Vincent in Shelby County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)

Town of Vincent

(Home to Alabama's Largest Living Decorated Christmas Tree)

Photographed By David J Gaines, December 5, 2012

1. Town of Vincent Marker

Inscription. The Town of Vincent is located on land that was granted to the Kidd family by the Governor of Alabama in the 1800's. In 1859, the land was willed to three Kidd daughters, one daughter's name was Anna Bella Vincent after whom the town was named. The oldest home in Vincent is that of Tom Bell which was built in the 1840's. The two-story Colonial home was built by expert carpenters and designers using slave labor during the construction. Anne E. McGraw Vincent moved into this house when she was three years old. Early settlers were the Vincent, Clements, Kidd, McGraw, Elliott and Bell families. Three significant things happened that led to the incorporation of the town: the establishment of a school in 1854; the post office; and the building of the railroad in 1887. The Town of Vincent's charter was enacted into law by the State Legislature on February 16, 1897. Among the leaders for enactment of this law was educator Carroll H. Florey.

The Mayor, City Council and the people of the Town of Vincent designated Monday, November 29, 2010 as "Vincent's Homecoming Weekend," held in conjunction with the annual Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting. This event pays homage to Alabama's largest living decorated Christmas tree. The tree was planted in the 1930s and is cherished as a symbol of pride for the Town of Vincent, not only at Christmas time

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but throughout the year.

Erected 2010 by Alabama Tourism Department and the Town of Vincent.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Historic Trees series list. A significant historical month for this entry is February 2007.

Location. 33° 23.102′ N, 86° 24.707′ W. Marker is in Vincent, Alabama, in Shelby County. Marker is at the intersection of U.S. 231 and Florey Street, on the right when traveling south on U.S. 231. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Vincent AL 35178, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 8 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Historic Harpersville (approx. 3.2 miles away); Harpersville Garden of Memories (approx. 3.8 miles away); Old Sterrett Cemetery (approx. 5½ miles away); Coosa (approx. 6.2 miles away); Town of Westover (approx. 6½ miles away); Mount Tabor United Methodist Church Cemetery (approx. 7½ miles away); De Soto's Visit (approx. 8.1 miles away); The De Soto Trail / Chief Coosa And His Dominion (approx. 8.1 miles away).

Photographed By David J Gaines, December 5, 2012

2. Town of Vincent Marker

Photographed By Jimmy Emerson, DVM, November 3, 2011

3. Town of Vincent Marker

The living Christmas tree is to the right of the marker (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/).

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on December 6, 2012, by David J Gaines of Pinson, Alabama. This page has been viewed 969 times since then and 76 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 6, 2012, by David J Gaines of Pinson, Alabama. 3. submitted on February 24, 2016, by J. Makali Bruton of Accra, Ghana. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.