Lt. Chadwick McFall Barber proudly served his country with distinction and paid the ultimate sacrifice when he was killed in action January 8, 1969, in the Republic of Vietnam. This bronze statue captures his likeness. Ola McFall Barber, David . . . — — Map (db m35656) HM
The 1,900 lb. HC (High Capacity) Mark 13 shore-bombardment projectile is fired from the Mark 7, 16” .50-caliber gun. The HC round can create a crater 50’ wide and 20’ deep. The 16” gun turret weights 1,708 tons. The barrel weighs 267,904 lbs. . . . — — Map (db m69660) HM
This 75mm field gun is a modification of a French gun that was designed in 1917. The 75mm was the most effective light field gun in W.W. I. It was also used
against infantry, tanks, and other armored targets in W.W.II.
This gun is 17’-3” . . . — — Map (db m83937) HM
At this site where once stood Fort Willingham (Armory) the 115th Signal Battalion was organized December 1, 1940. Originally the 2nd Battalion, 151st Engineers, it was organized a number of times from 1940 to 1959 as its mission was changed to meet . . . — — Map (db m208808) HM
In 2001, Aaron Green, a Taliesin Fellow and a member of the College of Fellows of the American Institute of Architects, was awarded the very first Gold Medal by the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation. — — Map (db m219167) HM
The Chickasaw lived in an area of Indian Territory bordered on the east by the Choctaw and on the west by the Comanche and other tribes. The United States government admitted that it could not protect the Chickasaw from the raiding by the . . . — — Map (db m212217) HM
In 1911, Admiral Richard H. Jackson commanded the Yangtze River Patrol during the Chinese Revolution. By 1926, he rose to the rank of Commander of the Battle Fleet. His eyewitness account of the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor was included in the . . . — — Map (db m273873) HM
The AGM-28 Hound Dog Missile was the United States’ first Air Launched Cruise Missile (ALCM). It was made to deliver W28, 4-megaton nuclear warheads. North
American Aviation was contracted in 1956 to build the protoype. The AGM-28 was put into . . . — — Map (db m69655) HM
Performing in both silent and talking movies in her long film career, Almeda Fowler was chosen for a coveted role by the legendary Al Reeves to be a star in his traveling vaudeville troupe known as "The Big Beauty Show." — — Map (db m268959) HM
The American Legion, an organization of U.S. War Veterans was founded in Paris, France, March 15~17, 1919 by delegates from combat and service units of the American Expeditionary Force assembled in response to a call by a committee headed by . . . — — Map (db m35220) HM
Construction of this road, as ordered by General Andrew Jackson, began in May 1817 by troops of the U.S. Army for national defense purposes. Beginning near Nashville, Tennessee and continuing to Madison, Louisiana, it shortened the distance from . . . — — Map (db m80321) HM
About one mile west of here is the site of the Globe Cotton Factory which was erected on Cypress Creek in 1840. By 1857 its operations included three cotton mills, a flour mill, and two corn mills, all powered by the use of three dams. By 1860 the . . . — — Map (db m83938) HM
This is a T-3 (T-78) Experimental anti-tank gun. It fired a 76mm round of ammunition. Being a towed weapon
limited it to being used defensively, and its lack of mobility meant it could be easily outflanked. Towed anti-tank artillery disappeared . . . — — Map (db m69661) HM
Rev. Dr. Bennett W. Smith, as president of the Progressive National Baptist Convention, expanded the organization internationally. Active in Civil Rights in America and South Africa, he counseled President Bill Clinton on racial equality. — — Map (db m219184) HM
William Christopher Handy, acclaimed worldwide as the “Father of the Blues” was born November 16, 1873, in his grandfather’s two~room log cabin which was located at this site. All structures in this area were removed in 1954 to make way . . . — — Map (db m141964) HM
In a military career spanning 25 years, Brig. Gen. James Lewis Noles was awarded two Silver Stars for valor in combat in Vietnam. He later served as Chief of the U.S. delegation to the Kuwait-U.S. Defence Review Group
Inducted 2021
City of . . . — — Map (db m219316) HM
This school named Burrell Academy, formerly in Selma, Alabama, was given to Florence by the American Missionary Association. In 1903, Burrell Normal School opened and served African ~American students in grades 1-12. In 1937, the Florence City Board . . . — — Map (db m83940) HM
On December 16, 1819, two days after Alabama became a state, the Alabama state legislature authorized construction of the Byler Road. Captain John Byler supervised the construction of the road, built between 1820-1823. The Byler Road began here, . . . — — Map (db m305269) HM
John A. Murrell, known as the "Great Western Land Pirate," was captured near this site in the winter of 1834. He was said to have killed over 400 people, including many kidnapped slaves. His arrest was brought about through the clever maneuvering of . . . — — Map (db m154394) HM
An advocate for criminal justice reform, Carla Crowder received the Thurgood Marshall Award for Excellence in Print Journalism in 2005. She was named Woman of the Year by USA Today in 2024. — — Map (db m285772) HM
Educator and author Caroline Hentz was among the first female novelists in America. Her 13 volumes were some of the most popular in the U.S. during the mid-1800s, and her three dramas were produced in major cities. — — Map (db m219187) HM
