Fort Mitchell in Russell County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)

Crowell-Whitaker 1840 Log Cabin

Photographed by Mark Hilton, February 16, 2024

1. Crowell-Whitaker 1840 Log Cabin Marker

Inscription. Emma Crowell and James Whitaker were married near Fort Mitchell on April 23, 1840. Colonel John Crowell, Indian Agent, gave the Log Cabin to his niece for a wedding gift. Emma was the daughter of Captain Henry Crowell, brother of Colonel John Crowell.

This double-pen, dogtrot cabin with open fireplace at each end provided cooking, eating and sleeping for the family. Wood was gathered for making fires and water was carried from streams nearby. An herb garden near the cooking area provided seasoning for foods and for good health.

Handmade quilts kept families warm and were a treasure to keep. Quilting bees, when friends gathered to make quilts, were also a time of fellowship.

The Crowell-Whitaker Family grew and settled in communities near Fort Mitchell and a long the Chattahoochee River. Some moved westward.

Richard H. Bickerstaff placed a picture of his great-grandmother, Emma over the mantle. Many fond memories of living in the Old Log Cabin are shared by family members and friends. Treasured items the Family Bible, the marble top table are still kept by the family.

Traveling over the Old Federal

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Road by wagon and stagecoach was slow and tiresome. Some furnishings were brought from other homes. Many primitive items were made by hand, such as tables, benches, and rope beds.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical date for this entry is April 23, 1840.

Location. 32° 20.774′ N, 85° 1.392′ W. Marker is in Fort Mitchell, Alabama, in Russell County. It is on Old Federal Road east of Alabama Route 165, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Fort Mitchell AL 36856, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Greater Columbus.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Deep South,

and in the Black Belt.

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: Fort Mitchell

Rear of the Crowell-Whitaker 1840 Log Cabin & Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Hilton, February 16, 2024

2. Rear of the Crowell-Whitaker 1840 Log Cabin & Marker

(within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Fort Mitchell (within shouting distance of this marker); The Creek Trail of Tears (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Removal of the Creeks (about 700 feet away); The Creeks Today (about 700 feet away); Creek Towns (approx. 0.2 miles away); Address by President Lincoln (approx. 0.2 miles away); Cultural Exchange and Cooperation (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fort Mitchell.

Regarding Crowell-Whitaker 1840 Log Cabin. The cabin was constructed in 1840 for Col. John Crowell, Indian agent at the fort, and moved to its present location from its original site four miles away.

Front of Crowell-Whitaker 1840 Log Cabin image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Hilton, February 16, 2024

3. Front of Crowell-Whitaker 1840 Log Cabin

Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2024. It was originally submitted on February 16, 2024, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 635 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 16, 2024, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.