Josephine in Baldwin County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)

Josephine

Photographed by David J Gaines, January 15, 2012

1. Josephine Marker

Inscription. In 1841, Raphael Semmes acquired farmland at the head of this bayou. The new homestead was named Prospect Hill. Several of Semmes’ colleagues from the Pensacola Navy Yard obtained nearby property and established “a very nice colony of nautical farmers”. The inlet became known as Semmes Bayou.

In 1881, the first post office was established with Amos Ross as postmaster. The settlement was then named for Ross’ daughter, Josephine.

In 1898, the McPherson family acquired the Semmes property and built the Mexiwana Hotel. Semmes Bayou became McPherson Bayou. The inlet became known as Roberts Bayou after McPherson’s death in 1925. (Back):
The Baldwin County Historic Development Commission was petitioned for Historic Site Designation, pursuant to authority conveyed by Act No. 80-497, as amended by Act 89-960, and during their August 11, 2009 regular meeting, the Baldwin County Historic Development Commission approved the designation of Josephine as a Historic Site in Baldwin County Alabama.

Erected 2009 by Baldwin County Historic Development Commission.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1841.

Location. 30° 19.635′ N, 87° 32.121′

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

W. Marker is in Josephine, Alabama, in Baldwin County. It is on Josephine Drive, on the right when traveling east. Located in a small park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Elberta AL 36530, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Alabama’s Gulf Coast

and in Mobile Bay.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Deep South,

and on the Gulf Coast.

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 New Spain,

the Viceroyalty of New France,

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 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Orange Beach Community Cemetery (approx. 1.9 miles away); Daphne United Methodist Church (approx. 2.8 miles away); Bay Circle (approx. 3.3 miles away); Tampary (approx. 3.3 miles away in Florida); Orange Beach, Alabama (approx. 3.4 miles away); Perdido Pass (approx. 3.7 miles away); Orange Beach Municipal Complex (approx. 4.1 miles away); Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail System (approx. 4.2 miles away).

Josephine Marker, back image. Click for full size.

Photographed by David J Gaines, January 15, 2012

2. Josephine Marker, back

Photographed by David J Gaines, January 15, 2012

3. Josephine Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on April 8, 2021. It was originally submitted on January 29, 2012, by David J Gaines of Pinson, Alabama. This page has been viewed 2,466 times since then and 117 times this year. Last updated on February 23, 2014, by David J Gaines of Pinson, Alabama. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 29, 2012, by David J Gaines of Pinson, Alabama. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.