From hosting events in Washington for Mexican diplomats through the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to supporting researchers at McMurdo Station in Antarctica, Celia Heil was the first female of Mexican descent to visit the South Pole. — — Map (db m311523) HM
Widely known and admired both for his success in business and for his philanthropy. Charles C. Anderson was one of only 12 individuals in the United States to receive the Horatio Alger Award in 2014. — — Map (db m219339) HM
Recipient in 1989 of the first Kodak Award for Photojournalism, Charles Moore chronicled such major events as the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960's South, political violence in Haiti, and the air war in Vietnam. — — Map (db m219326) HM
Placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1997, this district contains 52 structures, most of which were built after 1900. Cherry Street was laid out in 1818 near the east boundary of Florence. Pulitzer Prize winner Thomas Sigismund . . . — — Map (db m28406) HM
About 1849, African-Americans began holding religious services in a brick cow shed overlooking the town spring near the site. It was purchased in 1857 by the local Methodists for this congregation, with Robin Lightfoot, a slave as its pastor. In . . . — — Map (db m45812) HM
About 1840, African- Americans began holding religious services in a brick cow shed overlooking the town spring near this site. It was purchased in 1857 by the local Methodists for this congregation, with Robin Lightfoot, a slave, as its pastor. In . . . — — Map (db m156921) HM
Florence was surveyed for the Cypress Land Company in 1818 by Ferdinand Sannoner and named for the famous capital of Tuscany. The county seat of Lauderdale County, it was first incorporated in 1826. Located at the foot of Muscle Shoals, it became a . . . — — Map (db m35173) HM
Clay Bennett received both the Pulitzer Prize for Editorial Cartooning and the National Journalism Award in 2002, followed by the Robert F. Kennedy Journalism Award in 2007 and multiple awards from the Society of Professional Journalists in . . . — — Map (db m273871) HM
The AH-1 Cobra is an anti-armor close support/attack helicopter. The Cobra is powered by a General Electric T-700-GE-401 turboshaft engine. The Cobra is 58’ long,
has a wingspan of 10’-7”, and is 14’-2” in height. The AH-1 flies at 175 . . . — — Map (db m69648) HM
(side 1)
Coffee High School opened at this site in the fall of 1917. Camilla Coffee donated the land in honor of her late husband, Capt. Alexander D. Coffee, son of Gen. John Coffee, a Founding Father of Florence. Because of her generosity, . . . — — Map (db m104643) HM
Coffee High School was located at this site from 1951 to 2004. From 1917 to 1950 it was located three blocks southwest, on the north side of Hermitage Drive at the intersection of North Walnut Street. Growth of the school over the years at that . . . — — Map (db m238220) HM
The land on which this district rests was part of the 1818 sale by the Cypress Land Company which established the City of Florence. During The Civil War Confederate soldiers constructed breastworks here for the defense of Florence. House . . . — — Map (db m35235) HM
This "double-pile cottage" is a rare Alabama example of Tidewater architecture that originated along the Southern seaboard during the colonial period. This house was built in 1833 by Thomas J. Crowe, proprietor of the early National Hotel in . . . — — Map (db m310817) HM
Constellium is a global sector leader, strongly committed to designing and manufacturing innovative and high-value-added aluminum products and solutions for a broad range of applications dedicated primarily to aerospace, automotive, and packaging . . . — — Map (db m251537) HM
Toward the end of the 19th Century, the U.S. government decided that Native Americans should integrate into American culture and give up tribal sovereignty.
The Dawes Allotment Act forced Native Americans to register on what became known as . . . — — Map (db m212215) HM
A cotton mill was established near this site in 1822. Although short~lived, it was the forerunner of other cotton and textile factories located in this area during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Cherry Cotton Mill began operations on nearby . . . — — Map (db m48600) HM
George Washington Foster, planter, built this Greek Revival Mansion. An Act of the legislature was required to close Court Street, In fall of 1864 it was headquarters of Nathan B. Forrest, General, CSA. Foster's daughter, Sarah Independence McDonald . . . — — Map (db m28868) HM
The Chickasaw are a strong people, unconquered in battle and unconquerable in spirit. They arrived in what is now Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee and Kentucky from the west, and this area became their homeland. The Chickassaw built large villages, . . . — — Map (db m212214) HM
This park was donated to the people of Florence by Dr. Kirk R. and Lillian Cook Deibert who initially acquired this property in 1952. The acreage was once a part of a large ante-bellum plantation owned by Judge Sidney Cherry Posey. In 1875 his heirs . . . — — Map (db m33086) HM
Musician and songwriter Dewey (“Spooner”) Oldham toured with major artists in the U.S., the UK, Europe and Japan. Winner of the prestigious UK Roots Award in 2006, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2009.
