for the walking trail. The bridge is a popular spot for pictures in the area.
Carrie Keener, University of North Alabama
Esau Ramos, University of North Alabama
KIng, Gail. 2010. 'Wilson Village No. 2 1918-1950'. Book. Florence. William Lindsey McDonald Collection. UNA Special Archives.
'Explore The Shoals'. 2014. Florence. Florence City. UNA Special Archives.
AllTrails.com,. 2015. 'TVA Nature Loop'. http://alltrails.com/trail/us/alabama/tva-nature-loop?ref=search.
Alabama Cultural Resource Survey
December 1, 2015
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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. <br /><br />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.
Alabama Cultural Resource Survey
November 30, 2015
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Cane Creek Nature Preserve
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.
Carrie Keener, University of North Alabama
"Cane Creek Canyon Nature Preserve." <em>AllTrails.com</em>. Accessed November 30, 2015. http://alltrails.com/trail/us/alabama/cane-creek-canyon-nature-preserve.<br /><span class="selectable">'Colbert County Northwestern Alabama Gateway'. Florence. Florence City. UNA Special Archives.</span>
Alabama Cultural Resource Survey
November 30, 2015
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The First Muscle Shoals Canal
Muscle Shoals; Colbert County, Alabama;
The first canal built in the Muscle Shoals was built by the state of Alabama, assisted by the United States government, between 1831-1836. To fund the canal the US Congress gave the state 400,000 acres of public land to sell. The proceeds were used to fund the building of the canal. At the time, there was a need for four canals along the Tenneessee River in North Alabama, at Big Muscle Shoals, Elk River Shoals, Nancy Reef, and Little Muscle Shoals. Only at Big Muscle Shoals was a dam built. The need for the canals was due to the turbulent waters and widely varying depth of the river along the Shoals.<br /> Even with the addition of the canal to the river it barely made an impact on naviagtion. The canal was 14.5 miles long. Large barrages could not fit through the narrow canal and it took nearly eleven hours to travel fully making it impossible for much traffic to travel along the canal. The canal contained 17 locks, each 120 feet long by 32 feet, with a lift of five feet each. The way the canal was made also limited traffic to only come from up the river, not both ways. Today, the lower locks, 3-9, are submerged underwater due to the construction of the Wilson Dam.
Carrie Keener, University of North Alabama
'Muscle Shoals: Souvenir Of Inspection Trip By Officials And Citizens Of The Tri Cities'. 1919. Florence. Willism Lindsey McDonald Collection. UNA Special Archives.
Peyton, John Howe. 1916. 'America's Gibraltar Muscle Shoals'. Paper. Florence. William Lindsey McDonald Collection. UNA Special Archives.
'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.
Alabama Cultural Resource Survey
December 1, 2015
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The TVA Rockpile Trail
Colbert County, Alabama; Muscle Shoals, Alabama; Rockpile; Hiking; Fishing
The Rockpile TVA trail is a 2.7 mile in and out hiking trail that follows the Tennessee River. It is possible for the hike to reach 6 miles by exploring the area. This is an easily followed trail and is well marked along the paths. There is a large diversity of fowl along the trail. such as, song birds, migatory species, pelicans, and even eagles. The main highlight of the trail is at the turn-around point at the top of the dam. This point has a small cave system to explore and a waterfall cascading into the river. <br />The trail is pet friendly. It allows camping, fishing, and hiking.
Carrie Keener, University of North Alabama
"TVA Reservation Rock Pile." AllTrails.com. 2015. Accessed December 1, 2015. http://alltrails.com/trail/us/alabama/tva-reservation-rock-pile.
Alabama Cultural Resource Survey
December 1, 2015
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TVA Nature Loop
Colbert County, Alabama; Muscle Shoals, Alabama; Hiking; Pet Friendly
The TVA Nature Loop is a 2.5 mile loop trail on TVA protected land. Overall, there are roughly 11 miles of footpaths in the area. The loop is around a section of the TVA reservation. The path is well paved and taken care of. People with disabilities should be able to navigate along the path. The park is pet friendly. One of the most interesting features of the trail is the old railroad bridge. The bridge once crossed the expanse of the river from Muscle Shoals to Florence. The bridge originally had an upper and lower deck. People, carriages, and animals could travel along the bottom deck while trains crossed across the top. Now only a portion of the bridge still exists and has been renovated for the walking trail. The bridge is a popular spot for pictures in the area.
