Tuscaloosa in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)
1887: The Beginnings of Modern Tuscaloosa
City of Tuscaloosa
Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, February 25, 2023
1. 1887: The Beginnings of Modern Tuscaloosa Marker
After the devastation of the Civil War and nearly 20 years of decline, Mayor William Carlos Jemison and other civic leaders energetically promoted a New South vision of a community that would prosper through hard work, trade, industrial development, mining, and a far-reaching transportation system.
In 1887, their efforts began to bear fruit. The production of electricity and ice began, the first telephone service was offered, and a third bank was established. Tuscaloosa significantly expanded to the east and south. Additionally, a US government plan for a series of navigation locks on the river was approved. Tuscaloosa not only began to grow dramatically in population but also began to change economically and socially. This period of development lasted far into the next century.
Erected by City of Tuscaloosa.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Communications • Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1887.
Location. 33° 12.561′ N, 87° 33.842′ W. Marker is in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, in Tuscaloosa County. It can be reached from 21st
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in the American South and specifically in the Deep South. 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 walking distance of this marker: Answering the Call to Duty (a few steps from this marker); Reconstruction:1867-1874 (a few steps from this marker); The Civil War Years: 1861-1865 (within shouting distance of this marker); African-American Business District (within shouting distance of this marker); The Capital Years: 1825-1847 (within shouting distance of this marker); The Civil Rights Era (within shouting distance of this marker); The Founding of Tuscaloosa (within shouting
Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, February 25, 2023
2. 1887: The Beginnings of Modern Tuscaloosa Marker
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2026. It was originally submitted on February 28, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 355 times since then and 38 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 28, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
