Historical Markers and War Memorials in Choctaw County
Butler is the county seat for Choctaw County
Adjacent to Choctaw County, Alabama
Clarke County(53) ► Marengo County(28) ► Sumter County(14) ► Washington County(13) ► Clarke County, Mississippi(4) ► Lauderdale County, Mississippi(74) ► Wayne County, Mississippi(16) ►
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In Honor of all U.S. Military Personnel who Served their Country in War and Peace
{secondary plaque nearby}: Choctaw County's Wartime Dead — — Map (db m244914) WM
On January 2, 1944, the State of Alabama granted Hunt Oil Company a permit to drill the A.R. Jackson Well No. 1 at this location near Gilbertown. Hunt Oil Company was owned by the famous oil man, H.L. Hunt of Dallas, Texas. Drilling commenced on . . . — — Map (db m80351) HM
The Sims Cemetery is located just south of this marker. Buried there, is the infamous Robert B. "Bob" Sims (1831-1891). From the early 1870s to 1891, Bob and his band of followers carried out a virtual reign of terror in central and southern . . . — — Map (db m240485) HM
Little Place Cemetery
Little Place Cemetery is a community cemetery that serves the African American Womack Hill community and its descendants. The establishment of the cemetery is linked to the founding of Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church, . . . — — Map (db m240385) HM
The Choctaw County Board of Education built Silas Elementary School in 1936 with support from the Alabama State Department of Education. Students attended the school from 1936-2005. After nearly 70 years as a school, the building took on a new . . . — — Map (db m110975) HM
In 1871, Springhill Missionary Baptist Church was established. In 1875, William Johnson Sr. donated the land for the Springhill Missionary Baptist Church and Cemetery on Ararat Road. During the same year, work began on a permanent church building . . . — — Map (db m240457) HM
Chartered February 16, 1884, upon the arrival of the Canton, Aberdeen, & Nashville Railroad, and named for the company's president, William K. Ackerman. Since 1896 County Seat of Choctaw County. — — Map (db m51200) HM
First established as the Ackerman Colored School in the late 1920s, this school was part of the county board of education's plan to consolidate nearly thirty smaller community-based schools from 1931 to 1958. The school's name was changed to the . . . — — Map (db m140791) HM
To the memory of those who served in World War II and these, our dead, in honored glory rest. Rhubert H. Allen • Neubern Atkinson • Herman P. Bennett • William T. Biggers • James B. Blanton • Wade H. Boggan • William J. Cook • . . . — — Map (db m228698) WM
On Yockanookany, 1/2 mi. S., was built in 1836 water mill of W.R. Coleman of Fairfield Co. S.C., first white settler after Choctaw cession in Treaty of Dancing Rabbit Creek. — — Map (db m51198) HM
James Plemon "J.P." Coleman was born in 1914 in Ackerman. A graduate of George Washington University, he served as district attorney for the Fifth Judicial District from 1940 to 1946 and as a judge from 1947 to 1950. Coleman served as a Mississippi . . . — — Map (db m140790) HM
A fourth generation Choctaw countian, Ray Mabus grew up in Ackerman. In 1987 he was elected governor, the youngest in more than 150 years. Appointed Secretary of the Navy in 2009, he served until 2017, the longest tenure since WWI and the third . . . — — Map (db m140788) HM
[Front]
Choctaw County fiddler Hoyt Ming (1902-1985) led the lively string band recorded as “Floyd Ming & His Pep Steppers” at a Memphis Victor session in 1928. His “Indian War Whoop,” with its fiddling “holler,” became an old-time country . . . — — Map (db m140731) HM
On February 15, 1934, while serving as U.S. Congressman from Mississippi, Thomas Jefferson Busby (1884-1964) introduced a bill authorizing a survey of the Old Natchez Trace. Four years later the historic road was designated a unit of the National . . . — — Map (db m87481) HM
Begun in 1840 by Rev. William A.
Gray. First building destroyed
by tornado in 1883 and
rebuilt on same site in 1887.
Known for its campmeetings,
held here annually since before
the Civil War. — — Map (db m244510) HM
Established ca. 1836, Shiloh Methodist Church was disbanded by 1875. Remaining members joined other churches in area, including Mt. Airy, Chestnut Grove, and Bethel. Frederick and Margaret Crawford Bagwell, early settlers of Choctaw County are . . . — — Map (db m140785) HM
During the War between the States there was a “great revival” of religious fervor through the Holy Spirit. In 1865, several Choctaw County Christian families knelt together in prayer and asked for God's guidance to direct them in His way, believing, . . . — — Map (db m244506) HM
Church begun 1865. Campmeeting begun 1872 on land
donated by William Parham
Pollard, 1830s pioneer. Summer
worshippers camped in wooden
tents surrounding the tabernacle.
