Colbert County, Alabama; Leighton, Alabama; Old Brick Cemetery; Old Brick Presbyterian Church; Cemeteries
The origins of Leighton's Old Brick Presbyterian Church can be traced back to 1812, when traveling minister Carson P. Reed staged a two-week revival in the Brick community. 45 men baptized during the revival were inspired to establish a congregation of their own, with Reed as preacher, and the Cumberland Presbyterian Church was born. Nearly a century later, in the early 1900s, a split within the congregation led to the departure of one faction (which formed the nearby Mt. Pleasant Cumberland Presbyterian Church), and a switch to the "Old Brick" name still in use today. To reach the Old Brick church and cemetery from AL-157 in Muscle Shoals, head east on River Road and turn right onto County Line Road. After one mile, turn left onto Mount Pleasant Road, and look for the cemetery on the right. See the RootsWeb source below for a complete list of burials.
Brian Corrigan, University of North Alabama
"Old Brick Church Cemetery," RootsWeb, http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~maury/AlabamaCemeteriesWeb/ColbertCounty/OldBrickChurchCem/Old_Brick_Church_Cem_Listing.htm (accessed November 20, 2015).
Colbert County, Alabama; Cherokee, Alabama; Coon Dog Memorial Cemetery; Cemeteries
On September 4, 1937, Tuscumbia merchant Key Underwood buried his trusty coon dog Old Troop in a part of the Freedom Hills Wildlife Management area known then as Sugar Camp. In the years that followed, other coon dog owners began to follow Underwood's example, and Coon Dog Memorial Cemetery was born. In addition to nearly 200 grave markers, the cemetery boasts a striking stone monument depicting two coon dogs as they tree unseen prey. Today, the cemetery is a top local tourist attraction in the Cherokee area, with its annual Labor Day festivities drawing a particularly large crowd. To reach the Coon Dog Memorial Cemetery from Tuscumbia, head west on Highway 72 towards Memphis. After 8.5 miles, turn left onto AL-247 and head south. Follow this road for 13 miles until you see the signs for the cemetery on your left.
W.E. Rickard, "Coon Dog Cemetery," in The Heritage of Colbert County, Alabama (Clanton, AL: Heritage Publishing Consultants, 1999).
Colbert County, Alabama; Leighton, Alabama; Glendale Cemetery; Cemeteries
To reach Glendale Cemetery from Muscle Shoals, head south on Wilson Dam Road, then turn right onto Old Highway 20 and drive for about 3 miles. The cemetery is on the left, just past Gnat Pond Road.
Colbert County, Alabama; Tuscumbia, Alabama; Oakwood Cemetery; Felix Grundy Norman; Cemeteries
Tuscumbia's Oakwood Cemetery was mapped and designated as a burial ground in General John Coffee's 1817 survey "Plan of a Town at Coldwater Spring," and the cemetery's oldest burial dates from 1821. Hundreds of military veterans are buried in Oakwood, including veterans of the Revolutionary War and dozens of unknown soldiers killed fighting for the Confederacy during the Civil War. Among the noteworthy burials at Oakwood are one-time Tuscumbia mayor Felix Grundy Norman and Captain Arthur H. Keller, C.S.A., publisher of Tuscumbia's North Alabamian newspaper, and father of Helen Keller. To reach Oakwood Cemetery from Muscle Shoals, head south on Highway 72, turn right onto 6th Street, then turn left onto East Commons Street. Continue for five blocks and the cemetery is on the right.
Mary McWilliams, "Oakwood Cemetery," in The Heritage of Colbert County, Alabama (Clanton, AL: Heritage Publishing Consultants, 1999). Carolyn Murray Greer, "One of Our Best, Most Respected Citizens," Remembering the Shoals, https://rememberingtheshoals.wordpress.com/2011/02/27/one-of-our-best-most-respected-citizens (accessed December 6, 2015).