Carrie Keener, University of North Alabama
Americantrails.org,. 2015. 'Trail Details: National Recreation Trail Database'. http://www.americantrails.org/NRTDatabase/trailDetail.php?recordID=3.
Gunther, John. 1953. 'The Story Of The TVA'. Book. Florence. William Lindsey McDonald Collection. UNA Special Archives.
AllTrails.com,. 2015. 'TVA Nature Loop'. http://alltrails.com/trail/us/alabama/tva-nature-loop?ref=search.
Alabama Cultural Resource Survey
December 1, 2015
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North Alabama Birding Trail
Colbert County, Muscle Shoals, Birding, Hiking
The North Alabama Birding Trail consists of fifty birding sites across the northern part of the state. There are currently 397 species known to have been seen along the trail. The fifty sites were carefully selected by a group of biologists, bird enthusiasts, and conservationists. The criteria used to determine the sites were: probability of birds, ecological significance, site resiliency, physical and legal access, economic significance, maintenance support, and parking availability. The trial has a wide array of habitats, such as, wetlands, grasslands, and forests.
It is suggested to dress for the season. There is a possibility of seeing birds from inside a vehicle. Binoculars are a useful tool to carry along on the trail.
Carrie Keener, University of North Alabama
"North Alabama Birding Trail - Frequently Asked Questions." North Alabama Birding Trail - Frequently Asked Questions. Accessed December 1, 2015. http://www.northalabamabirdingtrail.com/about_the_trail/faq.aspx.
'Explore The Shoals'. 2014. Florence. Florence City. UNA Special Archives.
Alabama Cultural Resource Survey
December 1, 2015
Muscle Shoals
Muscle Shoals, Alabama; Colbert County; Tennessee River
The Muscle Shoals is a section of the Tennessee River in North Alabama. This is the shoals that gives the surrounding area its name. The section on the river totals 37 miles in length. This was once an impassable barrier along the river. It made navigation extremely difficult for people. The Shoals was named after either the mussels found along the banks or the muscles needed to canoe across the river there. Both are disputed explanations for the naming of the shoals. Along this stretch the river had shoals, reefs, gravel, sand bars, swift currents, and uncertain depths. Until the canal was built in the early 1800s the area could only be navigated by small man-propelled crafts, such as canoes and rafts. <br /><br />The increasing problem of navigation through the area eventually gained the notice of Congress and they provided land for sale to generate funds to build a canal. This original canal was little help and was never intended to be used as a high traffic waterway. Coal barges could barely, if at all, fit down the canal. It was also a very slow option to naviagte along the river, as it could take up to 11 hours to fully travel down the river.
Carrie Keener, University of North Alabama
Young, Ronald. 1976. 'History Of US Facilities At Muscle Shoals, Alabama, And Origins Of The TVA'. Paper. 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.
'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.
Alabama Cultural Resource Survey
December 1, 2015
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Spring Park
Spring Park; Colbert County; Tuscumbia, Alabama; walking; spring
Spring Park is in downtown Tuscumbia. The main feature of the park is the spring and waterfall. The waterfall is made of natural limestone rocks. An fountain show is put on during certain times of the year. The area is often used for festivals and events in the area. The park is very family oriented with a playground, a mini roller coaster, and a unique little train that travels around the park. A statue is located in the park to pay tribute to the region's Native American heritage.
The park includes pavilions and stages to host entertainment. There is year round trout fishing in the spring, however there is a fee to fish here. Restaurants are also located around the park.
Carrie Keener, University of North Alabama
Langley, John. 2015. 'Spring Park'. Springparkal.Com. http://www.springparkal.com/.
Alabama Cultural Resource Survey
December 1, 2015
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Nitrate Plant No. 2 Mess Hall
Mess Hall; Colbert County; Muscle Shoals; Nitrate Plant; TVA; Mess hall
The Tennessee Valley is filled with minerals, including the materials needed to produce nitrates. Nitrates can be used for many things, most importantly for TVA to help add nutrients to fertilizer. This helped to increase crop production. Another use for a nitrate plant can be for producing nitric acid during times of war to create explosives. These two important factors helped lead the US government to initially start building the Wilson Dam in 1918 and susbequently in 1933 give the TVA control of one of the two nitrate plants in the area of the Shoals. During the early twentieth century, only a small amount of nitrate used in the US came from the country. Most was imported from South America.<br /><br />The top priority of the TVA was to improve soil and prevent erosion. By employing nitrogen from the plant, the TVA could improve farmland. Before the introduction of nitrogen back into the land by the TVA, farmers were exhausting the land and creating barren fallow fields of mud that eroded away into the river. With the plant came a village to house the many workers brought into the area by the Civilian Conservation Corps. This was called Village No. 2 and existed for 32 years. The plant was built by the American Cyanmid Company, with the overall goal of producing 40,000 tons of nitrogen. The plant and Wilson Dam, then referred to as Dam No. 2, were commissioned and built by the federal government, with the help of the state of Alabama. The plant was to produce ammonium nitrate by the cynamid process of nitrogen fixation. It cost about $12 million dollars to build. <br /><br />With the influx of workers, mainly from the CCC, mess halls were built in the villages to help feed all of the men. Village No. 2 housed one mess hall.
