Guntersville in Marshall County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)
History of Guntersville
(Side B) (Continued from other side) Gunter's Landing was involved in the tragic removal of Indians during the late 1830. The John Benge Detachment of more than 1,000 Cherokees crossed the river in Guntersville in early October 1838 on their way to the Oklahoma Territory in what has become known as the Trail of Tears. John Allan Wyeth, the town's most famous citizen, was born in a log cabin near here in 1845 and later became president of the American Medical Association. Guntersville was practically destroyed during the Civil War by Union raids and cannon bombardments. One building to survive is the Col. Montgomery Gilbreath home which still exists. By the 1890s, the town had become a major port for commercial and passenger steamboats traveling between Knoxville and Decatur. The area was forever changed in 1939 when the TVA constructed Guntersville Dam a few miles south and created Lake Guntersville.
Erected 2010 by The Alabama Tourism Department and the City of Guntersville.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Military • Native Americans • Notable Places • Settlements & Settlers • Wars, US Indian • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #07 Andrew Jackson, and the Trail of Tears series lists. A significant historical month for this entry is October 1813.
Location. 34° 21.822′ N, 86° 17.451′ W. Marker is in Guntersville
, Alabama, in Marshall County. Marker is at the intersection of Florida Short Route/Gunter Avenue (U.S. 431) and Lurleen B Wallace Drive, on the right when traveling south on Florida Short Route/Gunter Avenue. Marker is located at the Guntersville Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center on the south end of the Tennessee River bridge. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Guntersville AL 35976, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 8 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. John Gunter (here, next to this marker); Federal Troops Burn Guntersville During Civil War (a few steps from this marker); Veterans of Foreign Wars Marshall County (approx. 0.4 miles away); Events in Marshall County (approx. 0.4 miles away); Section of Core (approx. 0.4 miles away); Ravine Used For Protection Against Yankee Shelling (approx. 0.6 miles away); Claysville Junior High School (approx. 3.2 miles away); A Celebration of 150 Years (approx. 7.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Guntersville.
Additional commentary.
1. Edaward Gunter
I am the ggg-grandaushter of Edward Gunter. His daughter, Elizabeth Gunter-Rider was my grandmother Lydia Thomas Crockett's Grandma. Elizabeth Gunter married Alexander Mccoy Rider and they had my grandmother's mother, Catherine Rider-Thomas. My Grandmother was born and raised in the Talequah, OK area until she married my grandfather. I have a tin picture of Elizabetha and her brother Daniel Mccoy Gunter.
I was contacted years ago by a gentleman that lives in Guntersville and told me he lives on the reservation that was owned by Edward Gunter. He said he had duplicated the home that Edward owned on the reservation. He invited me to come and see the property however I don't remember his name. If anyone knows I would appreciate the information.
— Submitted November 10, 2010, by MaryAnn Bateman of Grand Rapids, Ohio.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on July 20, 2010, by Lee Hattabaugh of Capshaw, Alabama. This page has been viewed 3,259 times since then and 173 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 20, 2010, by Lee Hattabaugh of Capshaw, Alabama. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.