Colbert County, Alabama; Sheffield, Alabama; Winston Cemetery; Andrew Jackson; Robert Lindsay; Cemeteries
Winston Cemetery, at the corner of SW 14th Avenue and SW 7th Street in Sheffield, sits on land purchased from the United States government by Andrew Jackson, who subsequently gifted it to Col. Anthony Winston. The property was later incorporated into the plantation of William H. Winston, who is among those buried here. Revolutionary War commander Capt. Anthony Wilson, father of Col. Winston and cousin of Patrick Henry and Dolly Madison, was one of the cemetery's earliest burials. Robert Burns Lindsay, the Scottish-born, Reconstruction-era governor of Alabama, is perhaps the most notable burial.
Carolyn Murray Greer, "One of Our Best, Most Respected Citizens," Remembering the Shoals, https://rememberingtheshoals.wordpress.com/2011/02/27/one-of-our-best-most-respected-citizens (accessed December 6, 2015).
Colbert County, Alabama; Muscle Shoals, Alabama; Jackson Cemetery; Cemeteries
The Jackson Cemetery was established in 1918 by Alex Jackson as a burial place for his adoptive family. Vinson Perkins, the grandson of Jackson's adoptive parents, was caretaker of the cemetery from 1978 until his death in 2006. To reach the cemetery from Woodward Avenue in Muscle Shoals, head east on 2nd Street, turn right onto Wilson Dam Road, and drive four blocks. Jackson Cemetery is on the right, past Rosedale Street.
Joseph D. Bryant, "Old Cemetery Symbol of Family, History for Caretaker," TimesDaily, March 1, 2003. Obituary for Vinson Perkins, Sr., TimesDaily, April 11, 2006.
Colbert County, Alabama; Leighton, Alabama; LaGrange Cemetery; LaGrange College; University of North Alabama; Cemeteries
LaGrange Cemetery in Colbert County is located on the site of Alabama's first college, which was established by charter in 1830, and served as a military academy in the years leading up to the Civil War. In 1854, most of the LaGrange College faculty and student body followed president R.H. Rivers to nearby Florence in Lauderdale County, and formed a new institution which later developed into the University of North Alabama. During the war, in 1863, the original college site on LaGrange Mountain was burned by Union troops under the command of Colonel Florence M. Cornyn. Today, visitors to the cemetery are greeted by a marble statue, the Abraham Ricks Monument, sculpted on the site by an Italian artist who was brought to the United States by the Ricks family. A complete list of those buried in LaGrange Cemetery can be found at the USGenWeb source linked below. The college cemetery are listed on the Alabama Historical Register of Landmarks, and the cemetery has recently been restored by the LaGrange Living Historical Association. To reach the college site and cemetery from Muscle Shoals, head southeast on Highway 172 for 8 miles, turn right onto LaGrange College Lane, veering right almost immediately onto LaGrange College Road. The college site and cemetery are on the right.
"LaGrange College Site Park," LaGrange Living Historical Association, http://www.lagrange-collegesitepark.org/index_1.html (accessed November 21, 2015). "LaGrange Cemetery, Colbert County, Alabama," USGenWeb Archives, http://www.usgwarchives.net/al/colbert/lagrangecem/lagrange.htm (accessed November 21, 2015). "LaGrange Cemetery," RootsWeb, http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~maury/AlabamaCemeteriesWeb/ColbertCounty/LaGrangeCem/LagrangeCollegeCemList.htm (accessed December 5, 2015).
Mt. Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery
Colbert County, Alabama; Leighton, Alabama; Mount Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery; Mount Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church; Cemeteries
To reach the Mt. Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery from AL-157 in Muscle Shoals, head east on 2nd Street/AL-184 and after 6 miles, turn right onto County Line Road. The church and cemetery are on the left.
