Dothan in Houston County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)
Poplar Head Spring
Photographed By David J Gaines, February 12, 2011
1. Poplar Head Spring Marker
Inscription.
Poplar Head Spring. . Located near this marker is the Poplar Head Spring which served as a meeting place for Indian traders prior to the arrival of the white and black settlers. The Alibamu Indians of the Chattahoochee River basin met the Creeks of the Choctawahatchee River basin at the springs frequently to trade. The first whites and blacks arrived in the early 1830’s. Of these the lumber and turpentine operators came first. They were followed by William Cawthon, a cattle king from Georgia. By 1858, the community now called Poplar Head had nine families. However, the turmoil of the War Between the States and Reconstruction resulted in virtual abandonment of the community. In 1881, only 3 families lived at Poplar Head Spring. However, by 1885, enough families had settled in Poplar Head to meet the minimum size needed to incorporate. Through a special election on November 10, 1885, Poplar Head community became Dothan, a city to be.
Located near this marker is the Poplar Head Spring which served as a meeting place for Indian traders prior to the arrival of the white and black settlers. The Alibamu Indians of the Chattahoochee River basin met the Creeks of the Choctawahatchee River basin at the springs frequently to trade. The first whites and blacks arrived in the early 1830’s. Of these the lumber and turpentine operators came first. They were followed by William Cawthon, a cattle king from Georgia. By 1858, the community now called Poplar Head had nine families. However, the turmoil of the War Between the States and Reconstruction resulted in virtual abandonment of the community. In 1881, only 3 families lived at Poplar Head Spring. However, by 1885, enough families had settled in Poplar Head to meet the minimum size needed to incorporate. Through a special election on November 10, 1885, Poplar Head community became Dothan, a city to be.
Erected 1978 by Historic Chattahoochee Commission.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Native Americans • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical month for this entry is November 1902.
Location. 31° 13.411′ N, 85° 23.379′ W. Marker is in Dothan, Alabama, in Houston County. Marker is at the intersection of East Main Street
Click or scan to see this page online
(Business U.S. 84) and Museum Avenue, on the right when traveling west on East Main Street. Located in Poplar Head Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 251 East Main Street, Dothan AL 36301, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 25, 2018. It was originally submitted on March 25, 2011, by David J Gaines of Pinson, Alabama. This page has been viewed 1,498 times since then and 118 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on March 25, 2011, by David J Gaines of Pinson, Alabama. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
