Centre in Cherokee County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)

Cherokee County's Beginnings

Photographed by Angela Nichols, March 5, 2018

1. Cherokee County's Beginnings Marker

Inscription. This area had long been home to the Cherokee Indians and the first white settlers did not arrive until the early 1800's. On December 29, 1835, the Cherokees signed a controversial treaty surrendering their lands here to the U.S. Government. A short time later, Cherokee County was created on January 9, 1836 for part of St. Clair County. By the end of 1838, the Cherokee Indians that remained in the county were forcibly removed and sent west on the Trail of Tears. Cherokee County once extended all the way to Black Creek near Gadsden until that land became part of Etowah County when that county was established in 1866. Even today Cherokee County's 599.95 square miles are dotted with reminders of the Cherokee Indians in the names of the rivers and places.

Erected by Cherokee County Historical Society.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Government & Politics • Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical date for this entry is December 29, 1835.

Location. 34° 9.158′ N, 85° 40.73′ W. Marker is in Centre, Alabama, in Cherokee County. It is on Cedar Bluff Road (State Road 283) north of West Main Street (Business U.S. 411), in the median. Markers are located at the back of the courthouse. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Centre AL 35960, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in East Alabama and specifically in North Alabama.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Deep South,

in Appalachia,

and specifically in Southern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the original Cherokee Nation,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Cherokee County Courthouse (here, next to this marker); Cherokee County (within shouting distance of this marker); Jordan Big Store (within shouting distance of this marker); Cherokee County Historical Museum (within shouting distance of this marker); John Johnathan Pratt (about 700 feet away); Cherokee County Veterans War Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away); Orville Estes Field (approx. 0.2 miles away); J.D. Jordan Jr. House (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Centre.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Turkey Town Council Site (was about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line but has been confirmed missing).

Cherokee County Courthouse Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Angela Nichols

2. Cherokee County Courthouse Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on February 14, 2026. It was originally submitted on March 10, 2018, by Angela Nichols of Centre, Alabama. This page has been viewed 1,202 times since then and 68 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 10, 2018, by Angela Nichols of Centre, Alabama. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.