Cemetery dates to 1840. — — Map (db m244505) HM
(Marker #1)
The Great Eastern Hardwood Forest
Before Columbus, the world of the eastern Indian was one of a vast continuous forest stretching from Canada to the Gulf coast. A mature forest, it changed little over the centuries, and . . . — — Map (db m87480) HM
"Two Steps From the Blues" might refer to Choctaw County's location, a bit off the path from the well-known blues highways and byways of Mississippi, but it is also the title of a classic blues song written by a native of Ackerman, "Texas" Johnny . . . — — Map (db m51199) HM
President pro tem of the state Senate, 1857-65. Defeated by W. McWillie in governor’s race, 1857. Delegate to Charleston Dem. Convention, 1860. Son and grandson of Rev. soldiers. House moved here, 1981, and restored. — — Map (db m87486) HM
Louis Leflore first traded with the Choctaw Indians at a bluff now part of Jackson Mississippi. About 1812 he established his stand 900 feet to the northeast on the Natchez Trace.
Because of the storekeepers nationality, the area was often . . . — — Map (db m87485) HM
This memorial marks a stage on the “Natchez Trace.” The first highway opened through the lower South, by the Treaty of Dancing Rabbit Creek in 1830, between the American government and the Choctaw Indians. The surrounding country became . . . — — Map (db m87495) HM
Pigeon Roost Creek, to your left, is a reminder of the millions of migrating passenger pigeons that once roosted in trees in this area. The species has been completely destroyed.
One mile east where the Natchez Trace crossed the creek, . . . — — Map (db m87484) HM
In the early 1800's many thoughtful Americans believed that isolation and the difficulties of communication would force the Mississippi Valley settlements to form a separate nation. Hoping to hold the frontier, Congress in 1800 established a post . . . — — Map (db m87483) HM
Begun ca. 1839 by Rev. James
Martin. Present building of
virgin pine erected in early
1840s. Known as “a mother of
churches,” it supported a session house, a school, and an
annual campmeeting. — — Map (db m244513) HM
Choctaw County’s blues history is distinguished by the accomplishments of two artists in particular, both of them singers, songwriters, and guitarists; Levester “Big Lucky” Carter, who was born in Weir and raised on his family’s farm in French Camp, . . . — — Map (db m205436) HM
Built 1878. this was the home of Col. John Weir (1833-1900), who was twice wounded during the Civil War. Col. Weir, for whom the town of Weir was named, established a water and saw mill complex near here in 1870. Descendants of John and Emily Weir . . . — — Map (db m205434) HM
Established 1841, this cemetery
served both Concord Baptist Church
and the now extinct community of
New Prospect, founded in the early
1830s. The church moved to a new
location in 1876. Among those
buried here are Dr. Robert Brown,
New . . . — — Map (db m244512) HM
"Doaksville is a small but pleasant looking village. There are a number of neat, if not tasteful dwelling houses, and two stores, which I found contained a little of almost everything from hoops to hunting shirts. It has a respectable looking . . . — — Map (db m237362) HM
This is one of three wells known in Doaksville; one is a short distance to the north while the other is in the vicinity of the hotel. At this location, archaeologists found that a stone pavement surrounded the well. Archaeological evidence . . . — — Map (db m238724) HM
The building that was once at this location is very different from other excavated at Doaksville. Here, a rock-walled cellar defines the footprint of a small building with a large fireplace. The cellar, which was excavated by archaeologists and . . . — — Map (db m238332) HM
Archaeologists found the partial remains of two different buildings when this site was excavated in 1995 and 1996. All that remained of one building was a section of stone foundation. The construction of this wall showed that it was the northwest . . . — — Map (db m238985) HM
Despite the importance of Doaksville prior to the Civil War, there is very little information about what the town looked like at that time. In order to have a better understanding of the town, archaeologists excavated the remains of a mercantile . . . — — Map (db m238238) HM
The Soldier's Home
In 1843 and later, four new barracks to house one hundred men each were constructed, two each on opposite sides of the parade ground. The lower story was a stone basement that contained a mess hall, kitchen, and pantry. . . . — — Map (db m239623) HM
Dedicated to veterans who served during World War I · World War II · Korean War · Vietnam War To honor men and women who bravely served their country during war and peace resting here in the Doaksville
Ft. Towson Cemetery Erected in the year of our . . . — — Map (db m236991) WM
This site is at the north end of Main Street, called "Commercial Row," in this town begun in 1831. Name of nearby post office, "Fort Towson," was changed to Doaksville on Nov. 11, 1847. — — Map (db m52564) HM
Established in the early 1800's, and in continuous use, its name was taken from the now vanished town of the same name, just East of these grounds.
