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

Jacksonville, Alabama

“Gem of the Hills”

Photographed by Tim & Renda Carr, October 2, 2010

1. Jacksonville, Alabama Marker

Inscription. Life here has long centered on education beginning in 1834 when a one-acre plot of land was reserved for a schoolhouse. Through the years, various institutions of higher learning developed that culminated into present-day Jacksonville State University. Land that was to become Jacksonville was purchased from Creek Indian Chief Ladiga in 1833. Originally called Drayton, its name was changed to Jacksonville in 1836. Jacksonville experienced a rich heritage as the county seat of Calhoun County. Its tranquility attracted new residents, and businesses prospered, however, the prosperity was broken by the War Between the States. In 1899, the county seat was moved to Anniston. A majority of Jacksonville’s male population, including four generals and the “Gallant Pelham,” fought for the Confederacy. At various times, the town was headquarters for Generals Beauregard, Wheeler, Polk and B. M. Hill before occupation by Federal troops. Many Confederate heroes are buried in the City Cemetery.

Erected 2010 by Alabama Tourism Department and the City of Jacksonville.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed

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in these topic lists: Education • Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Settlements & Settlers • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Alabama Tourism Department series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1834.

Location. 33° 49.077′ N, 85° 46.398′ W. Marker is in Jacksonville, Alabama, in Calhoun County. It is on Mountain Street Northwest west of Woodward Avenue Northwest, on the left. Marker is located by the old Selma, Rome and Dalton Railroad Depot along the Chief Ladiga Trail. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Jacksonville AL 36265, 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 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 walking distance

Jacksonville, Alabama Marker next to the Chief Ladiga Trail image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Tim & Renda Carr, October 2, 2010

2. Jacksonville, Alabama Marker next to the Chief Ladiga Trail

of this marker: Chief Ladiga Trail - Jacksonville (a few steps from this marker); The Depot (a few steps from this marker); Profile Cotton Mills Historic District (approx. 0.4 miles away); Profile Cotton Mill Historic District (approx. half a mile away); Presidents of Jacksonville State (approx. 0.6 miles away); Joseph William Burke (approx. 0.6 miles away); Jacksonville State University (approx. 0.6 miles away); "The Magnolias" (approx. 0.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Jacksonville.

Jacksonville's Old Selma, Rome and Dalton Railroad Depot by the Chief Ladiga Trail image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Tim & Renda Carr, October 2, 2010

3. Jacksonville's Old Selma, Rome and Dalton Railroad Depot by the Chief Ladiga Trail

Photographed by Tim & Renda Carr, October 2, 2010

4. Jacksonville's Old Selma, Rome and Dalton Railroad Depot by the Chief Ladiga Trail

Downtown Jacksonville, Alabama east side of the Town Square image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Tim & Renda Carr, October 2, 2010

5. Downtown Jacksonville, Alabama east side of the Town Square

Downtown Jacksonville, Alabama west side of the town square image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Tim & Renda Carr, October 2, 2010

6. Downtown Jacksonville, Alabama west side of the town square

Confederate Monument in the Town Square image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Tim & Renda Carr, October 2, 2010

7. Confederate Monument in the Town Square

Downtown Jacksonville, Alabama east side of Town Square looking south. image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Tim & Renda Carr, October 2, 2010

8. Downtown Jacksonville, Alabama east side of Town Square looking south.

Bibb Graves Hall at Jacksonville State University image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Tim & Renda Carr, October 2, 2010

9. Bibb Graves Hall at Jacksonville State University

Image of Chief Ladiga image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Tim & Renda Carr, October 2, 2010

10. Image of Chief Ladiga

Credits. This page was last revised on September 29, 2020. It was originally submitted on October 2, 2010, by Timothy Carr of Birmingham, Alabama. This page has been viewed 5,686 times since then and 114 times this year. It was the Marker of the Week October 24, 2010. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 2, 2010, by Timothy Carr of Birmingham, Alabama. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10. submitted on October 3, 2010, by Timothy Carr of Birmingham, Alabama. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.