Cherokee in Colbert County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)
A Chickasaw Planter
Natchez Trace Parkway
Photographed By Sandra Hughes, August 18, 2017
1. A Chickasaw Planter Marker
During the early 1800s, a slave-owning planter class including George Colbert’s family, emerged among the Chickasaw.George’s success stemmed from a variety of endeavors. He fought with the Americans against the Shawnee and Creeks, traveled to Washington, DC, as a tribal emissary, and steadfastly protected Chickasaw rights during treaty councils.
In addition to a ferry and an inn that Colbert operated nearby he grew cotton and raised cattle. His large plantation depended on the labor of 150 enslaved African Americans.
After removal to “Indian Territory” in present-day Oklahoma, Colbert established another large farm. Already past his 80th birthday, he died in 1839.
“Major Colbert, who ranks high in the government of his nation…has labored at the plough and hoe during the last season, and his example has stimulated others.”
Benjamin Hawkins, 1801
US Agent for Indian Affairs
(caption)
Though run down by the time this photo was taken, Colbert’s Stand was once an important landmark on the Natchez Trace. Until forced removal, Colbert and his family
this page online
Erected by Natchez Trace Parkway, National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Agriculture • Native Americans. In addition, it is included in the Natchez Trace series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1801.
Location. 34° 50.16′ N, 87° 56.713′ W. Marker is in Cherokee, Alabama, in Colbert County. Marker can be reached from Natchez Trace Parkway (at milepost 327.3), 1.4 miles east of N Pike (County Route 21), on the left when traveling east. Marker is located in Natchez Trace Parkway Colbert Ferry Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Cherokee AL 35616, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Chickasaw Hospitality (within shouting distance of this marker); Colbert's Stand (within shouting distance of this marker); George Colbert Memorial (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Trace Travelers (approx. 0.2 miles away); Safe Crossing (approx. 0.2 miles away); Colbert Ferry (approx. 0.2 miles away); Welcome! (approx. ¼ mile away); Wet, Wild, and Wonderful (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Cherokee.
Also see . . .
Photographed By Sandra Hughes, August 18, 2017
2. A Chickasaw Planter Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on August 21, 2017. It was originally submitted on August 20, 2017, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. This page has been viewed 654 times since then and 137 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 20, 2017, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