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.
Gunther, John. 1953. 'The Story Of The TVA'. Book. Florence. William Lindsey McDonald Collection. UNA Special Archives.
'Sheffield History And Recollections: Journal Of Muscle Shoals History Volume XVIII'. 2011. Florence. William Lindsey McDonald Colleciton. UNA Special Archives.
Carle, J.F. 'US Nitrate Plant No. 2, Muscle Shoals, Alabama'. Paper. Florence. William Lindsey McDonald Collection. UNA Special Archives.
Young, Ronald. 1976. 'History Of US Facilities At Muscle Shoals, Alabama, And Origins Of The TVA'. Paper. Florence. William Lindsey McDonald Collection. UNA Special Archives.
Alabama Cultural Resource Survey
December 1, 2015
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Freedom Hills Wildlife Management Area
Freedom Hills; Shooting Range; Colbert County, Alabama; Cherokee, Alabama; Primitive Camping
Freedom Hills is a 34,500 acre wildlife area. It borders the Natchez Trace and Cherokee, Alabama. The main attraction to the area is the abundant hunting available in the area and the outside shooting range. The shooting range is open to the public and can also be used for archery. It has a distance of 100 yards. The shooting range is also wheelchair accessible. A valid hunting or fishing license must be had to use the shooting range. It is also only open during daylight. This wildlife area is also home to the famous Coon Dog Cemetery. The cemetery is a resting place for many hunting dogs. The area also has primitive camping.
Carrie Keener, University of North Alabama
Outdoor Alabama,. 2014. 'Freedom Hills WMA Shooting Range'. http://www.outdooralabama.com/freedom-hills-wma-shooting-range.
Alabama's Official Travel Guide,. 2015. 'Freedom Hills Wildlife Management Area - Cherokee - Alabama.Travel'. http://alabama.travel/places-to-go/freedom-hills-wildlife-management-area.
Alabama Cultural Resource Survey
December 1, 2015
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Big Muscle Shoals
Muscle Shoals; TVA; Tennessee River; Colbert County
The Big Muscle Shoals is a section of the Tennessee River in North Alabama. This is the main shoals that gives the surrounding area its name, there is also the Little Muscle Shoals. The section on the river totals 37 miles in length. This was once an impassable barrier along the river. It made navigation extremely difficult for people. The Shoals was named after either the mussles found along the banks or the muscles needed to canoe across the river there. Both are disputed explanations for the naming of the shoals. The area had shoals, reefs, gravel, sand bars, swift currents, and uncertain depths along the expansive of river. Until the canal was built in the early 1800s the area could only be navigated by small man-propelled crafts, such as canoes and rafts. The increasing problem of navigation through th area eventually gained the notice of Congress and they provided land for sale to generate funds to build a canal. This original canal was little help and was never intended to be used as a high traffic waterway. Coal barges could barely, if at all, fit down the canal. It was also a very slow option to navigate along the river, as it could take up to 11 hours to fully travel down over the shoals.
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.
Peyton, John Howe. 1916. 'America's Gibraltar Muscle Shoals'. Paper. Florence. William Lindsey McDonald Collection. UNA Special Archives.
Young, Ronald. 1976. 'History Of US Facilities At Muscle Shoals, Alabama, And Origins Of The TVA'. Paper. Florence. William Lindsey McDonald Collection. UNA Special Archives.
Alabama Cultural Resource Survey
December 1, 2015
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Pickwick Reservation
Colbert County; Lake; Fishing; Boating; Camping; Pickwick Reservation
Pickwick Reservoir is a lake created by the Pickwick Dam in Tennessee. Construction of the dam began in 1934. The dam, and resulting lake, were completed in 1938. The reservoir falls under the jurisdiction of the TVA. It extends for 53 miles from Tennessee to the Alabama-Mississippi border. 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 resevoir is a popular spot for many different activities. Fishing is a popular sport in the lake, particular for bass and catfish. Boating and water skiing are allowed on the lake. There is a campgound located below the dam. The campground includes 92 sites with water and electricity and five primitive campsites.
