The Duke of Cahaba

Photographed By Tim Carr, August 15, 2009

1. The Duke of Cahaba Marker

Inscription. In 1889, Samuel and Sarah Kirkpatrick moved to Selma, leaving their farm and house in the capable hands of their son Clifton (1863-1930). He turned the abandoned remains of Alabama's first capital into a showcase farm of diversified, scientific agriculture, departing from the South's one crop cotton system. In 1902, he began planting the pecan trees you see all around you.

Clifton Kirkpatrick believed in public service and worked to promote the welfare of all farmers. From 1927 until his death, he served in the Alabama House of Representatives. The Montgomery Advertiser published this political cartoon by Spang on January 12, 1927. Kirkpatrick was progressive advocate of good farming practices and an agricultural leader in the central Alabama region known as the "Black Belt."

He also served as unofficial tour guide to the historic sites in Cahaba, often hosting visitors at his home with warm-hearted hospitality. Over the years, he became known as the "Duke of Cahaba."

Erected by Alabama Historical Commission.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Agriculture. In addition, it is included in the Alabama Historical Commission series list. A significant historical month for this entry is January 1846.

Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby.

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It was located near 32° 19.433′ N, 87° 5.873′ W. Marker was in Cahaba, Alabama, in Dallas County. Marker was on Oak Street near 2nd Street North, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: Orrville AL 36767, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. A different marker also named The Duke of Cahaba (here, next to this marker); Behind the Big House (a few steps from this marker); Death in the Street (approx. 0.3 miles away); The Hole That Was Once a Row (approx. 0.3 miles away); Who Lived Here? (approx. 0.3 miles away); General Lafayette Visits Cahawba (approx. 0.3 miles away); Drug Store & the Rooms Above (approx. 0.4 miles away); Yankees in Cahawba (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Cahaba.

More about this marker. This marker has been replaced with a newer interpretive marker, also called "The Duke of Cahaba."

Also see . . . Old Cahawba, "Alabama's most famous Ghost Town". (Submitted on October 10, 2009, by Timothy Carr of Birmingham, Alabama.)

The Duke of Cahaba Cartoon image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Tim Carr, August 15, 2009

2. The Duke of Cahaba Cartoon

Kirkpatrick Homesite and Pecan Grove image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Tim Carr, August 15, 2009

3. Kirkpatrick Homesite and Pecan Grove

Replacement marker. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mark Hilton, January 6, 2018

4. Replacement marker.

Credits. This page was last revised on October 23, 2020. It was originally submitted on October 4, 2009, by Timothy Carr of Birmingham, Alabama. This page has been viewed 1,857 times since then and 57 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on October 4, 2009, by Timothy Carr of Birmingham, Alabama. 2. submitted on October 16, 2009, by Timothy Carr of Birmingham, Alabama. 3. submitted on October 15, 2009, by Timothy Carr of Birmingham, Alabama. 4. submitted on January 10, 2018, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.