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

The Earliest Tuscaloosans and Our Namesake

City of Tuscaloosa

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, February 25, 2023

1. The Earliest Tuscaloosans and Our Namesake Marker

Inscription. This area's first inhabitants were Native Americans whose ancestors migrated from Eurasia thousands of years ago. These ancient Indians left numerous archaeological sites and were the ancestors of the mound builders and more recent modern tribes.

Our city is named for Chief Tuscaloosa, a man of mythical stature who ruled much of Alabama. In 1540 chroniclers of the De Soto Expedition described Tuscaloosa as the chief's city and domain. Later maps showed Tuscaloosa as a town, an area, and a river.

Tuscaloosa is one of America's oldest place names. Tascaluca, Taszaluza, and Tuscafusa were some early spelling variants. In 1822 “Tuscaloosa” came into common usage with “Tuskaloosa” as a lesser used alternative. Tuscaloosa translates from Choctaw as “Black Warrior.”

Erected by City of Tuscaloosa.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Native Americans. A significant historical year for this entry is 1540.

Location. 33° 12.567′ N, 87° 33.883′ W. Marker is in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, in Tuscaloosa County. Marker can be reached from 6th Street west of 21st Avenue, on the left when traveling west. Marker is in Government Plaza. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2106 6th St, Tuscaloosa AL 35401, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker

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. The Founding of Tuscaloosa (a few steps from this marker); Why Are We Here? (a few steps from this marker); The Capital Years: 1825-1847 (within shouting distance of this marker); Where Are We? (within shouting distance of this marker); The Civil War Years: 1861-1865 (within shouting distance of this marker); Into The Twenty-First Century (within shouting distance of this marker); The Civil Rights Era (within shouting distance of this marker); Senator Richard Shelby (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Tuscaloosa.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker.

Also see . . .
1. Tuskaloosa. Wikipedia entry on the paramount Mississippian chief, who was known for his physical and governing prowess. (Submitted on February 28, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

2. The Battle of Mabila. de Soto's standard practice was to take chiefs hostage to assure his army's safe passage to the next chiefdom. Tascalusa, well aware of de Soto's tactics, was determined not to tolerate them. (John Sledge, Mobile Bay Magazine, posted Oct. 22, 2021) (Submitted on February 28, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, February 25, 2023

2. The Earliest Tuscaloosans and Our Namesake Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on February 28, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 28, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 187 times since then and 62 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 28, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.