Decatur in Morgan County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)
First Railroad
West of Allegheny Mountains - Tuscumbia, Courtland & Decatur RR.
Photographed By Lugnuts, November 25, 2018
1. First Railroad Marker
Built 1833 to by-pass shoals in Tenn. River. Absorbed by Memphis & Charleston And by Southern Rwy. in 1898.Erected 1952 by Alabama Historical Association.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Railroads & Streetcars. In addition, it is included in the Alabama Historical Association series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1833.
Location. 34° 36.809′ N, 86° 59.178′ W. Marker is in Decatur, Alabama, in Morgan County. Marker is on Railroad Street Northwest east of Vine Street, on the left when traveling east. It is at the old Southern Railway Depot. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 701 Railroad St NW, Decatur AL 35601, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Old Decatur Historic District / Historic Depot (here, next to this marker); “An Affair Most Important to Us” - The Federal Right, October 27-28, 1864 (within shouting distance of this marker); African American Heritage in Old Town Decatur, Alabama (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Old Town Historic District
this page online
More about this marker. In 2010 it was located near 34° 36.873′ N, 86° 58.999′ W, at the intersection of Wilson Street Northeast (Alternate U.S. 72) and Harborview Drive Northeast, on the right when traveling north on Wilson Street Northeast. This was likely where it was originally erected in 1952.
Photographed By Lugnuts, November 25, 2018
2. First Railroad Marker, now at the Southern Railway Depot
Photographed By Lugnuts, November 25, 2018
3. First Railroad Marker
The marker has been relocated to the historic Southern Railway Depot, closer to the rail line it describes. The depot served Amtrak until 1979 when passenger service ended in northern Alabama. The building was restored and now serves as a museum and police station. The marker can be seen just in front of the patrol car.
Photographed By Tim Carr, February 20, 2010
4. First Railroad Marker at its previous location
It is shown here across from the Old State Bank Building on Wilson Street NE (Alt U.S. 72).
Photographed By Tim Carr, February 20, 2010
5. The railroad crosses under the road at the traffic light.
This photo shows the marker at its previous location on Wilson Street NE (Alt U.S. 72) and Harborview Drive.
Photographed By Tim Carr, February 20, 2010
6. A few things have changed since the 1830s at this site.
Photographed By Tim Carr, February 20, 2010
7. The lift bridge over the Tennessee River
Credits. This page was last revised on January 5, 2019. It was originally submitted on February 20, 2010, by Timothy Carr of Birmingham, Alabama. This page has been viewed 1,528 times since then and 72 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 4, 2019, by Lugnuts of Germantown, Wisconsin. 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on February 21, 2010, by Timothy Carr of Birmingham, Alabama. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.
