Haleyville in Winston County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)
The Byler Road
Photographed By Mark Hilton, July 19, 2020
1. The Byler Road Marker
Inscription.
The Byler Road was Alabama's first state road. Governor W. W. Bibb signed into law a bill authorizing its construction December 16, 1819.
The turnpike was named for John Byler, its chief promoter. Byler and his associates were directed to build a road 12 feet wide, clear of all roots and stumps and to collect all tolls for 12 years.
Completed in 1822, the road ran from Tuscaloosa near Muscle Shoals, linking the markets of the Tennessee Valley with the head of navigation of the Black Warrior River. After 1826, when Tuscaloosa became the state capital, it was "The Main Street of Northwest Alabama." The Union General J. H. Wilson passed over the road in March, 1865 with 13,480 cavalrymen (one of the largest cavalry raids in world history) in route to the Battle of Selma.
The Byler Road was Alabama's first state road. Governor W. W. Bibb signed into law a bill authorizing its construction December 16, 1819.
The turnpike was named for John Byler, its chief promoter. Byler and his associates were directed to build a road 12 feet wide, clear of all roots and stumps and to collect all tolls for 12 years.
Completed in 1822, the road ran from Tuscaloosa near Muscle Shoals, linking the markets of the Tennessee Valley with the head of navigation of the Black Warrior River. After 1826, when Tuscaloosa became the state capital, it was "The Main Street of Northwest Alabama." The Union General J. H. Wilson passed over the road in March, 1865 with 13,480 cavalrymen (one of the largest cavalry raids in world history) in route to the Battle of Selma.
Erected 1977 by the City of Haleyville.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Roads & Vehicles • War, US Civil. A significant historical month for this entry is March 1865.
Location. 34° 13.578′ N, 87° 37.401′ W. Marker is in Haleyville, Alabama, in Winston County. Marker is on 20th Street west of 10th Avenue, on the left when traveling west. Located next to the Haleyville Library. 20th St. is one-way westbound. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 913 20th Street, Haleyville AL 35565, United States of America. Touch for directions.
2. Byler Road Marker next to Haleyville Public Library.
Photographed By Mark Hilton, July 19, 2020
3. Linear route of Byler Road.
This sign is located in Leighton, Alabama.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 5, 2021. It was originally submitted on July 21, 2020, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 852 times since then and 138 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on July 21, 2020, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.
