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

Wheeler Rifles

~Organized 1888~

Photographed by Sandra Hughes, July 25, 2009

1. Wheeler Rifles Marker

Inscription. Prior to the repeal of the Militia Act in 1902, states maintained their own militia. One of the last militia in Florence and Lauderdale County was the Wheeler Rifles. Organized in 1888, under the command of Captain Julian Fields, it was named for U.S. Congressman Joseph Wheeler, a Confederate hero who later commanded the U.S. Cavalry in Cuba. The Wheeler Rifles, under the command of Captain William Martin, was the first militia company in Alabama to volunteer for service in the Spanish-American War, although the war ended while they were undergoing training in Florida.

Erected by Florence Historic Board Florence Alabama.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: War, Spanish-American • War, US Civil. A significant historical year for this entry is 1902.

Location. 34° 47.992′ N, 87° 40.586′ W. Marker is in Florence, Alabama, in Lauderdale County. It is at the intersection of East Tennessee Street (U.S. 72) and Short Court Street, on the left when traveling west on East Tennessee Street. Located at entrance behind Florence Utilities Building. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Florence AL 35630, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in North Alabama

and in the Shoals.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Deep South,

in Appalachia,

and specifically in Southern Appalachia. 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: Founding of Florence (within shouting distance of this marker); Downtown Florence Historic District

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(within shouting distance of this marker); Dred Scott (within shouting distance of this marker); Southall Drugs (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); City of Florence (about 500 feet away); Original Site of FAME Recording Studio (about 600 feet away); Lauderdale County (about 700 feet away); Karsner-Kennedy House (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Florence.

Also see . . . Times Daily May 4, 1895. Wheeler Rifles Reception. A Brilliant Social Event Long to be Remembered. (Submitted on July 7, 2010, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA.)

Credits. This page was last revised on July 25, 2018. It was originally submitted on July 7, 2010, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. This page has been viewed 2,187 times since then and 32 times this year. Photo 1. submitted on July 7, 2010, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.