A new Franklin Co. marker

On the 6th of February, 2018, Franklin County, Alabama, began its bicentennial celebration by unveiling a beautiful historical marker at the Franklin County Archive in Russellville. Colbert County was part of Franklin County until it split off after the Civil War so this was a 200 year celebration for the inhabitants of both Franklin and Colbert inhabitants. 

The very able archivist at the Franklin Archive is Chris Ozbirn.  Should you ever have historical or genealogical questions involving Franklin County, don't hesitate to contact her. She has a trove of information. On February 6, everyone at the Archive enjoyed the celebration and the installation of the new marker.

Happy 200th birthday Franklin County !

"Bettie Anne Turnpike" Marker

 The "Bettie Anne Turnpike"  Marker is "off the mail drag" so seldom seen.

Dedication of Gabriel Butler Marker

On Saturday, August 5, 2017, Gabriel Butler was commemorated by a new marker installed at the Butler Cemetery on Lauderdale CR421 near Bluewater Creek.

Gabriel was one of the first white settlers in Lauderdale County,before the county, or even the state of Alabama was created.

The East Lauderdale Historical Society (ELHS) is to be commended for already creating and installing fifteen historical markers to keep alive the history of Lauderdale County.

Coffee High School Centennial

This year Coffee High School alumni celebrate the 100th anniversary of the founding of Coffee High School at its original site between Nellie Avenue and Helton Drive, Florence. The dedication on June 10, 2017, was amply attended and had the benefit of a warm sunny summer day. The historical marker was unveiled after the history of the school was presented by Robert Steen, Chair of the Florence Historical Board. The maker was the first, with a photo, to be installed by the Historical Board,

Cold Water Books signing, Helen Keller weekend

 Looking forward to my book signing at Cold Water Books in Tuscumbia, this weekend June 24 & 25, during the Helen Keller Festival. I'll be there with my new book "More Signs of the Past" and hope to see you!

Shoals Writers Guild Meeting

I had the privilege of introducing my new book “More Signs of the Past” to the Shoals Writers Guild this past Saturday, June 17.  These monthly meetings are arranged because of the dedication and enthusiasm of our “Guild” leader Joy Willow.

My 2^nd book contains all the new historical markers since publication of the first 2010 book. It also includes other “public history” such as the complete Florence Walk of Honor collection. 

An exciting 2nd Book: "More Signs ..."

Since publication of the 1st book "Signs of the Past", many new markers were installed in the 3 counties: Colbert, Lauderdale, and Franklin. During the summer of 2016, I realized a 2nd book would have over 200 entries for the 7 years since the 1st book. That was enough new material to warrant such a supplement and "More Signs of the Past" would be an appropriate title.  A softcover format would keep costs to a minimum. I am very pleased to have found a local printer, Lambert Book House, in Florence, to faithfully reproduce my photos and drawings.

SPRINGFIELD

The East Lauderdale Historical Society dedicated a Historical Marker for SPRINGFIELD on May 11, 2013.  

 

The ELHS is aggressively trying to remedy the past sparsity of East Lauderdale County signs.

 

 

 

HUGH PATE HARRIS

Born 1909 in Lauderdale County, Hugh Harris rose to the rank of FOUR STAR GENERAL. He died in 1979 and is buried in Arlington National Cemetery, D.C.

Located in the southern area of the town of Anderson: 

7051 HIGHWAY 207, ANDERSON, AL

Pope's Tavern Museum

Pope's Tavern has a long two-century history, longer than the town of Florence. Today it serves as a wonderful museum educating old and young alike in the history and culture of Florence. Many gems reside inside including a rare battle flag of the Confederacy.

 

 When creating my book "Signs of the Past", I wanted a photo of a Kennedy Rifle to go with the Greenhill marker "Kennedy Gun Factory". I remembered a rifle on display at the Pope's Museum and checked it out. I was amazed to find it was a rare Kennedy Rifle and the museum allowed me to photograph it and that photo appears on page 100.

 

Jackson's Military Road

The "Jackson Military Road" sign has been relocated by the Florence Historical Board from near Pope's Tavern to the intersection of Hermitage Drive and Military Road (near Braly Stadium).

Church Spring Church & School

When the book "Signs of the Past" was published, the "Church Spring" maker was missing. All that remained was the damaged post so the text of the original sign and a photo of the empty post appeared in the book. 

Happily, the Florence Historical Board obtained funds to replace the missing sign.

Am interesting fact missing from the sign:

St. Florian

In 2011 the town of St. Florian added an historical marker.

St.Florian is several miles north of Florence, AL, 

in Lauderdale County.

LOCK 6 & The MUSCLE SHOALS CANAL

Lock 6 & Muscle Shoals Canal

    On April 6, 2011, Killen, AL, unveiled this marker

In the 19th century, before the damming of the Tennessee, a series of locks and canals were constructed to carry river traffic around the numerous "shoals".

Canal headquarters was at
 Lock 6.

The waters of Wilson Lake now hide the remains of
Lock 6.

"LAGRANGE COLLEGE" & "LAGRANGE MILITARY ACADEMY"

"LAGRANGE COLLEGE" &

"LAGRANGE MILITARY ACADEMY"

        
Two Lagrange signs were installed May 2012.  One sign "Lagrange College" is seen from route 157, the other sign "Lagrange Military Academy" is up on Lagrange mountain near the Academy site.

The BATTLE of TOWN CREEK

The BATTLE of TOWN CREEK

  

Unfortunately this sign is missed by so many people because it is on the old hwy.

This skirmish preceded the burning of Lagrange College 

 

FLORENCE SYNODICAL FEMALE COLLEGE

 The Synodical Female College

One of the earliest educational institutions in the Shoals.

Located south of Wilson Park, east of the current post office in Florence, AL. Now occupied by a postal parking lot, there is nothing (except this sign) to suggest the historical significance of this site. 

The Synodical Female College was a very important place in Florence during the years 1855 to 1893.  It faced Wilson park and was an imposing three story building.  There was an adjoining dormitory which was torn down in 1911 to make way for the present post office.  The school building continued to be used for various functions until it was demolished in 1972.

 

 

TABERNACLE CEMETERY

Tabernacle Cemetery

On Saturday, June 1, 2013, the family and friends of Tabernacle Cemetery 

erected this historical marker to memorialize an important burial ground.

It is on County Road 47 ,  south of Rogers High School in Green Hill.