Ozark in Dale County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)
Early Ozark / Ozark's Role in the Origin of Fort Rucker
Photographed By David J Gaines, May 5, 2013
1. Early Ozark Marker
Inscription.
Early Ozark, also, Ozark's Role in the Origin of Fort Rucker. .
Early Ozark. From 1824, when Dale County was created by an act of the Alabama Legislature, until 1870, the area now comprising the “City of Ozark” was gradually settled mostly by farmers who came and bought the former Indian lands from the U.S. Government. In 1855 Elijah T. Matthews bought a country store located on the hill at the north end of Union Street. He became the postmaster for the area and selected the name “Ozark” after the Ozark Indians in Arkansas and Missouri. On October 27, 1870, the Alabama Legislature incorporated the City of Ozark.,
Ozark’s Role in the Origin of Fort Rucker. In the mid-1930s, several Ozarkians including Congressman Henry B. Steagall and Jesse Adams, editor of The Southern Star, led in the acquisition by the U.S. Government of 35,000 acres of land in the southwest quadrant of Dale County. In 1941, with World War II threatening, the same Ozark leadership persuaded the War Department to use the 35,000 acres as the nucleus of a 64,000-acre Infantry Division training post. The camp, which eventually became the Army Aviation Center and a permanent “Fort,” was named after Confederate General Edmund Winchester Rucker.
Early Ozark
From 1824, when Dale County was created by an act of the Alabama Legislature, until 1870, the area now comprising the “City of Ozark” was gradually settled mostly by farmers who came and bought the former Indian lands from the U.S. Government. In 1855 Elijah T. Matthews bought a country store located on the hill at the north end of Union Street. He became the postmaster for the area and selected the name “Ozark” after the Ozark Indians in Arkansas and Missouri. On October 27, 1870, the Alabama Legislature incorporated the City of Ozark.
Ozark’s Role in the Origin of Fort Rucker
In the mid-1930s, several Ozarkians including Congressman Henry B. Steagall and Jesse Adams, editor of The Southern Star, led in the acquisition by the U.S. Government of 35,000 acres of land in the southwest quadrant of Dale County. In 1941, with World War II threatening, the same Ozark leadership persuaded the War Department to use the 35,000 acres as the nucleus of a 64,000-acre Infantry Division training post. The camp, which eventually became the Army Aviation Center and a permanent “Fort,” was named after Confederate General Edmund Winchester Rucker.
Erected 2010 by Alabama Tourism Department and the City of Ozark.
Topics. This historical marker
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is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical month for this entry is October 1869.
Location. 31° 27.507′ N, 85° 38.405′ W. Marker is in Ozark, Alabama, in Dale County. Marker is on South Union Street, on the right when traveling north. Located in a small park across Union Street from the Dale County Courthouse. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Ozark AL 36360, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Additional commentary. 1. Fort Rucker's name changed to Fort Novosel The Fort Rucker Army Post was renamed Fort Novosel on April 10th, 2023 in honor of Chief Warrant Officer Michael J. Novosel, an Army aviator and Medal of Honor recipient.
Photographed By David J Gaines, May 5, 2013
2. Ozark's Role in the Origin of Fort Rucker Marker
It was previously named for a Confederate Civil War officer, Colonel Edmund Rucker.
— Submitted September 21, 2023, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.
Photographed By David J Gaines, May 5, 2013
3. Early Ozark/Ozark's Role in the Origin of Fort Rucker Marker
Photographed By Craig Doda, December 23, 2022
4. Early Ozark/Ozark's Role in the Origin of Fort Rucker Marker
Public domain - US Army Photo
5. U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer Michael Novosel Sr.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 21, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 10, 2013, by David J Gaines of Pinson, Alabama. This page has been viewed 996 times since then and 41 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on May 10, 2013, by David J Gaines of Pinson, Alabama. 4. submitted on December 25, 2022, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. 5. submitted on September 21, 2023, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.
