Dedicated to the memory
of those who paid the
supreme price...that they
gave their lives for
our country
Autauga County – Carter, Emmett James
Baldwin County – Beveridge, Bruce Jr. - Conway, Brooks E. - Davison, . . . — — Map (db m85350) WM
The Highway Route
The Highway Route of the De Soto Trail is intended to follow the actual trail as closely as major highways permit.
These highways are U.S. 278 from the Georgia line to Piedmont, Ala; Ala. 21 to Winterboro; Ala. 76 to . . . — — Map (db m85384) HM
The 224-foot Saturn IB Rocket displayed here is one of three launched vehicles in the Saturn family of rockets developed in Huntsville. The Saturn IB rocket had more power than the earlier Saturn I- enough for orbital missions with the Apollo . . . — — Map (db m207546) HM
This memorial is dedicated in honor of
all those from the state of Alabama who made the supreme sacrifice by laying down their life for their country in Vietnam. 1959-1975
This memorial was erected by Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 511 - . . . — — Map (db m52449) WM
created Feb. 6, 1818 by Alabama Territorial Legislature from lands ceded by Cherokee Nation 1806 and by Chickasaw Nation in 1816. Named for creek (and its limestone bed), which runs through county.
Few settlers here until Indian treaties.
Athens . . . — — Map (db m29109) HM
Members of the Barbee family donated this plot of land for the purpose of a community school around 1915. Three years later, a storm damaged the building and the school was relocated to nearby Sampson's Chapel. The Barbee family then deeded the . . . — — Map (db m154188) HM
This church was organized in 1829 as a Cumberland Presbyterian church by the Revs. Robert Donnell, John Morgan and Allen Gipson.
After first using an interdenominational building, a church was built on West Washington street in 1852.
This was . . . — — Map (db m85386) HM
On May 2, 1862, Union troops of the 19th and 24th Illinois and the 37th Indiana Regiments commanded by Col. John Basil Turchin went on a rampage through the town. They looted and plundered stores and homes, stealing clothing, jewelry and anything of . . . — — Map (db m85387) HM
In 1818, Robert Beaty and John D. Carriel, co-founders of the town of Athens, donated ground for all public buildings, including $8,000 toward the erection on this site of a log court house. Among their donations were the springs which supply . . . — — Map (db m72221) HM
Athens was incorporated in 1818, one year prior to the admission of Alabama as the 22nd state. It is the seat of Limestone County, created by an act of the Alabama Territorial Legislature. Athens has a legacy of providing quality education for . . . — — Map (db m159697) HM
This stone marks the site
of the surrender of
Col. Wallace Campbell U.S.A.
to
Gen. Nathan Bedford Forrest C.S.A.
Sept. 24, 1864
Erected by N.B. Forrest Chapter
Alabama Div. U.D.C. 1902
In commemoration of the
triumph of their . . . — — Map (db m154212) HM WM
North Side This marks the site of Cambridge, a small town established in the earliest years of Limestone County. In 1818, it consisted of several business houses, shops, and a mill. It was one of three locations considered for the county . . . — — Map (db m60177) HM
Wealthy and influential Virginia family settled here in 1820's. Daniel Coleman (1801-1857) built his stately home a block west about 1826. During the Civil War, home was occupied by Yankee troops who took Elizabeth Coleman's teeth for their gold . . . — — Map (db m85389) HM
“My people were in slavery on the Coleman
Plantation. When the war came, they had an
opportunity to fight for their freedom on that
very same spot. Then Trinity was built at the
fort, and they could get an education there.
That story . . . — — Map (db m158197) HM
The Confederate Circle in Athens City Cemetery contains graves of over 50 soldiers killed in or around Athens during the WBTS, 8 unknown. Around 1898 ladies of the local UDC were working in the cemetery when bones, believed to be soldiers, were . . . — — Map (db m94159) HM
This burial mound is one of hundreds constructed during the Middle Woodland period between 100 BC and AD 500 by native people who shared burial practices with other similar cultural groups extending from the Gulf and Atlantic coasts to Canada. . . . — — Map (db m154232) HM
A section of the fence that surrounded the 'Court House' grounds until 1916. When construction of the present building was planned, the fence was moved to the County Poor Farm on Elkton Rd. This section donated to the people of Limestone County by . . . — — Map (db m85390) HM
Top row, left to right:
The first Limestone County Courthouse was a log structure completed in the early 1820s. The second courthouse, constructed ca. 1825 of brick, was used only until 1831, when the walls began to crack and collapse. It . . . — — Map (db m154216) HM
Left, top: Athens citizens celebrated the unveiling of the first Confederate monument in 1909. Due to objections to the bowed head, which suggested defeat, a second statue was ordered.
