Dothan in Houston County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)
The Naming of Dothan
Photographed By David J Gaines, February 12, 2011
1. The Naming of Dothan Marker
Inscription.
The Naming of Dothan. . In 1858, the tiny Poplar Head community requested a post office. Since there was a town called Poplar Spring in the state, the postal authorities arbitrarily assigned the name Dothan to the new post office to prevent misdirected mail. Early maps and documents show the town name was spelled two different ways: Dothen and Dothan. The city fathers finally settled on the spelling to coincide with the Bible passage “For I heard them say ‘Let us go to Dothan’” (Genesis 37:17) when the town was officially incorporated on November 10, 1885.
In 1858, the tiny Poplar Head community requested a post office. Since there was a town called Poplar Spring in the state, the postal authorities arbitrarily assigned the name Dothan to the new post office to prevent misdirected mail. Early maps and documents show the town name was spelled two different ways: Dothen and Dothan. The city fathers finally settled on the spelling to coincide with the Bible passage “For I heard them say ‘Let us go to Dothan’” (Genesis 37:17) when the town was officially incorporated on November 10, 1885.
Erected 2001 by the Historic Chattahoochee Commission and Wiregrass Museum of Art, Houston County Kiwanis Club, The Downtown Group.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Postal Mail and Philately series list. A significant historical month for this entry is November 1885.
Location. 31° 13.439′ N, 85° 23.343′ W. Marker is in Dothan, Alabama, in Houston County. Marker is on Museum Avenue, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Dothan AL 36303, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Marvin Holman (within shouting distance of this marker); Dothan Municipal Light and Water Plant (within shouting distance of
“For I heard them say, ‘Let us go to Dothan’.”
Genesis 37:17
Photographed By Sandra Hughes, July 12, 2011
5. The Naming of Dothan
Photographed By Sandra Hughes, July 12, 2011
6. Millennium Park Was a Project of
the City of Dothan, The Downtown Group, The Wiregrass Museum of Art, The Houston County Kiwanis Club, The Alabama State Council on the Arts.
Dedicated May 30, 2011
Photographed By Sandra Hughes, July 12, 2011
7. Dothan Alabama Board of City commissioners
Chester L. Sowell, Mayor
George Williams Jr., District 1
JOhn H Glanton Jr. District 2
Don Clements, District 3
Jason Rudd, District 4
Pat Thomas, District 5
Matt Bullard, District 6
May 30, 2001
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on March 25, 2011, by David J Gaines of Pinson, Alabama. This page has been viewed 1,077 times since then and 57 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on March 25, 2011, by David J Gaines of Pinson, Alabama. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on October 17, 2011, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.