Florence in Lauderdale County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)

W.W. II Anchor

Photographed by Sandra Hughes, October 22, 2013

1. W.W. II Anchor Marker

Inscription. This anchor was used on the fleet Submarine U.S.S. Balao (SS-285). The Balao was commissioned in February 1943.

She received 9 battle stars for sinking 7 Japanese ships during her W.W. II service. The Balao was decommissioned in June 1963.

She was used as a target and sunk in September 1963. Her conning tower, which is now on display at the Washington Naval Yard, and this anchor are all that remain of the U.S.S Balao.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: War, World II • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical month for this entry is February 1943.

Location. 34° 48.716′ N, 87° 37.438′ W. Marker is in Florence, Alabama, in Lauderdale County. It is on Veterans Park Drive 0.3 miles east of South Cox Creek Parkway (Alabama Route 133), on the left when traveling east. Marker is located west of the Veterans Museum. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Florence AL 35630, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in North Alabama

and in the Shoals.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Deep South,

in Appalachia,

and specifically in Southern Appalachia. 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: The Hawk Missile (a few steps from this marker); “Gooney Bird” Propeller (a few steps from this marker); The “Honest John” Rocket (a few steps from this marker); Don Leslie Michael (a few steps from this marker); 16” Projectile (a few steps from this marker); Anti-Tank Gun (a few steps from this

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marker); 75mm Field Gun (a few steps from this marker); AGM-28 Hound Dog Missile (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Florence.

Also see . . . Wikipedia - USS Balao (SS-285). USS Balao (SS/AGSS-285), was the lead ship of the United States Navy's Balao-class submarines during World War II and named for the balao. (Submitted on October 24, 2013, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA.)

W.W. II Anchor image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Sandra Hughes, October 22, 2013

2. W.W. II Anchor

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on October 23, 2013, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. This page has been viewed 926 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 23, 2013, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.