Left, center: Watermelon rinds litter the . . . — — Map (db m154206) HM
From the 1850s to the 1970s, the Louisville & Nashville Depot was located between Market and Washington streets. The building has been used as a dress ship, a photographer's studio, and in 2004 was remodeled for the Limestone County Archives. . . . — — Map (db m93878) HM
The Methodist presence began in 1813 when circuit riders were sent to establish preaching posts in the Mississippi Territory. In October 1818 the Tennessee Conference appointed Reverend Joshua Boucher Sr. as pastor of the Limestone Circuit, Athens . . . — — Map (db m154192) HM
Approx. Ό mile North is the site of Ft. Hampton, built in 1810 and named in honor of
Brig. General Wade Hampton of Revolutionary War fame. Two Companies of soldiers were
stationed here in log buildings. The purpose of the fort, and its garrison . . . — — Map (db m154231) HM
Fort Henderson Built on this site in 1863 by federal forces occupying Athens. It was a five-sided earthen fort with some frame buildings and underground bomb-proofs. Abatis lined the fifteen-foot deep perimeter ditch, a small portion of which . . . — — Map (db m41787) HM
(Front):
This house was purchased by George S. Houston in 1845 and was his home until his death here on 31st December 1879. Houston served the people of Alabama in public office for thirty six years. His long and distinguished political . . . — — Map (db m85420) HM
On June 22, 1933, Judge James Horton of Athens set aside the verdict and death sentence of an all-white jury that found Haywood Patterson, an African American, guilty of raping two white women. Patterson was one of nine black youths falsely accused . . . — — Map (db m154195) HM
D.L. Rosenau, Jr. graduated from local Greene University School as Valedictorian at age 15 and went on to become one of the youngest graduates of both Yale University and Stanford Law School. Following his return to Athens, Judge Rosenau was . . . — — Map (db m154200) HM
Lentzville Cemetery began as the family cemetery for the family of John Henry Lentz (7 Feb 1753-18 Jul 1835) and his wife Savilla. John Henry was a veteran of the American Revolution and pioneer settler of Limestone County, entering his land in . . . — — Map (db m114306) HM
[Front]
Confederate
soldiers
of
Limestone County
[Side]
In memory of
Limestone's sons
This monument is erected
by their survivors
and
Joseph E. Johnston
Chapter U.D.C.
1909
[Side]
Ennobled by . . . — — Map (db m156910) WM
For more than a century, this bell rang in the Limestone County Courthouse to notify residents of the time of day and of momentous events. The Courthouse and surrounding Square have been the heart of this community since Limestone County's founding . . . — — Map (db m154199) HM
Adam Loggins
LCPL USMC
June 11, 1979
Apr. 26, 2007
KIA - Iraq
Ricky L. Turner
PFC US Army
Dec. 22, 1988
Jan. 16, 2009
KIA - Iraq — — Map (db m154211) WM
In remembrance of all those who gave the ultimate sacrifice
Thomas Belue Box Bobby Herald Brewer Clayton Gerome Craig James Larry Downs Gary Elmore Raymond Garth James Mabron Hargrove Gary Curtis Harwell Ruben Lee Horton Donald . . . — — Map (db m154208) WM
Lucy's Branch This site is named for Lucy Bedingfield, daughter of a slave and a Cherokee Indian. She was born 1832, and her Indian name was Finch. She married Meredith Bedingfield, a slave and had 9 children. Lucy was an astute and avid . . . — — Map (db m85421) HM
The MIM-72 Chaparral is a ground launched air-to-air missile. Development of the "Night Chaparral" began in 1963 with the short-term replacement of the MIM-64 Mauler, a quick-reaction semi-active radar homing missile system. Designation aptly . . . — — Map (db m207538) HM
The second Confederate Monument was erected in June 1912. This view shows the intersection of Market and Marion streets.