Carrie Keener, University of North Alabama
"Pickwick Reservoir." Outdoor Alabama. July 16, 2014. Accessed December 1, 2015. http://www.outdooralabama.com/pickwick-reservoir.
"Pickwick." TVA. Accessed December 1, 2015. https://www.tva.gov/Energy/Our-Power-System/Hydroelectric/Pickwick-Reservoir.
Alabama Cultural Resource Survey
December 1, 2015
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Colbert Ferry Campground
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.
Carrie Keener, University of North Alabama
"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.
Alabama Cultural Resource Survey
December 1, 2015
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Robert Trent Golf Trail
Golf; Colbert County; Muscle Shoals
The Robert Trent Golf trail is a collection of golf courses across Northern Alabama.The head of the Retirement Systems of Alabama, Dr. David Bronner wanted to help the state of Alabama develop resources to support retired state workers. He decided to build 26 golf courses across 11 sites in Alabama. His goal was to attract retirees to bring in revenue for the state. He wanted golf courses that combined quality and value. Robert Trent Jones Jr., the namesake of the trail, was the main architect behind the courses. The trails each flow with their surrounding topography, instead of being fabricated. Each pose a challenge for any level of golfer. The trail is managed by Sunbelt Gold Corporation.
Carrie Keener, University of North Alabama
RTJ Golf,. 2015. 'RTJ Golf Trail - Explore The Trail'. https://www.rtjgolf.com/trail/.
Alabama Resource Survey
December 1, 2015
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Tent Colony at the TVA
Tent Colony; TVA; CCC; Colbert, County;
Once the TVA was formed during the New Deal, men were needed to work on building Wilson Dam and to work in the Nitrate Factory No. 2. Many of these men were a part of the Civilian Conservation Corps, or CCC. Many of the original workers were being relocated from the Northwestern United States. The first groups of men established camps to live in while they were working for the TVA. These campsites eventually became known as the Nitrate Villages. The men's jobs included preventing erosion, working on the dam, planting saplings, and working on building the nitrate factory.These men were soon introduced to educational training in April of 1936. This training focused on business, soil conservation, agriculture, mechanics, journalism, radio, first aid, and practical science. For those who needed it, basic education on reading and writing was also taught to the men in the camps.
Carrie Keener, University of North Alabama
Carle, J.F. 'US Nitrate Plant No. 2, Muscle Shoals, Alabama'. Paper. Florence. William Lindsey McDonald Collection. UNA Special Archives.
'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.
KIng, Gail. 2010. 'Wilson Village No. 2 1918-1950'. Book. Florence. William Lindsey McDonald Collection. UNA Special Archives.
'Sheffield History And Recollections: Journal Of Muscle Shoals History Volume XVIII'. 2011. Florence. William Lindsey McDonald Collection. UNA Special Archives.
Alabama Cultural Resource Survey
December 1, 2015
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Erosion Fields
Erosion; Colbert County; Alabama; farmers; TVA
The main goal of the TVA was to produce fertilizer to help the Tennessee Valley residents improve their soil. The fertilizer was made in Nitrate Plant No. 2 in Colbert County. By having a steady source of fertilizer the TVA was able to start experimenting on how to help improve the impoverished, eroded farms. With agriculture being the main source of income and livelihood for many people, the land became stripped of essential nutrients after planting of the same crop over and over. Top soil started to wash away with every rain making it harder and harder to produce crops, mainly cotton. The TVA was needed to improve these awful conditions. It is estimated up to 85% of the farm-able land was eroded by 1930. The scientists at the TVA came up with efficient ways to add fertilizer, full of nitrates, to impoverished farmland. Before the TVA, few farmers had the means to add fertilizer to their lands, as this required growing less produce and limiting their already meager income. Many of the restored farmlands became grazing fields for livestock, rather than to continue planting crops.
Carrie Keener, University of North Alabama
McCarthy, Dennis M. 1983. The First Fifty Years: Changed Land, Changed Lives: State Of The Environment Of The Tennessee Valley. Knoxville: Tennessee Valley Authority.
