Florence in Lauderdale County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)
William Christopher Handy
City of Florence Walk of Honor
Born in Florence in 1873, W.C. Handy wrote some of the country's most recognizable blues music such as the "St. Louis Blues." He became internationally known as the "Father of the Blues."
Erected 2007 by City of Florence.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Arts, Letters, Music • Entertainment. A significant historical year for this entry is 1873.
Location. 34° 48.401′ N, 87° 37.883′ W. Marker is in Florence, Alabama, in Lauderdale County. Marker can be reached from Hightower Place south of Veterans Drive (Alabama Route 133), on the left when traveling south. Beginning with marker one, this marker is on pole 6 backside. It is one of 18 poles each has four sides that is located behind the Marriott Hotel in River Heritage Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Florence AL 35630, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Frank Perron Achorn (here, next to this marker); Maj. Gen. George W. Goethals (here, next to this marker); Stewart Ernest Cink (here, next to this marker); Edward Stanley Robbins (here, next to this marker); Lin Dunn (here, next to this marker); John Wilkinson Taylor (here, next to this marker); Jonathan Quinn Pettus (here, next to this marker); Michael Hall Mobbs (a few steps from this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Florence.
Also see . . . W. C. Handy. William Christopher Handy (November 16, 1873 – March 28, 1958) was a blues composer and musician, often known as the "Father of the Blues". (Submitted on March 25, 2010, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA.)
Credits. This page was last revised on April 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 21, 2010, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. This page has been viewed 1,842 times since then and 9 times this year. Last updated on March 31, 2023, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on March 21, 2010, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.