The 4-H'ers parade their cattle on the courthouse lawn in 1959. Judges were on hand to give a blue ribbon for the best . . . — — Map (db m93881) HM
This is the earliest known cemetery in the town of Athens, and the final resting place for many of its first citizens. The earliest burials date from the 1820s and continue through the mid-1800s, with an occasional burial past 1900. Through the . . . — — Map (db m71525) HM
Built abt. 1849 by Rev. Robert Donnell, a native of North Carolina, and his second wife Clara Lindley Donnell. He was greatly inspired by the Great Spiritual Revival of 1800 and became a Presbyterian circuit rider, one of the "flaming fires," so . . . — — Map (db m72159) HM
“When told that the fort had been surrendered...
[the soldiers] could scarcely believe themselves,
but with tears demanded that the fight should
go on, preferring to die in the fort.” — Lt.
Robert McMillan, 110th U.S. . . . — — Map (db m158258) HM
“Trinity School founder Mary Fletcher Wells
and the American Missionary Association
forged the path for reconstruction in Limestone
County's African American population in an
approach based on the belief that education
and religion . . . — — Map (db m158194) HM
Side A
A church older than the county and state. First meeting house built in the fall of 1816, on Indian land, a few miles south of here along Round Island Creek. The first Govt. Land sales were in Feb. 1818 after treaties with the . . . — — Map (db m85422) HM
The First Baptist Church, organized in 1824, built a meeting house in 1826. A brick structure was erected in 1831 but was replaced with the above building in 1909. This church located on the north west corner of Clinton and Hobbs streets, was later . . . — — Map (db m93883) HM
“Just after daylight on the morning of
September 24, they opened on the fort with
artillery from three different sides, casting
almost every shell inside the works.” — Col.
Wallace Campbell, 110th U.S. Colored . . . — — Map (db m158261) HM
"The fort...was one of the best works of the kind I
ever saw.” — Lt. Henry March, 115th Ohio, USA
Here you can see all that remains of Fort Henderson,
the southeast bastion. Envision standing here during
construction. The . . . — — Map (db m158265) HM
"It is impossible to adequately describe what
Trinity means to me. It means everything.
Without Trinity I don't exist." — Dr. Charles
Eric Lincoln: scholar, theologian, author,
former Duke professor, and Trinity graduate
Trinity . . . — — Map (db m158185) HM
This cistern is the last remnant of Trinity School located here 1865-1907. The cistern was used to store rainwater collected from the roof. No physical evidence remains of the Ross Hotel, the Chapman Quarters, and other buildings on this block, . . . — — Map (db m72219) HM
Top row, left to right:
The Commercial Hotel, owned by George L. Sherrill in the late 1800s, adertised in 1885 that it catered to commercial travelers at $2 a day. After many years of operation by the Sherrill family, it was torn down in . . . — — Map (db m154230) HM
Top row, left to right:
The First Presbyterian Church was built on the corner of Jefferson and Washington streets about 1900. This 1949 photograph shows Standard Oil and Sinclair Gasoline signs. Built in 1926, the Standard Oil Filling . . . — — Map (db m154214) HM
Marker Front Thomas Bibb built this grand house in 1826 and named it "Belle Manor" (beautiful home), but local pronunciation altered it to "Belle Mina". The home which stayed in the Bibb family until 1940 was the seat of Bibb's large . . . — — Map (db m85424) HM
Born April 23, 1781 in Hanover Co. Virginia, married there to Martha Hargrave of a wealthy Quaker family. He served as U.S. Marshall and in other positions. Moved to Kentucky in 1808. Was a Captain in the War of 1812 and became a political and . . . — — Map (db m29284) HM
The Southeast Air Forces Training Center operated by Southern Aviation Training School, also known as Pryor Field, was constructed in 1941. These two aircraft hangars and beacon tower are the remaining artifacts of one of only a few World War II . . . — — Map (db m85425) HM
Front:
To Honor All Combat
Infantrymen
We were boys and we were young
We became men on that hill we overran
Some of us lived, many of us died
For a moment with us abide
and join in prayer with me
to honor those of the . . . — — Map (db m156897) WM
Alabama will continue to be key to America's future
leadership in space. NASA and its commercial and
academic partners in Alabama will manage the
development of the Space Launch System, history's
largest heavy-lift rocket, and human support . . . — — Map (db m160612) HM
On Sept. 25, 1864 Gen. N.B. Forrest's Confederate cavalry, with Morton's battery of 4 guns, attacked and captured the Union fort near here. The fort consisted of a square redoubt, rifle pits, two blockhouses, and some frame buildings. It protected a . . . — — Map (db m60870) HM
Train #3 southbound, circa 1913. The wye (turnaround) is visible on the right. Because trains traveled with only one engine in the early railroad days and the tracks further south were under construction, a wye was necessary at Elkmont for . . . — — Map (db m93859) HM
01: Looking south on Railroad Street.
