Near Cottonwood in Houston County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)
Southern Boundary of the United States
1795-1819
Photographed by Mark Hilton, May 1, 2014
1. Southern Boundary of the United States Marker
On October 27, 1795, the United States concluded the Treaty of San Lorenzo with Spain, establishing 31 north latitude as the boundary between its southern territory and West Florida. Despite Spanish delays, commissions representing the two countries began the eastward survey at the Mississippi River. They passed this point in August 1799, and continued to the Chattahoochee River. They later abandoned the boundary survey east of the river due to persistent Indian attacks. The 381 mile survey became known as Ellicott's line in reference to Andrew Ellicott, surveyor for the U.S. commission.
Erected 1995 by the Houston County Commission, Dothan Landmarks Foundation, and the Historic Chattahoochee Commission.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Exploration • Political Subdivisions. A significant historical month for this entry is October 1785.
Location. 30° 59.907′ N, 85° 24.442′ W. Marker is near Cottonwood, Alabama, in Houston County. It is on U.S. 231 south of State Line Road, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 15809 South Oates Street, Cottonwood AL 36320, 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 13 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Site of Campbellton School (approx.
this page online
Photographed by Mark Hilton, May 1, 2014
2. Southern Boundary of the US & Florida Line
Photographed by Mark Hilton, May 1, 2014
3. Southern Boundary Marker & Alabama Welcome
"Surveyor hunts for old mounds marking Ala-Fla line"
Historical Landmarks website entry
Click for more information.
Historical Landmarks website entry
Click for more information.
Credits. This page was last revised on March 16, 2026. It was originally submitted on May 2, 2014, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 1,670 times since then and 73 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 2, 2014, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
