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

Bridging Cultures

Natchez Trace Parkway

Photographed By Sandra Hughes, August 18, 2017

1. Bridging Cultures Marker

Inscription. Here, near the bubbling waters of Buzzard Roost Spring, Levi Colbert (Itawamba Minko, “Bench Chief”) built one of the many inns—called stands—along the Natchez Trace.

But it was Colbert’s negotiating and language skills that sustained him as a tribal leader. Bilingual, with a Scottish father and Chickasaw mother, he took advance of opportunities in both cultures.

Across several decades, Colbert sat among the Chickasaw during treaty talks. Using his knowledge both white and Chickasaw society, he protected both the Chickasaw homeland and his own interest.

A dogged negotiator, at the time of his death in 1834, Colbert was trying to amend an 1832 treaty to gain better terms for the Chickasaw people.

(caption)
A 2012 inductee into the Chickasaw Hall of Fame, Levi Colbert earned a reputation as a skilled negotiator.

Erected by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Communications • Government & Politics • Native Americans. In addition, it is included in the Natchez Trace series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1834.

Location. 34° 45.631′ N, 88° 1.373′

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W. Marker is in Cherokee, Alabama, in Colbert County. Marker can be reached from Natchez Trace Access Road (at milepost 327.3), 0.4 miles west of Natchez Trace Parkway, on the right when traveling west. Marker is located at Buzzard's Roost Spring Parking Loop. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Cherokee AL 35616, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 7 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Something to Chew on (here, next to this marker); Levi Colbert Stand (within shouting distance of this marker); Barton Hall (approx. 1.3 miles away); History of Cherokee (approx. 2.9 miles away); Cherokee High School (approx. 3.7 miles away); Chickasaw Indian Agency (approx. 5½ miles away); Mhoontown Cemetery (approx. 6.2 miles away); Trace Travelers (approx. 6.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Cherokee.

Also see . . . Natchez Trace Parkway. National Park Service (Submitted on August 21, 2017.)

Photographed By Sandra Hughes, August 18, 2017

2. Bridging Cultures Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on November 1, 2020. It was originally submitted on August 20, 2017, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. This page has been viewed 578 times since then and 44 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 20, 2017, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.