This two story commercial building is located at 356 Gunter Ave in downtown Guntersville, AL. Built in 1940, the building faces east and features a flat roof with a flat facade parapet. It was remodeled around 1990, at which time aluminum windows were added, and the modern stucco surface was applied. The Great Depression came to Guntersville in 1929 as it did to the rest of the nation. Between 1935 and 1941, the city of Guntersville received economic assistance from the Works Progress Administration, the Public Works Administration, and the Tennessee Valley Authority, which employed 1,400 people in the construction of Guntersville Dam. At a time when jobs were scarce and the economy was failing, Guntersville was aided by an influx of federal money to improve its infrastructure and build new federal facilities. New businesses opened in downtown Guntersville during a period of minimal national growth.
Alabama Historical Commision; Guntersville Historic Sites Survey 2012, David Schneider
Downtown Guntersville; Marshall County Alabama
This commercial building in historic downtown Guntersville, AL was built in 1955. It is of masonry construction, with two aluminum storefront window systems, each containing its own door with transom. The roof is flat and features a flat parapet at the facade.
Alabama Historical Commission, David B. Schneider
Built in 1925, this one-story commercial building is of masonry construction and features a flat roof with a flat parapet at the facade. It has two unequal-length storefront systems that were added in 1965. The south system features a recessed central entrance with a single door, transom, and sidelights, underneath a flat, suspended aluminum canopy (also 1965). The north storefront door is covered by a pent canopy, added in 1975. A defining feature of this building is the three recessed panels along the upper facade that feature diamond shaped insets.
This two story masonry commercial building was constructed in 1940. It has a flat roof concealed by a flat parapet at the facade. The modern aluminum storefront system with pent awning was added in 1975. A distinguishing feature of this building is the two over-sized arched openings that each contain double one-over-one windows.
This two story masonry building was constructed in 1925. The modern aluminum-framed storefront system and pent awning was added in 1975. The building has a flat roof concealed by a flat parapet on the facade. The upper facade feature 7 four-over-one windows.
Architectural drawings; Watercolors; Houses; Dwellings; Doors & doorways; Windows; Shutters; Porches; Columns; Roofs; Chimneys; Men; Women; Trees; Landscapes (Representations)
This image is a watercolor painting of the residence of Dean Hare in Auburn, Alabama by Thomas H. Brugh sometime between 1917 and 1942. The painting shows the front exterior of the home with its double doors, windows, shutters, columned porch, steps, peaked roof, and chimneys flanked by trees and landscaping. There is a couple in period costume coming down the walk. It is placed within framing art showing its architectural features including those of the main entrance. The framing art includes the floor plan and various scales. In the lower right corner, there is an Alabama Polytechnic Institute School of Architecture stamp, the handwritten inscription "First Medals," and the artist's signature block which reads: "Thomas H. Bruch, Ala. Poly. Inst. Arch. 476, a measured drawing, residence of Dean Hare, Auburn, Ala." The painting is in excellent condition and is encapsulated.
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.
1984 Family Reunion Program, Chicago Illinois
This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. In addition, no permission is required from the rights-holder(s) for educational uses. For other uses, you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).
Omeka Add to Collections Minimal Instructions
Transportation, Buses, Public Transportation, American history, Civil Rights, Rosa Parks, Henry Ford Museum, Montgomery, Alabama
This is the bus Rosa Parks was riding when she was arrested for refusing to give up her seat to a white man in Montgomery, Alabama on December 1, 1955. At the time, Jim Crow laws in Alabama demanded that seating on buses be racially segregated. Ms. Parks' action sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott and became an important episode in the Civil Rights movement. The bus was identified through the bus company's records, and purchased and restored by the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan.
