Fort Payne in DeKalb County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)

Wills Town Mission

Photographed By Tim Carr, June 15, 2008

1. Wills Town Mission Marker

Inscription. The mission was established in 1823 by the American Board of Missions to further education and Christianity among the Cherokee Indians. Mission operated until the Indian removal in 1838.

Grave site of Reverend Ard Hoyt, first superintendent, marks the location of the mission near the corner of 38th Street and Godfrey Avenue.

Erected 1983 by Alabama Historical Association.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • Education • Native Americans. In addition, it is included in the Alabama Historical Association series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1823.

Location. 34° 26.615′ N, 85° 43.199′ W. Marker is in Fort Payne, Alabama, in DeKalb County. Marker is on Gault Avenue North (U.S. 11) east of 4th Street, on the right when traveling east. Marker is located in Union Park near the water fountain. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Fort Payne AL 35968, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Sequoyah (here, next to this marker); Fort Payne’s Fort (here, next to this marker); Whittler's Corner (within shouting distance of this marker); Alabama (within shouting distance of this marker); Confederate Monument

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(within shouting distance of this marker); Boom Town Historic District (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Fort Payne Opera House (about 400 feet away); Sequoyah | Socks | Song | Scenery (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fort Payne.

Photographed By Tom Bosse, November 25, 2016

2. Wills Town Mission Marker

The Wills Town Mission Marker is the middle marker.

Credits. This page was last revised on November 14, 2020. It was originally submitted on February 27, 2010, by Timothy Carr of Birmingham, Alabama. This page has been viewed 1,951 times since then and 60 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on February 27, 2010, by Timothy Carr of Birmingham, Alabama. 2. submitted on November 27, 2016, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.