Tuscaloosa in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)
Burns’ Shoals
Photographed By Tim Carr, November 17, 2008
1. Burns’ Shoals Marker
The remains of Burns' Shoals now lie nearly 40 feet underwater. This rock outcropping was the first of the shoals known as the "Falls of Tuscaloosa" and represents the "Fall Line" or contact point of the Coastal Plain and the Appalachian Plateau, which extends nearly 2000 miles to Canada. From here upstream the riverbed is primarily rock while downstream is is sand, silt and gravel. It was head of navigation on the river and thus a primary reason for the founding of Tuscaloosa. It was used as an early ford and bathing site, and later provided a solid foundation for a succession of bridges. During construction of Old Locks One, Two and Three (1888-1895), it was channelized to allow the passage of river traffic.Erected 2002 by Alabama Historical Association.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Bridges & Viaducts • Natural Features • Natural Resources • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 2000.
Location. 33° 12.842′ N, 87° 34.298′ W. Marker is in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, in Tuscaloosa
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Medeiros Point (within shouting distance of this marker); Horace King (within shouting distance of this marker); Captain Benjamin F. Eddins (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Black Warrior River (about 300 feet away); Navigation and Shipbuilding On The Black Warrior River (about 600 feet away); Home Guard Defended Covered Bridge / Bridging The Black Warrior River (about 800 feet away); The M & O Railroad Trestle (approx. 0.3 miles away); “The Indian Fires Are Going Out” (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Tuscaloosa.
Photographed By Tim Carr, November 17, 2008
2. Bama Belle Riverboat Dock
Marker is located to the right of this dock.
Photographed By Tim Carr, March 13, 2010
3. The location of Burns’ Shoals
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on March 21, 2010, by Timothy Carr of Birmingham, Alabama. This page has been viewed 1,623 times since then and 103 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 21, 2010, by Timothy Carr of Birmingham, Alabama. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
