Tuscaloosa in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)

Burns’ Shoals

Photographed by Tim Carr, November 17, 2008

1. Burns’ Shoals Marker

Inscription. 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 and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Bridges & Viaducts • Natural Features • Natural Resources • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Alabama Historical Association series list. 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 County. It can be reached from Greensboro Avenue north of 2nd Street (Jack Warner Parkway). Marker

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is located by the Bama Belle Riverboat dock at the Black Warrior Riverwalk Park east or upriver of the Lurleen B. Wallace Blvd Bridge. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Tuscaloosa AL 35401, United States of America. Touch for directions.

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: Medeiros Point (within shouting distance of this marker); Horace King (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Captain Benjamin F. Eddins (about 300 feet away); 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.

Bama Belle Riverboat Dock image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Tim Carr, November 17, 2008

2. Bama Belle Riverboat Dock

Marker is located to the right of this dock.

The location of Burns’ Shoals image. Click for full size.

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 2,047 times since then and 41 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.