Alexander City in Tallapoosa County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)

The Savannah And Memphis Railroad 1874

Photographed by Tim Carr, May 2, 2009

1. The Savannah And Memphis Railroad 1874 Marker

Inscription. The transformation of Youngsville from a country hamlet to a market town can be traced from the arrival of the railroad. The Savannah and Memphis Railroad was completed from Opelika to the east side of the Tallapoosa River at Sturdivant in 1872. Anticipating the extension of the railroad to Youngsville, the grateful citizens in 1873 changed the village’s name to Alexander City in honor of Edward Porter Alexander, president of the S & M. On June 24, 1874 an excursion train pulled by an engine christened Simon Suggs steamed into Alexander City bringing dignitaries and visitors who joined thousands of residents to celebrate the inauguration of rail service.

A passenger-freight depot erected in 1874 and rebuilt after the 1902 fire stood on the opposite side of the railroad from this site until relocated to Court Square in 1955.

Erected 1999 by Alabama Historical Association.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Railroads & Streetcars. In addition, it is included in the Alabama Historical Association series list. A significant historical month for this entry is June 1804.

Location. 32° 56.694′ N, 85° 57.207′ W. Marker is in Alexander City, Alabama, in Tallapoosa County. It is at the intersection

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of Broad Street and Main Street, on the right when traveling east on Broad Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Alexander City AL 35010, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in East Alabama. It is also 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 New Spain,

the original Cherokee Nation,

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 7 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Court Square (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); First Presbyterian Church (about 500 feet away); Alexander City: A Textile Community (about 600 feet away); The First Baptist Church (about 600 feet away); First United Methodist Church 1872 (approx. 0.2 miles away); Youngsville (approx. ¼ mile away); Needmore 1873 (approx. 0.6 miles away); Socopatoy (approx. 7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Alexander City.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Menawa, War Chief (was approx. 6.1 miles away but has been confirmed missing).

Photographed by Tim Carr, 0502/2009

2. The Savannah And Memphis Railroad 1874 Marker

Photographed by Tim Carr, 0502/2009

3. The Savannah And Memphis Railroad 1874 Marker

The Railroad Passing Through Downtown Alexander City image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Tim Carr, May 2, 2009

4. The Railroad Passing Through Downtown Alexander City

Looking East Bound toward Downtown Alexander City image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Tim Carr, May 2, 2009

5. Looking East Bound toward Downtown Alexander City

The Norfolk and Southern Steam Excursion Train Passing Through Alexander City, Alabama. Nov 1990 image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Tim Carr, November 10, 1990

6. The Norfolk and Southern Steam Excursion Train Passing Through Alexander City, Alabama. Nov 1990

N&W A1218 steam locomotive pulling the Norfolk and Southern Railroad steam excursion train through Alexander City on the way to Columbus, Georgia from Birmingham, Alabama.

Photographed by Bernie Lindsey, 1874

7. The Savannah And Memphis Railroad 1874 Marker

Grand Excursion flyer, 1874

Credits. This page was last revised on November 2, 2019. It was originally submitted on March 15, 2010, by Timothy Carr of Birmingham, Alabama. This page has been viewed 2,653 times since then and 53 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on March 15, 2010, by Timothy Carr of Birmingham, Alabama. 7. submitted on March 25, 2012, by Bernie Lindsey of San Diego, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.