Alabama Cultural Resource Survey
December 9, 2015
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Helen Keller Birthplace “Ivy Green”
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
http://www.helenkellerbirthplace.org/
Alabama Cultural Resource Survey
November 28, 2015
Kirkland's Dress Shop
Historic Businesses; Historic Shops; Tuscumbia; Colbert County; Alabama
The building originally known as G & J Sutherland's Store is the only remaining building of Mechanic's Row in Tuscumbia and is the oldest known commercial building in the State of Alabama. Thomas Keenan, David Deshler, J.M. Moore, Dr. Wharton, James Conner, and Gurnee & James Trimble were early store operators in Mechanics Row.
Jacob Grandstaff, University of North Alabama
The Heritage of Colbert County. Clanton, AL: Heritage Publishing Consultants, Inc., 1999, 6, 7.
Alabama Cultural Resource Survey
November 27, 2015
Old Opera House
Historic Businesses; Sheffield, Colbert County; Alabama; Old Opera Houses; Historic Buildings
In 1835, William Young and his brother Isaac Smoot, a contractor, bought a lot on what is today the corner of Fourth and Main Streets in Tuscumbia for the purpose of opening a carriage factory. They constructed a large red brick building with a porch supported by large columns on the west side. The roomy second floor was used as a show room for Mr. Young's carriages. This business was known as 'Young's Coach Shop” and sometimes the “Old Carriage House" until the 1880s when it was purchased by A. J. Lloyd who had moved to Tuscumbia from Kentucky. Mr. Lloyd used the first floor to house the local post office and the second floor he used for an opera house. From then on, the building was referred to as “The Old Opera House.” In addition to locals who performed plays and minstrel shows, the theater was also used by traveling theater companies and vaudeville troops. General Tom Thumb, the circus midget, was possibly the most famous to visit The Old Opera House.
In 1897, the new Tuscumbia library which had been meeting at the Deshler Female Institute purchased the building through a third party. In 1897, the theater was closed for renovations and reopened two years later. The library occupied a portion of the first floor while the rest was rented to local businesses. The upstairs continued to serve as the town performance center.
In 1908, the Colbert County Courthouse burned and the library offered the upstairs as the temporary court house until a new one could be built because the theater was not used during the summer. The county offices ended up remaining here until a new court house was built. The Old Opera House also housed the post office from 1915-1936 for which the U.S. Government rented part of the building. When the post office moved out, the library moved downstairs.
In order to afford its new building on the corner of N. Main and N. Commons Streets, the library was forced to sell the Old Opera House building. The library hoped it would be preserved as a public meeting house or museum. The U.S. Department of Interior had recognized the building for its historical and architectural value. The architecture was reminiscent of colonial Williamsburg and throughout its history had housed a carriage factory, an opera house, a furniture store, a high school auditorium, courthouse, library, bus station, attorney's office, as well as numerous other locally-owned shops throughout the years. However, efforts to preserve the building were not successful and the building was sold to State National Bank, whose name was later changed to Central Bank of Alabama. The building was demolished and replaced with a newer bank building.
Jacob Grandstaff, University of North Alabama
Journal of Muscle Shoals History. Tennessee Valley Historical Society 9 (1981).
Young's Coach Shop Image courtesy of: "Florence Times," May 22, 1960.
Alabama Cultural Resource Survey
November 27, 2015
Palace Drug Store
Historic Businesses; Drug Stores; Colbert County; Alabama
This building was built in 1833. It was originally known as "The Railroad Hotel." and later as "The Major Pope Railroad Hotel." The word railroad was added because the hotel became a popular resting place for rail travelers even before the Civil War.
The soda fountain was established in 1906 and appeared much the same as it does today. Early in the 20th century, it became a favorite meeting spot for Deshler High School students and was even owned at one point by Tuscumbia's own David Deshler.
Harvey Robbins frequented the location with fellow Deshler students in the 1950s and it is where he also met his future wife, Joyce McKinney. In later years, dismayed at the idleness and dilapidation of their former hang-out spot, they purchased the store and remodeling began in 2000. It opened for business in 2001, restored to its former 1950s look and offering the same fast food, shakes, and ice cream sodas that were served there in decades past.
Jacob Grandstaff, University of North Alabama
The Heritage of Colbert County. Clanton, AL: Heritage Publishing Consultants, Inc., 1999, 7.
Alabama Cultural Resource Survey
December 7, 2015
Planter's Hotel
Historic Businesses; Historic Buildings; Colbert County; Alabama
This structure was completed in 1839 on the northeast corner of 5th and Main Streets. John L. McRae was in involved in its construction. It was a three story brick building and competed with the Franklin House with its livery stable located just north of the hotel on Main Street. Fire destroyed the inside of the building in the early 1950s and the third story was not rebuilt when the bulding was restored. The building still stands today, but is not a hotel.