02: McWilliams Store, June 1913.
03: Drugstore interior, 1940s.
04: Citizens' Bank, early 1900s.
05: Elkmont Post Office, circa 1900s.
06: Telephone switchboard, early 1900s.
07: Elkmont Post . . . — — Map (db m93856) HM
Limestone County High School (grades 9-12) was established in 1912. Money for the building, nearly $10,000, was obtained from three sources: the sale of property of an old Elkmont Elementary School, state funds, and private donations. Honored and . . . — — Map (db m93851) HM
Front The earliest settlers to this area moved across the Chickasaw boundary before 1810 and established the Sims and New Garden settlements. The area came to be known as Elkmont, for the once abundant elk, the Elk River and the "mount" on . . . — — Map (db m85426) HM
The Saturn I, the Saturn IB and the Saturn V were all
members of the Saturn family of rockets developed in
Huntsville. The Saturn IB, as displayed here in full scale,
had more power than the earlier Saturn I-enough for
orbital training missions . . . — — Map (db m160608) HM
Limestone County's First High School
"Limestone County High School” was established in Elkmont in 1912. The original building constructed in 1912, stood on Evans Street where Elkmont High School is currently located.
The County Board . . . — — Map (db m154184) HM
(Side A)
Old New Garden Cemetery
This cemetery is one of the oldest in Limestone County and is listed on the Alabama Historic Cemetery Register. Many of the areas earliest settlers are buried here including Patsy Elmore, widow of a . . . — — Map (db m73836) HM
The George C. Marshall Space Flight Center, located on
Huntsville's Redstone Arsenal, has provided America's
space solutions since 1960. As one of NASA's largest
engineering centers, Marshall offers its extensive expertise
and unique facilities . . . — — Map (db m160609) HM
Pettusville was named for Dr. Thomas Coleman Pettus (1816-1890) who came from Lunenburg Co., Virginia and purchased land that encompassed Bailes Hollow in the late 1840s. Dr. Pettus discovered seven "medicinal springs” deep in the hollow. The . . . — — Map (db m154186) HM
Developed by the
Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, Alabama,
and associated contractors.
Erected by the citizens of Alabama
as a tribute to the men and women who
made it possible for this nation to
explore space for peaceful purposes, . . . — — Map (db m160613) HM
Simeon Corder is said to have contracted with George Hamilton to build the mill and operate it for him in 1909. The contract was sealed with no more than a handshake. After Corder's death in 1923, his widow sold the mill to Aubrey Todd, who sold it . . . — — Map (db m93847) HM
Side A (North side) In the fall of 1806 a group of settlers led by William and James Sims, traveled from east Tennessee on flatboats down the Tennessee River and up the Elk River to this area. They landed near Buck Island and spread out . . . — — Map (db m85454) HM
Soon after this scene was captured of Union troops rebuilding Sulphur Creek Trestle, one mile south of here, in early 1864, the ring of hammers was replaced by the thunder of cannon fire. By the time the smoke cleared, more than 240 men were dead in . . . — — Map (db m154183) HM
While traveling through Alabama, we invite you to Visit the
U.S. Space and Rocket Center, home of U.S. Space
Camp and Aviation Challenge, The journey through the
U.S. Space and Rocket Center will lead you from the
beginning of rocketry to . . . — — Map (db m160611) HM
Primary marker
The bricks in these walls were once part of the homes of Limestone Countians. Each one represents a dream, and the loss of that dream on April 27, 2011, when seven tornadoes hit Limestone County and 62 struck in Alabama, . . . — — Map (db m72495) HM
Gourdsville / Gilbertsboro
Gourdsville is the colorful place-name of one of the earliest settlements in Limestone County. It was little more than a camp of shanties established by intruders on the Chickasaw lands who were driven back to the . . . — — Map (db m132612) HM
VA native John Nelson Spotswood Jones, son of Rev. War Capt. Lewellen Jones, cousin of Martha Washington, and descendant of Rev. Rowland Jones of Williamsburg's Bruton Parish, built Druid's Grove near this site before 1820 and established the . . . — — Map (db m70235) HM
Front The town of Cottonport flourished in the early years of Limestone County. It was settled in 1818 and chartered in 1824. It was located approx. 1½ miles S.E. near the point where Limestone Creek flowed into the Tennessee River and . . . — — Map (db m85455) HM
The town owns the Brick Church, the Stagecoach Tavern, and the Post Office.