Creative Commons license, non-derivative
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/maiac/4548476584/in/photolist-cRaCPw-dNa6Vq-qXSU6B-7VW8C5-jMf9sz-aQjdek-9tr6Yx-qNHZv6-ny42Ec-nzg1ee-9trcFx-9tr798-9o3ytd-9tu5K7-m7QWbg-m7QP9a-8dNgHi-dnzbxE-5RLEqt-8dNhdP-6dG6R-8QA47-4pLHMH-7dniN-cRawcA-cRavDC-aBUsrz-5j3Pmm-46yht6-46CpMs-46yhg2-4nrKKw-8TZuih-cRaDzf-4nrKJq-cRazkQ-5YLAT-aBr12u-dN3Yfc-46CrwY-46yk3i-46Cq5J-46yj7K-46yjDv-46yis2-46CqQY-46yiTe-46Cs15-46Cqmw-aBoq5v">https://www.flickr.com/photos/maiac/4548476584/in/photolist-cRaCPw-dNa6Vq-qXSU6B-7VW8C5-jMf9sz-aQjdek-9tr6Yx-qNHZv6-ny42Ec-nzg1ee-9trcFx-9tr798-9o3ytd-9tu5K7-m7QWbg-m7QP9a-8dNgHi-dnzbxE-5RLEqt-8dNhdP-6dG6R-8QA47-4pLHMH-7dniN-cRawcA-cRavDC-aBUsrz-5j3Pmm-46yht6-46CpMs-46yhg2-4nrKKw-8TZuih-cRaDzf-4nrKJq-cRazkQ-5YLAT-aBr12u-dN3Yfc-46CrwY-46yk3i-46Cq5J-46yj7K-46yjDv-46yis2-46CqQY-46yiTe-46Cs15-46Cqmw-aBoq5v
United States -- Alabama -- Montgomery County -- Montgomery
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. 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.
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.
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; 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; 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.
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.
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. 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.
'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.
Colbert County, Alabama; Muscle Shoals, Alabama; Tuscumbia, Alabama; Sheffield, Alabama; Nitrate
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. 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.
'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.
Colbert County, Alabama; Sheffield, Alabama; Nitrate; Village
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. 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. The village was constructed around the same time as the dam. The village itself housed many of the workers and their families. The village housed a local school for younger ages, a fire department, and even book mobiles to allow greater access to books. The houses came in prefabricated styles, ranging from three to seven rooms. Every house had complete sewer, water, and electrical connections, a rare thing at the time. There were 42 permanent houses, 1 mess hall, three office buildings, a post office, and even an ice plant that produced 6 tons of ice a day.
'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.
Colbert County, Alabama; Sheffield, Alabama; Fire Department
'Sheffield History And Recollections: Journal Of Muscle Shoals History Volume XVIII'. 2011. Florence. William Lindsey McDonald Colleciton. UNA Special Archives. Woodhouse, Henry. 1926. 'Muscle Shoals Industrial Possibilities And Actualities'. Newspaper. Florence. William Lindsey McDonald Collection. UNA Special Archives.
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. The trail is pet friendly. It allows camping, fishing, and hiking.
"TVA Reservation Rock Pile." AllTrails.com. 2015. Accessed December 1, 2015. http://alltrails.com/trail/us/alabama/tva-reservation-rock-pile.
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.
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.
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.
"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.
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. 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.
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.
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.
Langley, John. 2015. 'Spring Park'. Springparkal.Com. http://www.springparkal.com/.
Natchez Trace; Colbert County; Muscle Shoals; Tuscumbia; Sheffield; Parkway
The Nathchez Trace was once a path used by Native Americans in the region, including the Choctaw and Chickasaw Indians. It was a popular path for pioneers and settlers to take as well. Once there was better navigation on the river, with the invention of steamboats, use of the Trace decreased. The Trace runs from Natchez, Mississippi to Nashville, Tennessee. It is a 444 mile parkway managed by the National Park Service now that crosses Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee. A compact was formed in 1999 to create and maintain the Trace parkway. The primary object of this pact is to bring visitors to the Natchez Trace Parkway and to encourage people to explore the Trace. In the Shoals area the Trace goes through Tuscumbia, Sheffield, Muscle Shoals, and Florence.
