Near Natural Bridge in Winston County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)

The Free State of Winston
⎯⎯⎯
Natural Bridge

Photographed by Darren Jefferson Clay, March 6, 2021

1. The Free State of Winston/Natural Bridge Marker

Inscription. The "Free State” of Winston In 1862, this county's representatives opposed secession, voted to remain neutral, and were labeled as "Torries". In honor of the first Alabama born governor, Winston County received its name. It was once part of the fierce and powerful Creek Indian Confederation.
Park opened in 1954

Natural Bridge is the longest rock arch east of the Rockies. It was formed 200 million years ago when the sea washed the sandstone away leaving iron ore veins holding the bridge. In this area thrive 27 varieties of Ferns and a number of Canadian Hemlocks traced to the Ice Age.
Park opened in 1954

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Environment • Indigenous Peoples and Communities.

Location. 34° 5.588′ N, 87° 36.885′ W. Marker is near Natural Bridge, Alabama, in Winston County. It is on County Road 3500 0.3 miles north of U.S. 278, on the left. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 315 Co Rd 3500, Natural Bridge AL 35577, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally,

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this marker is 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 territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 10 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Natural Bridge Park (approx. 0.3 miles away); Byler Road / History of Natural Bridge (approx. 0.6 miles away); Bald Rock / Rock House (approx. 0.6 miles away); Byler Road Displaced by the Railroad (approx. 0.8 miles away); Yankee Trace (approx. 4 miles away); Whitehouse Cemetery Grounds (approx. 7.2 miles away); Haleyville Ice Company (approx. 8.9 miles away); First 9-1-1 Call (approx. 9.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Natural Bridge.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Whitehouse Cemetery Grounds (was approx. 7.2 miles away but has been replaced with

Photographed by Darren Jefferson Clay, March 6, 2021

2. The Free State of Winston/Natural Bridge Marker

another marker now near it).

Photographed by Darren Jefferson Clay, March 6, 2021

3. The Free State of Winston/Natural Bridge Marker

Natural Bridge image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, July 1, 2025

4. Natural Bridge

Credits. This page was last revised on August 5, 2025. It was originally submitted on March 6, 2021, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia. This page has been viewed 813 times since then and 69 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 6, 2021, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia. 4. submitted on August 2, 2025, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.

The Free State of Winston⎯⎯⎯Natural Bridge

The Free State of Winston
⎯⎯⎯
Natural Bridge