Dothan in Houston County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)

The Naming of Dothan

By David J Gaines, February 12, 2011

1. The Naming of Dothan Marker

Inscription. In 1858, the tiny Poplar Head community requested a post office. Since there was a town called Poplar Spring in the state, the postal authorities arbitrarily assigned the name Dothan to the new post office to prevent misdirected mail. Early maps and documents show the town name was spelled two different ways: Dothen and Dothan. The city fathers finally settled on the spelling to coincide with the Bible passage “For I heard them say ‘Let us go to Dothan’” (Genesis 37:17) when the town was officially incorporated on November 10, 1885.

Erected 2001 by the Historic Chattahoochee Commission and Wiregrass Museum of Art, Houston County Kiwanis Club, The Downtown Group.

Marker series. This marker is included in the Postal Mail and Philately marker series.

Location. 31° 13.439′ N, 85° 23.343′ W. Marker is in Dothan, Alabama, in Houston County. Marker is on Museum Avenue, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Dothan AL 36303, United States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Marvin Holman (within shouting distance of this marker); Poplar Head Spring (within shouting distance of this marker);

By David J Gaines, February 12, 2011

2. The Naming of Dothan Marker

The Founding of Dothan (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Johnny Mack Brown (about 600 feet away); Dothan Opera House (about 700 feet away); Main Street Commercial Historic District (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Steamboat Era (approx. 0.2 miles away); Federal Building (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Dothan.

Categories. • Settlements & Settlers •