Marker Logo HMdb.org THE HISTORICAL
MARKER DATABASE
“Bite-Size Bits of Local, National, and Global History”
“Bite-Size Bits of Local, National, and Global History”
Decatur in Morgan County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)
 

First Railroad

West of Allegheny Mountains - Tuscumbia, Courtland & Decatur RR.

 
 
First Railroad Marker image. Click for full size.
Photographed By Lugnuts, November 25, 2018
1. First Railroad Marker
Inscription. Built 1833 to by-pass shoals in Tenn. River. Absorbed by Memphis & Charleston And by Southern Rwy. in 1898.
 
Erected 1952 by Alabama Historical Association.
 
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Railroads & Streetcars. In addition, it is included in the Alabama Historical Association series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1833.
 
Location. 34° 36.809′ N, 86° 59.178′ W. Marker is in Decatur, Alabama, in Morgan County. Marker is on Railroad Street Northwest east of Vine Street, on the left when traveling east. It is at the old Southern Railway Depot. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 701 Railroad St NW, Decatur AL 35601, United States of America. Touch for directions.
 
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Old Decatur Historic District / Historic Depot (here, next to this marker); “An Affair Most Important to Us” - The Federal Right, October 27-28, 1864 (within shouting distance of this marker); African American Heritage in Old Town Decatur, Alabama (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Old Town Historic District (about 400 feet away); Votes for Women (about 400 feet away); “A Hard Nut To Crack” - Federal Defenses at Decatur (about 500
Paid Advertisement
Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.
Click or scan to see
this page online
feet away); Dancy-Polk House (circa 1829) (about 500 feet away); Historic Downtown/Founders Park (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Decatur.
 
More about this marker. In 2010 it was located near 34° 36.873′ N, 86° 58.999′ W, at the intersection of Wilson Street Northeast (Alternate U.S. 72) and Harborview Drive Northeast, on the right when traveling north on Wilson Street Northeast. This was likely where it was originally erected in 1952.
 
First Railroad Marker, now at the Southern Railway Depot image. Click for full size.
Photographed By Lugnuts, November 25, 2018
2. First Railroad Marker, now at the Southern Railway Depot
First Railroad Marker image. Click for full size.
Photographed By Lugnuts, November 25, 2018
3. First Railroad Marker
The marker has been relocated to the historic Southern Railway Depot, closer to the rail line it describes. The depot served Amtrak until 1979 when passenger service ended in northern Alabama. The building was restored and now serves as a museum and police station. The marker can be seen just in front of the patrol car.
First Railroad Marker at its previous location image. Click for full size.
Photographed By Tim Carr, February 20, 2010
4. First Railroad Marker at its previous location
It is shown here across from the Old State Bank Building on Wilson Street NE (Alt U.S. 72).
The railroad crosses under the road at the traffic light. image. Click for full size.
Photographed By Tim Carr, February 20, 2010
5. The railroad crosses under the road at the traffic light.
This photo shows the marker at its previous location on Wilson Street NE (Alt U.S. 72) and Harborview Drive.
A few things have changed since the 1830s at this site. image. Click for full size.
Photographed By Tim Carr, February 20, 2010
6. A few things have changed since the 1830s at this site.
The lift bridge over the Tennessee River image. Click for full size.
Photographed By Tim Carr, February 20, 2010
7. The lift bridge over the Tennessee River
 
 
Credits. This page was last revised on January 5, 2019. It was originally submitted on February 20, 2010, by Timothy Carr of Birmingham, Alabama. This page has been viewed 1,559 times since then and 26 times this year. Photos:   1, 2, 3. submitted on January 4, 2019, by Lugnuts of Germantown, Wisconsin.   4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on February 21, 2010, by Timothy Carr of Birmingham, Alabama. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.

Share this page.  
Share on Tumblr
m=27761

CeraNet Cloud Computing sponsors the Historical Marker Database.
This website earns income from purchases you make after using our links to Amazon.com. We appreciate your support.
Paid Advertisements
Mar. 28, 2024