'Explore The Natchez Trace'. Florence. Florence City. UNA Special Archives.
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. 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. 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.
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.
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.
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.
Park; Colbert County; Muscle Shoals, Alabama; recreation;
Gattman Park is maintained by the Muscle Shoals Parks and Recreation Department. The park has access to both indoor and outdoor activities. There are two gym facilities, one with a rubber floor walking track. The other gym also has meeting rooms available for renting out. Outside, the park has two large pavilions and one small one. This is the location of the areas' ball fields, as well. There is an outdoor walking track around the park, with playground equipment in various locations around the area. During the summer months the splash pad play area can also be rented out for parties. Gattman Park is a well maintained park and is popular with the area's families.
Alabama's Official Travel Guide,. 2015. 'Muscle Shoals Parks And Recreation Department - Muscle Shoals - Alabama.Travel'. http://alabama.travel/places-to-go/muscle-shoals-parks-and-recreation-department. Cityofmuscleshoals.com,. 2015. 'Muscle Shoals – Facilities'.
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.
'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.
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.
"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.
Colbert County, Colbert Ferry; National Park Service; Bicycle; Campground
This campground and park is located on the site of where George Colbert once operated a ferry for crossing the Tennessee River. He also operated a small inn for the travelers on the Natchez Trace. George Colbert supposedly took Andrew Jackson's Tennessee Army across the river for $75,000 during the War of 1812. George Colbert helped the US negotiate with the areas Indians, as he was half Choctaw. This is a bicycle only campground. It provides picnic tables, grills, and fire rings for campers. There is only a small white building in the space of the campground. Bluffs are nearby for viewing the river. The campground can be difficult to find and is located at milepost 327.3.
"Colbert Ferry - Natchez Trace | NatchezTraceTravel.com." Colbert Ferry - Natchez Trace | NatchezTraceTravel.com. Accessed December 1, 2015. http://www.natcheztracetravel.com/natchez-trace-alabama/florence-tennessee-river/124-colbert-ferry.html. Nps.gov,. 2015. 'Colbert Ferry Bicycle-Only Campground - Natchez Trace Parkway (U.S. National Park Service)'. http://www.nps.gov/natr/colbert-ferry-bicycle-only-campground.htm.
Rock Spring; Colbert County; Hiking; Nature; Natchez Trace
Rock Spring Nature Trail goes from Colbert Creek to Rock Springs. It is about a 20 minute walk. The trail is off of the Natchez Trace Parkway. The trail is a popular birding destination in the area. Birders mainly look for hummingbirds who are attracted to the plant life. Occasionally a hellbender, a large species of salamander can be found along the trail. Another popular inhabitant to the area are beavers, as they often dam up the creek. The park is maintained by the National Park Service under the Natchez Trace. There are parking locations for the park. Admission is free for the park.
Alabama Birding Trails,. 2015. 'Rock Springs Nature Trail Alabama Birding Trails'. http://alabamabirdingtrails.com/sites/natchez-trace-parkway-rock-springs-nature-trail/. Natcheztracetravel.com,. 2015. 'Rock Spring - Natchez Trace | Natcheztracetravel.Com'. http://www.natcheztracetravel.com/natchez-trace-alabama/florence-tennessee-river/121-rock-spring.html.
Rose Trail is a RV and campground located on Pickwick lake and reservoir. Pickwick Reservoir is a lake created by the Pickwick Dam in Tennessee. Construction began in 1934. The lake is under the jurisdiction of the TVA. It extends for 53 miles from Tennessee to the Alabama- Mississippi border. The dam, and resulting lake were completed in 1938. The dam is 113 feet high. It still produces hydroelectricity with six large generators within the dam. The mean elevation of the lake water is 408 feet. The dam also has two locks. The area's lake is a popular spot for many different activities. Fishing is a popular sport in the lake, particularly for bass and catfish. Boating and water skiing are allowed on the lake. There are piers and boat ramps in the park for campers, as well as bathrooms and showers. The park is only open from March-September.