One of the town's primary budget lines is the care and maintenance of these historic public buildings for future generations.
However, these structures would not be . . . — — Map (db m189570) HM
Historic Homes
The majority of older homes in Mooresville were built a the end of the "Federal" period (roughly 1790-1830) and incorporated elements of the architecture prevalent at this time. Typically, a Federal-style house is a simple . . . — — Map (db m189568) HM
Preservation and Restoration
The residents of Mooresville value the town's past and are committed to historic preservation by working to raise funds to protect its public historic buildings. Some buildings have been lost or changed purpose as . . . — — Map (db m189566) HM
Post office contains original call boxes
Old tavern, 1817 used as stagecoach stop
Red Brick Methodist church 1817
U.S. Gen. James A Garfield was stationed here 1862
White frame church is more than a century old
Andrew Johnson was . . . — — Map (db m28154) HM
Mooresville's history began in 1805 when the first settlers arrived in the area and set up homesteads on lands occupied by the Chickasaw Indians. The Indians later ceded the land to the Federal Government and public land sales began in 1818. . . . — — Map (db m189567) HM
(side 1)
Mooresville Brick Church
Completed by 1839 this Greek Revival Structure was probably under construction for several years. On November 18, 1838 Alabama's 2nd Governor, Thomas Bibb and his wife Pamela deeded this property to . . . — — Map (db m85456) HM
(Side 1)
Mooresville, Alabama
Incorporated November 16, 1818
Mooresville Post Office, c.1840, is the oldest operational post office in the state of Alabama. It has served the community form the same building since its . . . — — Map (db m89028) HM
Approximately 200 yards east of this site are the unmarked graves of Abner Alloway Strange, Sr., and other family members. (The markers were moved to Salem Methodist Cemetery in 1977.) A Sergeant in the Virginia Militia, Strange was at Yorktown . . . — — Map (db m32561) HM
The first known burial here is Charles Cunningham who died September 28, 1852. Many unmarked fieldstones are present that could mark older graves. The cemetery contains 82 identifiable burials with headstones. Six Confederate soldiers, WWI, and WWII . . . — — Map (db m98753) HM
The first known burial here is Nancy Vinson Christopher who died May 16, 1852. Many unmarked fieldstones are present that could mark older graves. The cemetery contains 52 identifiable burials with headstones. Five Confederate soldiers and one WWII . . . — — Map (db m71991) HM
A grand two story brick house built in the Federal style with a double tier pedimented Palladian portico. The house displays architectural features brought to Limestone County by early settlers from Southside Virginia, and adjacent North . . . — — Map (db m90915) HM
One of the oldest brick houses in the country. It was built, circa 1822-28, by Wm. Parham for Joseph Johnston, the original landowner. It displays both Georgian and Federal influences in its style and details. A molded brick water table and . . . — — Map (db m117805) HM
Hemmed in by superior forces Forrest's fast~moving cavalry raided and destroyed Union supply lines and strong points, captured 2,360 men, valuable stores.
By swift action, surprise and bluff Forrest disrupted Union military plans from Decatur to . . . — — Map (db m29104) HM
Side A
Build abt. 1858 by Schuyler Harris on land once owned by Henry Augustine Washington, a distant relative of the first president. Through purchases, marriages, and inheritance between the Washington, Harris and Pryor families, all . . . — — Map (db m85458) HM
Generations of African~American families have worshiped here, beginning with services held under a brush arbor prior to the Civil War. In August of 1879, the land for the Oakland Methodist church was deeded to parishioners. In a wooden one-room . . . — — Map (db m29094) HM
