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

Incorporation of Ashford
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Ashford - a Unique Name

Incorporation of Ashford Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by David J Gaines, April 20, 2013

1. Incorporation of Ashford Marker

Inscription.
Incorporation of Ashford Wishing to incorporate their small town of “Pine-Woods,” a group of men set off to Abbeville, Alabama to go before Probate Judge Dan Gordon on May 11, 1891. A petition was signed on that day, recorded and filed eight days later, and an election set for June 15th. Out of the 300-400 residents of the town, only 47 voted. The results indicated the vote was 100 percent in favor of the incorporation and Judge Gordon recorded that the town, now called Ashford, was invested in all rights of incorporation on June 22, 1891. He ordered that there be an election for one mayor and five councilmen. Although not officially recorded, a man by the name of R. R. (Bob) Adams was said to be the first mayor. There continues to be some dispute over whether or not he actually was the mayor or if a man named Mr. Watson accompanied him in the position of mayor of part of the town.

Ashford – A Unique Name Many have wondered how the town of Ashford received its name and many still ponder this question today. Two versions have been told with the most popular being that Captain John T. Davis, who married the daughter

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of Dr. Ashford of Columbus, Georgia, named the town for his wife’s family. Captain Davis owned a substantial amount of land and deeded many lots to the railroad system, The second story, recorded by the late W. E. Pate, stated that the town received its name because of the fords on the creeks where the wagons had to cross. There was a large ash tree by one of the fords where farmers placed a log across the creek, west of Ashford. When travelers would pass through and were asked where they crossed they would reply “At the Ash Ford.” Whether or not one believes either of these versions, the town is still known by its unique name.

Erected 2010 by Alabama Tourism Department and the Town of Ashford.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Alabama Tourism Department series list. A significant historical month for this entry is May 1817.

Location. 31° 11.032′ N, 85° 14.147′ W. Marker is in Ashford, Alabama, in Houston County. It is on North Broadway, on the right when traveling north. Located in a small municipal park. Touch for map. Marker is in this

Ashford - a Unique Name Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by David J Gaines, April 20, 2013

2. Ashford - a Unique Name Marker

post office area: Ashford AL 36312, 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 10 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Ashford Centennial (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Ashford Depot (about 600 feet away); Ashford United Methodist Church (about 700 feet away); Liberty Baptist Church (approx. 3.8 miles away); Cowarts Baptist Church / Cowarts School (approx. 4.3 miles away); Gordon Cemetery / Early Gordon Leaders (approx. 8.2 miles away); Gordon Baptist Church (approx. 8.6 miles away); Cherry Street African Methodist Episcopal Church (approx. 9½ miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Ashford.

Incorporation of Ashford/Ashford - a Unique Name Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James L.Whitman, July 2, 2022

3. Incorporation of Ashford/Ashford - a Unique Name Marker

A new mural

Photographed by James L.Whitman, July 2, 2022

4. Incorporation of Ashford/Ashford - a Unique Name Marker

Older Mural and marker in W.S. McArthur, Sr Park image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Hilton, May 1, 2014

5. Older Mural and marker in W.S. McArthur, Sr Park

Credits. This page was last revised on December 9, 2024. It was originally submitted on April 28, 2013, by David J Gaines of Pinson, Alabama. This page has been viewed 1,230 times since then and 64 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 28, 2013, by David J Gaines of Pinson, Alabama. 3, 4. submitted on July 3, 2022, by James L.Whitman of Eufaula, Alabama. 5. submitted on May 2, 2014, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.

Incorporation of Ashford⎯⎯⎯Ashford - a Unique Name

Incorporation of Ashford
⎯⎯⎯
Ashford - a Unique Name