Near Cherokee in Colbert County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)

Colbert Ferry

Photographed by Duane Hall, June 4, 2015

1. Colbert Ferry Marker

Inscription. This scene would have occurred far below the surface of the lake you see now. From 1802 to 1819, George Colbert operated a ferry across the quarter-mile breadth of the powerful Tennessee River. The ferry carried mail, militia, settlers, Indians and renegades over what was considered by many travelers as the worst natural obstacle on the Trace.

Erected by National Park Service.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Roads & Vehicles • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Natchez Trace series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1802.

Location. 34° 50.277′ N, 87° 56.536′ W. Marker is near Cherokee, Alabama, in Colbert County. It can be reached from Natchez Trace Parkway (at milepost 327.3), one mile north of N. Pike (County Road 21). Marker is located at the Colbert Ferry Park at the end of the Park Road that travels east from the restroom facilities. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Cherokee AL 35616, 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: Safe Crossing (here, next to this marker); George Colbert Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away); Colbert's Stand (approx. 0.2 miles away); Welcome! (approx. 0.2

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miles away); Wet, Wild, and Wonderful (approx. 0.2 miles away); A Chickasaw Planter (approx. 0.2 miles away); Chickasaw Hospitality (approx. ¼ mile away); Trace Travelers (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Cherokee.

More about this marker. The drawing on the marker has faded by time and elements. See the "Also See ..." section below for a website link to a photograph of the marker in 2001 that shows the marker’s drawing.

Also see . . . Natchez Trace. Official National Park Service website. (Submitted on June 25, 2015.)

Photographed by Duane Hall, June 4, 2015

2. Colbert Ferry Marker

Tennessee River in the background

Photographed by Duane Hall, June 4, 2015

3. Colbert Ferry Marker

At the end of the road from Colbert Ferry Park

Crossing of the Tennessee River Today image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Duane Hall, June 4, 2015

4. Crossing of the Tennessee River Today

Photo taken 100 feet north of the marker

Credits. This page was last revised on March 24, 2020. It was originally submitted on June 25, 2015, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. This page has been viewed 1,556 times since then and 39 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 25, 2015, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas.