Coon Dog Memorial Cemetery
Colbert County, Alabama; Cherokee, Alabama; Coon Dog Memorial Cemetery; Cemeteries
On September 4, 1937, Tuscumbia merchant Key Underwood buried his trusty coon dog Old Troop in a part of the Freedom Hills Wildlife Management area known then as Sugar Camp. In the years that followed, other coon dog owners began to follow Underwood's example, and Coon Dog Memorial Cemetery was born. In addition to nearly 200 grave markers, the cemetery boasts a striking stone monument depicting two coon dogs as they tree unseen prey. Today, the cemetery is a top local tourist attraction in the Cherokee area, with its annual Labor Day festivities drawing a particularly large crowd.
To reach the Coon Dog Memorial Cemetery from Tuscumbia, head west on Highway 72 towards Memphis. After 8.5 miles, turn left onto AL-247 and head south. Follow this road for 13 miles until you see the signs for the cemetery on your left.
Brian Corrigan, University of North Alabama
W.E. Rickard, "Coon Dog Cemetery," in <em>The Heritage of Colbert County, Alabama</em> (Clanton, AL: Heritage Publishing Consultants, 1999).
Alabama Cultural Resource Survey
November 22, 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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