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

Poplar Head Spring

Photographed by David J Gaines, February 12, 2011

1. Poplar Head Spring Marker

Inscription. Located near this marker is the Poplar Head Spring which served as a meeting place for Indian traders prior to the arrival of the white and black settlers. The Alibamu Indians of the Chattahoochee River basin met the Creeks of the Choctawahatchee River basin at the springs frequently to trade. The first whites and blacks arrived in the early 1830’s. Of these the lumber and turpentine operators came first. They were followed by William Cawthon, a cattle king from Georgia. By 1858, the community now called Poplar Head had nine families. However, the turmoil of the War Between the States and Reconstruction resulted in virtual abandonment of the community. In 1881, only 3 families lived at Poplar Head Spring. However, by 1885, enough families had settled in Poplar Head to meet the minimum size needed to incorporate. Through a special election on November 10, 1885, Poplar Head community became Dothan, a city to be.

Erected 1978 by Historic Chattahoochee Commission.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical date for this entry is November 10, 1885.

Location. 31° 13.411′ N,

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85° 23.379′ W. Marker is in Dothan, Alabama, in Houston County. It is at the intersection of East Main Street (Business U.S. 84) and Museum Avenue, on the right when traveling west on East Main Street. Located in Poplar Head Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 251 East Main Street, Dothan AL 36301, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American South,

specifically in the Deep South,

and in the Wiregrass.

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: Marvin Holman (a few steps from this marker); The Naming of Dothan (within shouting distance of this marker); Johnny Mack Brown (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Founding of Dothan, Alabama (about 400 feet away); Dothan Municipal Light and Water Plant

Poplar Head Spring Marker in park image. Click for full size.

Photographed by David J Gaines, February 12, 2011

2. Poplar Head Spring Marker in park

(about 400 feet away); Dothan Opera House (about 500 feet away); A Memorial to the Fallen (about 700 feet away); Main Street Commercial Historic District (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Dothan.

Credits. This page was last revised on November 19, 2024. It was originally submitted on March 25, 2011, by David J Gaines of Pinson, Alabama. This page has been viewed 3,011 times since then and 171 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 25, 2011, by David J Gaines of Pinson, Alabama. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.