Marble Tombstones, brought by steamboat from New Orleans, show the high regard frontier . . . — — Map (db m237045) HM
Doaksville is a small place, containing fifty or sixty people, consisting mostly of traders and mechanics. It has six stores, two saddler shops, one tailor, one blacksmith, one cabinet, and one shoemaker shop, also a drug store and a public . . . — — Map (db m239334) HM
Dorothy Jane Orton was the prime mover in urging the restoration of Old Fort Towson. Due to her untiring efforts her home community and the entire state became aware of the important of preserving Fort Towson as a part of Oklahoma's Historic . . . — — Map (db m239411) HM
Archaeologists spent the summers of 1995, 1996, and 1997 digging to unravel the mysteries of this area. All that was visible before they began was a small, low, earth mound with a few protruding rocks and brick fragments. The archaeologists . . . — — Map (db m238283) HM
Established May, 1824, under command of Col. Matthew Arbuckle to guard this region of Spanish border. Headquarters of Gen. S.B. Maxey, U.S. Army. Abandoned at end of Civil War. In the vicinity, Doaksville was important trading center and one time . . . — — Map (db m52576) HM
The Fort Towson Landing was south of here on the banks of the Red River. Also known as the Public Landing, from 1824 to 1854 it served as a receiving point for soldiers and supplies delivered by keelboats and steamboats. Traders from the Choctaw . . . — — Map (db m52578) HM
The post hospital consisted of the main structure and a kitchen. A large, central fireplace heated the log building. Inside was a waiting room, office, large wardroom, smaller wardroom for the seriously ill, and a "dead room" or mortuary. The . . . — — Map (db m239662) HM
Memorial
To three Native American patriots who died in the vicinity of Fort Towson. Col. George Colbert was buried in this cemetery with military honors. The other two were buried also with military honors, but their graves are unknown, . . . — — Map (db m241589) WM
Many whites had settled in what is today southeastern Oklahoma prior to the removal of the Choctaws to Indian Territory following the Treaty of Dancing Rabbit Creek in 1830. This unauthorized settlement was a problem during the initial . . . — — Map (db m238771) HM
The three houses of "Officers' Row" were the domain of Army officers and their families. The commanding officer lived in the larger, middle house flanked by quarters for other officers on either side. The houses were built of hewn logs covered . . . — — Map (db m239532) HM
My father and mother are both buried in the old cemetery at Doaksville. It is more than one hundred and twenty-five years old and many of our family are buried there. Clemmie G. Sacra, 1937
The Doaksville cemetery has served the . . . — — Map (db m239285) HM
"The famous old military road came in from Arkansas to Fort Towson near Doaksville, thence in a westerly direction to Armstrong Academy to Washita, Tishomingo, thence west to Fort Arbuckle." Matthew Walton James, 1937
[In 1879] . . . — — Map (db m237791) HM
Here at Doaksville, June 23, 1865, Brigadier General Stand Watie, Cherokee Indian, was the last Confederate General to surrender. — — Map (db m151958) HM
The post's sutler was a civilian storekeeper permitted by the Federal government to operate a trading house on or near a fort. His general merchandise business provided goods and services not regularly supplied by the military. It was also open to . . . — — Map (db m239504) HM
The public house is owned by Col. David Folsom one of the principal men in the Choctaw Nation. He keeps an excellent house on strictly temperance principles. He also owns the blacksmith shop. Rev. P.P. Brown, 1847
Hotels during the . . . — — Map (db m238382) HM
Economic and political changes to the region surrounding Doaksville caused this community to decline rapidly in late 1860s and 1870s. There is little archaeological evidence of sustained activity at this place after about 1870.
In 1854, Fort . . . — — Map (db m239198) HM
I remember the old stone jail at Doaksville, just a one-room affair with iron-barred slits for windows. I wondered when and by whom it was built. That old place was so interesting to me. Charles Washington Ervin, 1937
The Choctaw . . . — — Map (db m239185) HM
To commemorate the history of Doaksville, the first historical marker was placed in 1960. A second commemorative marker was placed in 1965 to acknowledge the 100th anniversary of General Stand Watie's surrender. At the end of the Civil War on June . . . — — Map (db m238464) HM
Prior to 1830, Mississippi was the Choctaw homeland. The Choctaw migration to a new western homeland began shortly after the Treaty of Dancing Rabbit Creek was signed in 1830. The Choctaw people relocated to Indian Territory, traveling overland . . . — — Map (db m238148) HM
During the early 1800's, present Southeastern Oklahoma was a major transportation crossroads. Roads connected Fort Towson in the Choctaw Nation to military installations to the North, South and West. On the Texas side of the Red River, Jonesboro was . . . — — Map (db m52580) HM
The mounds at Doaksville were once thought to have formed when masonry buildings or chimneys collapsed. Over time, it was thought the resulting pile of rubble became covered with soil. However, when archaeologists excavated this site and the jail, . . . — — Map (db m239134) HM
For those who died in that terrible war: we bestow our highest honor, respect, and appreciation for they gave the supreme sacrifice.
For those who are still missing: we hope and pray for their return home.
To those who still suffer, . . . — — Map (db m61963) WM
Begun 1848 by Rev. John Lathrop of American Bd. of Foreign Miss. Rev. O.P. Stark, Supt. (1850), built 1st church. Mrs. Stark opened 1st school here. Others in the service through 100 years include W.J.B. Lloyd, J.P. Gibbons, Bella M. Gibbons, Silas . . . — — Map (db m160362) HM
Noted school for boys, established by Choctaw Nation 1841; named for John C. Spencer, U.S. Sec. of War. Students who were later prominent leaders included Coleman E. Nelson, Allen Wright, Jackson McCurtain, Charles S. Vinson, B. F. Smallwood, . . . — — Map (db m147475) HM