Jacob Grandstaff, University of North Alabama
The Heritage of Colbert County. Clanton, AL: Heritage Publishing Consultants, Inc., 1999, 8.
Alabama Cultural Resource Survey
November 27, 2015
The Franklin House
Historic Businesses; Historic Hotels; Tuscumbia; Colbert County; Alabama
The Franklin House was one of Tuscumbia's early great landmarks.
Colonel Robert Ransom moved to Tuscumbia from Tennessee and began construction of a hotel on the southeast corner of 5th and Water Streets. The Franklin House's grand opening of this hotel was June 1, 1837. It was advertised as the “house on Railroad Street.” It was 3 stories high with sixty rooms designed to accommodate two hundred guests. Board and lodging per year was $150, per month was $15, and per week was $5. A tornado destroyed the roof and top floor of the Franklin House in 1874. The hotel was remodeled during repairs and became the main offices of the Memphis and Charleston Railroad in 1875. The telegraph was also moved here. In 1878, the hotel was renamed the Parshall House by Mr. Schuyler who bought the building. Electric lights were added in 1905. The hotel burned on October 11, 1915 from a fire started on the top floor. The building pictured sits on the site of the Franklin House today.
Jacob Grandstaff, University of North Alabama
The Heritage of Colbert County. Clanton, AL: Heritage Publishing Consultants, Inc., 1999, 8.
Alabama Cultural Resource Survey
November 27, 2015
Cherokee Public Library
Public Libraries; Cherokee; Colbert County; Alabama
The Cherokee Public Library is located on Church Street in downtown Cherokee, Colbert County. If heading west from Tuscumbia on Hwy 72, turn right on Main Street, cross the Old Lee Highway and the railroad, turn right on First Street, then take the first left on Church Street. The library is on the corner of First and Church Streets. It offers over 14,000 books and periodicals as well as 7 computers with DSL internet access for the general public and wifi access. The library is open 12 pm - 6pm Monday, 12 pm – 5 pm Tuesdays and Thursdays, and 10 am – 2 pm on Fridays. It is closed on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Jacob Grandstaff, University of North Alabama
“Cherokee Public Library," Accessed Novermber, 16, 2015, http://webmini.apls.state.al.us/apls_web/cherokee/?q=home.
http://thermasavetech.com/?attachment_id=482
Alabama Cultural Resource Survey
November 27, 2015
Pathways: Walk through the History of Muscle Shoals
Muscle Shoals; Colbert County; Alabama; Museums; City Hall; Muscle Shoals Music; Muscle Shoals Sound; FAME Studios; Natchez Trace Parkway; Shoals; Tennessee River; Wilson Dam; Tennessee Valley Authority
“Pathways: Walk through the History of Muscle Shoals” is a corridor of historic displays in the Muscle Shoals City Hall. It covers the history of the city of Muscle Shoals, the Wilson Dam and Lock, and Muscle Shoals Music with exhibits of original documents and photographs. Admission is free and it is open from 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m Monday-Friday.
Jacob Grandstaff, University of North Alabama
“Natchez Trace Parkway,” Accessed November 17, 2015, http://www.scenictrace.com/pathways-walk-through-the-history-of-muscle-shoals/.
“Muscle Shoals Music,” Muscle Shoals Area, Alabama, Accessed November 17, 2015, http://www.colbertcountytourism.org/index.php/2012-11-08-15-06-08/2012-11-12-01-58-07.
“Pathways: Walk through the History of Muscle Shoals,” Muscle Shoals National Heritage Area, Accessed November 17, 2015, http://msnha.una.edu/plan-a-visit/?a=18.
Alabama Cultural Resource Survey
November 27, 2015
Tuscumbia Railroad and Transportation Museum
Tuscumbia, Colbert County; Alabama; Historic Railroad Depot; Museums; Railroad Museum; Frontier Railroad Town
The Tuscumbia Railroad Historic Depot, located at 204 W. 5th St. in downtown Tuscumbia is a fully restored museum based on how it was when it was built in 1888. The museum displays train memorabilia, interactive train simulators, telegraph demonstrations and information about Tuscumbia's history.
Its hours of operation are Tuesday – Friday 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Jacob Grandstaff, University of North Alabama
“Muscle Shoals National Heritage Area,” Accessed November 17, 2015, http://msnha.una.edu/plan-a-visit/?a=28.