Langley, John. 2015. 'RV Parks And Campgrounds'. Colbertcountytourism.Org. http://www.colbertcountytourism.org/index.php/2012-11-08-15-09-04/rv-parks-campgrounds.
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.
RTJ Golf,. 2015. 'RTJ Golf Trail - Explore The Trail'. https://www.rtjgolf.com/trail/.
Big Spring; Colbert County; Tuscumbia, Alabama; Park
Big Spring was once a popular baptizing place for people in the area. It often flooded and was home to many grazing animals. Many pictures exist of the spring before it was controlled. The site is now used for hosting festivals for the city of Tuscumbia. There are picnic tables and pavilions for use around the park. The spring travels the whole length of the park, as well. There are resturants and small rides for children. Fishing, with a small fee, is also allowed in the spring.
Alabama's Official Travel Guide,. 2015. 'Spring Park - Tuscumbia - Alabama.Travel'. http://alabama.travel/places-to-go/spring-park.
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.
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.
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.
McCarthy, Dennis M. 1983. The First Fifty Years: Changed Land, Changed Lives: State Of The Environment Of The Tennessee Valley. Knoxville: Tennessee Valley Authority.
Architecture; Guntersville, Alabama; Marshall County; House
Albert G Henry, Jr., a prominent merchant and millionaire in Alabama, built the Queen Anne style house circa 1890. The home is a two story building with a shingle roof and an irregular floorplan. The house has wood siding, painted in varying shades of pink. The façade is dominated by the attached hipped porch with turned posts. The house sits on a foundation of brick. The house is located at 326 Blount Avenue, Guntersville, AL. It is a single-dwelling home.
Sanborn Insurance Maps, 1930, 1948; aerial photos 1957 and 1962; A History Tour of Guntersville, site 27
Government; Guntersville, Alabama; Marshall County
The Guntersville City Hall was built in 1965 in the Post War Modern style. The one-story building is constructed with brick and masonry. It has a gable on hipped shingle roof. The foundation of the building is not a visible feature. Overall, the building is in good condition. The city hall is located at 341 Gunter Avenue, Guntersville, Alabama.
Sanborn Insurance Maps, 1930, 1948; aerial photos 1957 and 1962
Department Store; Marshall County; Alabama; Guntersville
This is a department store built circa 1905. It was remodeled in 1965 with aluminum display windows and corrugated metal on the facade. It is built in the Folk Victorian style. It has a flat stepped roof. It has a brick foundation. The building was built for a man named Sam Henry. A.B, Hammer then purchased the building and started the Hammer Department Store. The store has now expanded into adjacent buildings. The store name was changed to Fant’s Department Store in 1996. It is located at 355 North Gunter Avenue Guntersville, Alabama.
Sanborn Insurance Maps, 1930, 1948; aerial photos 1957 and 1962; A Historic Tour of Guntersville, site 4
Commercial Building (Fant’s Department Store)
Department Store; Marshall County; Commerce; Guntersville, Alabama
This commercial building was built circa 1915. It is a one-story Folk Victorian style building with a flat roof. The building is constructed with brick and masonry. The building has a recessed entrance with the storefront covered in corrugated metal, added when updated in 1965. Has a metal awning across the entire front. Has a brick foundation. It is located at 355 center Gunter Avenue Guntersville, Alabama.
Commercial Building (Fant’s Department Store Extension)
The original building was constructed circa 1935. It was altered in 1970 by the addition of four aluminum windows to the second story. It has two stories and is in the Early 20th Century Commercial style. It sits on a brick foundation and has walls made of brick. It has a flat roof. It became an extension to Fant’s Department Store circa 1942, along with the building next to it. It is located at 355 Center Gunter Avenue, Guntersville, Alabama.