“Historic Tuscumbia Railroad Depot,” Sweet Home Alabama: The Official Travel Site of Alabama, Accessed November 21, 2015, http://alabama.travel/places-to-go/historic-tuscumbia-railway-depot.
Alabama Cultural Resource Survey
November 27, 2015
Leighton Public Library
Public Library; Leighton; Colbert County; Alabama
The Leighton Public Library is located at 8740 Main Street in Leighton, Colbert County, just off Old Hwy 20. If heading east from Muscle Shoals on Hwy 72, turn left on County Line Road which turns into Leighton's Main Street. Besides 6,300 books, the library lends DVD's and has available fax and copy machines as well as free wifi. It is open Tuesday – Friday from 1:45 pm – 5 pm and Saturday from 11 am – 2 pm. It is closed on Sundays and Mondays.
Jacob Grandstaff, University of North Alabama
“Leighton Public Library,” leightonpubliclibrary.com, Accessed November 16, 2015, http://leightonpubliclibrary.com/index.html.
“Leighton Public Library,” libraries.org: A directory of libraries throughout the world, March 6, 2015, Accessed November 16, 2015, http://librarytechnology.org/libraries/library.pl?id=6642.
Alabama Cultural Resource Survey
November 27, 2015
Muscle Shoals Public Library
Public Libraries; Muscle Shoals; Colbert County; Alabama
The Muscle Shoals Public Library is located at 1918 East Avalon Avenue in Muscle Shoals, Colbert County, next to Muscle Shoals High School. It contains approximately 52,000 volumes and offers DVD's, audiobooks, computers, and free wifi to the public. It also offers a homebound delivery service free of charge. It is open Mondays 1 p.m. – 5 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., and is closed on Sundays.
Jacob Grandstaff, University of North Alabama
“Muscle Shoals Public Library,” libraries.org: A directory of libraries throughout the world, March 6, 2015, Accessed November 16, 2015, http://librarytechnology.org/libraries/library.pl?id=4642.
Image provided by: http://helenkellerhealth.com/the-shoals/muscle-shoals/
“Muscle Shoals Public Library,” http://www1.youseemore.com/muscleshoals/contentpages.asp?loc=35, Accessed November 16, 2015
Alabama Cultural Resource Survey
November 27, 2015
Sheffield Public Library
Public Libraries; Sheffield; Colbert County; Alabama
The Sheffield Public Library is one of five public libraries in Colbert County. It is located at 316 N. Montgomery Ave. From Hwy 72 in Muscle Shoals, take E 2nd St. until N Montgomery Ave, then go north. The library is on the corner of N Montgomery Ave. and 4th St. It is open Monday – Friday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
In 1890, a group of women came together and lended books out of their own personal collections. In 1919, the library found a home in the Red Cross building on the corner of 5th St. and Montgomery Ave. In 1948, the city of Sheffield let the library use the municipal building. That same year, the Friends of the Sheffield Library formed in 1948 as a non-profit corporation with the purpose of providing the library with its own building and to encourage the use of the library by the public. This organization purchased a building on the corner of 5th St. and Nashville Ave. and donated it to the city of Sheffield as a public library in 1963. In 1974, the library moved to a larger building. The Friends purchased the building next to the library in 1983. This building has since been turned into a conference room and local history room.
Jacob Grandstaff, University of North Alabama
“Sheffield Public Library,” Accessed November 16, 2015, http://www1.youseemore.com/sheffieldpl/default.asp.
Alabama Cultural Resource Survey
Alabama Music Hall of Fame
Colbert County; Alabama; Tuscumbia; Museums; Muscle Shoals Sound; FAME Studios; Muscle Shoals Sound Studio; Blues; Country; Rock n Roll; R & B; Music Hall of Fame; Clarence Carter; Percy Sledge; Wilson Pickett; Aretha Franklin; The Rolling Stones; Paul Simon; Bobby Womack; Mary MacGregor
The Alabama Music Hall of Fame, located off Hwy 72 in Colbert County, on the outskirts of Tuscumbia is the hall of fame that honors Alabamians who have made major contributions to American music. Over the years, it has provided an educational experience in which thousands of tourists, historians, school children, and music fans have toured to learn of the many contributions Alabamians have made to music. These accomplishments are not limited to any particular genre, nor are only musicians honored. Alabamian performers, songwriters, managers, and publishers all receive due recognition for their contributions. The accomplishments of successful individuals from Alabama in the music industry are recognized by the Hall of Fame through inductions, exhibits illustrating those accomplishments, and a walk of fame that includes permanent bronze stars for all inductees.
Its location in the area known as The Shoals is no accident. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, the neighboring town of Muscle Shoals became nationally famous for its two recording studios, FAME and the Muscle Shoals Sound Studios where artists such as Percy Sledge, Wilson Pickett, Aretha Franklin, The Rolling Stones, and Paul Simon recorded many of their hits. A unique “Muscle Shoals Sound” developed over these years which according to blues singer Clarence Carter was “a blend of country, gospel and R & B.” By the mid 70s, the Shoals was home to eight stuidios.
In the 1980s, the Muscle Shoals Music Association, a local professional organization of music professionals and the state legislature, under the leadership of state Sen. Bobby Denton, formed the Alabama Music Hall of Fame Board with a mandate to honor Alabama’s famous music achievers and to construct a venue in which to display the accomplishments of these talented individuals. In 1987, citizens of Alabama passed a state-wide referendum which authorized the construction of Phase One of the construction of a 12,500-square foot exhibit facility. More than 35,000 music enthusiasts attended the Alabama Music Hall of Fame's Grand Opening in 1990 which included performances by some of the state's most talented musicians.
The Alabama Hall of Fame is open Tuesday – Friday 9 a.m. - 5:00 a.m.
Directions and Admission: http://www.alamhof.org/visit/hours-and-rates/
Alabama Hall of Fame List of Inductees: http://www.alamhof.org/inductees/inductees/inductees-2/
Jacob Grandstaff, University of North Alabama
“Alabama Music Hall of Fame,” 2015, Accessed November 17, 2015, http://www.alamhof.org/about/.
Elliot, Debbie. “The Legendary Muscle Shoals Sound: Alabama Studios Rolled Out Big Hits of '60s and '70s,” NPR, September 20, 2003, Accessed November 17, 2015, http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=1437161.
Alabama Cultural Resource Survey
November 27, 2015
Coldwater Stagecoach Stop
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.
Jacob Grandstaff, University of North Alabama
“Natchez Trace Parkway,” Accessed November 17, 2015, http://www.scenictrace.com/coldwater-stagecoach-stop/
Alabama Cultural Resource Survey
November 27, 2015
North Alabama Abstract & Guaranty Company
Historic Buildings; Businesses; Tuscumbia Historic District; Downtown Tuscumbia; Clark House; Colbert County; Colbert County Courthouse; Alabama
The building that currently houses the North Alabama Abstract is known as the Clark Building. It is a part of the Colbert County Courthouse Square Historic District. The district is part of the National Register of Historic Places. This brick building was built in 1926. The photo of the old smokehouse is taken from behind the building.
Jacob Grandstaff, University of North Alabama
"Colbert County Courthouse Square Historic District," Accessed December 7, 2015, http://www.digplanet.com/wiki/Colbert_County_Courthouse_Square_Historic_District.
Alabama Cultural Resource Survey
December 7, 2015
Ritz Theatre
Colbert County, Alabama; Sheffield, Alabama; Ritz Theatre; Louis Rosenbaum; Jewish Owned Businesses; The Arts
The Ritz Theatre, which was built as a playhouse opened on July 9. 1928, with the production of "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes."
Louis Rosenbaum, a prominent Jewish business owner who lived in Florence and who owned a chain of movie theaters in North Alabama, was the district manager of the theatre and C. J. Ross was the first manager of the Ritz.
The theatre had a seating capacity of 408 downstairs, 173 in the white section, and 110 in the "colored" section upstairs for a total of 682 seats.
In 1933 the Wurlitzer organ was refitted to accommodate talkies and the theatre was updated to an Art Deco style. On Saturday, January 23, 1933, the theatre had a second "Grand Opening" when President Franklin D. Roosevelt visited Florence, Alabama.
The Muscle Shoals Theatres became a subsidiary of the Nashville based Crescent Amusement Company in 1941.
The theatre went out of business on June 9th, 1951. The Tennessee Valley Arts Association purchased the theatre in 1985 and restored the building, reopening it to
use for local play productions, student recitals, and concerts.
Pam Kingsbury, University of North Alabama
cinematreasures.org
Tennessee Valley Art Center
Alabama Cultural Resource Survey
1928 to the present.
Pam Kingsbury, University of North Alabama
Photographs courtesy of Kaitlyn Corfman.
Still Image and Text