Inducted 2025
CITY OF . . . — — Map (db m285398) HM
Michael, Don Leslie
Rank and Organization:
Specialist Fourth class, U.S. Army, Company C, 4th Battalion, 503D Infantry, 173D Airborne Brigade.
Place and Date: Republic of Vietnam, 8 April, 1967. Entered service at: . . . — — Map (db m69640) HM
One of only 141 American service men to receive the Medal of Honor during the Vietnam War, U.S. Army SP4 Don Leslie Michael Received this award posthumously, and his name appears in the Pentagon's Hall of Heroes. — — Map (db m219185) HM
Through negotiation with President George
Washington, Chief Doublehead owned all
lands between Bluewater and Cypress Creeks.
The land became federal property after 1807,
allowing a corporation to purchase
5,515 acres to establish Florence. . . . — — Map (db m219328) HM
From the time Florence was established in 1818, a slow but steady growth occurred. In the late 1880s the town's population increased by 500 percent as an industrial boom began. This area became the core of the business district. Most of the . . . — — Map (db m35177) HM
Named President of the International Fertilizer Development Center in 1992, Dr. Amit Roy distinguished himself as a leader of a team to create sustainable agricultural productivity worldwide, alleviating hunger and ensuring food security. . . . — — Map (db m219337) HM
As Director of the United Nations University Institute for Natural Resources in Africa, 1996-2004, Dr. Mokwunye capped a career of service to farmers and others in his native Nigeria and in many other African nations. — — Map (db m273872) HM
Dr. E. B. Norton was a member of the U.S. Education Mission sent to Japan after World War II to advise Gen. McArthur on the complete reorganization of the Japanese School System, which is still in place today. — — Map (db m219325) HM
Dr. Gerald G. Williams, recognized as an international leader in agronomy, devoted his life to
Alleviating poverty and world hunger through sound agricultural practices.
After retirement from the TVA in 1980, he served the Heifer Project . . . — — Map (db m268963) HM
This boulevard was named in honor of Dr. Leonard Jerry Hicks by the City of Florence in 1981. Dr. Hicks was a prominent Black leader of the community and was recognized for his skills as a physician across the State of Alabama. He was born September . . . — — Map (db m35257) HM
With four commendations and two awards, Dr. Jeffery Briggs was the most highly lauded winner of the International Music Prize for Excellence in composition by the National Academy of Music in 2011. — — Map (db m273874) HM
A native of New Zealand, Dr. Nolan Richards led a group of 63 scientists who developed procedures that revolutionized aluminum production worldwide, and he created a handicap system for sailing regattas used throughout the United States. — — Map (db m311503) HM
Educator and geographer Dr. William R. ("Bill)" Strong received the National Council for Geographic Education's distinguished Teaching Award (1986).
As Geographer-in-Residence at the National Geographic Society
(1991-1993), he earned its . . . — — Map (db m219338) HM
In 1947, Dr. Willie H. ruff, III was selected for the All-Black 766th Air Force Band, playing at every Air Force Base in the U.S. As Professor of Music at Yale University, 1971-2017, his teaching inspired students from across the globe.
Inducted . . . — — Map (db m219301) HM
Dred Scott, whose name is associated with the landmark U.S. Supreme Court Dred Scott Decision of 1857, was born in Virginia between 1795-1809. In 1818 he was in Madison County, Alabama. He came to Florence with the Peter Blow family in 1820. About . . . — — Map (db m35183) HM
Dred Scott, a slave who served as the hostler in Peter Blow's Florence Hotel, waged a 14-year legal fight for freedom that resulted in the U.S. Supreme Court's Dred Scott Decision of 1857, a pivotal event in American history. — — Map (db m219324) HM
The Trail of Tears led groups of Cherokee up the Tennessee River here. The Cherokee are one of southeastern tribes who were relocated to Oklahoma due to the US Indian removal policy in the 1830s.
During removal, most Cherokee went by land, but . . . — — Map (db m107267) HM
The East Florence business area began in the industrial boom of the 1880s and 1890s and continued its development through the 1920s. Originally known as "Sweetwater", the small locally owned firms were established to serve the growing population . . . — — Map (db m35769) HM
Built in 1840's, acquired 1857 by Edward Asbury O'Neal. Occupied various times during Civil War by Federals and Confederates. Edward A. O'Neal (1818-1890) attended LaGrange College; lawyer, Colonel of the 26th Alabama Regiment, C. S. A.; appointed . . . — — Map (db m153224) HM
Serving 16 years as president of the American Farm Bureau Federation (1931-1947), Mr. O'Neal developed major New Deal farm policies in the Franklin D. Roosevelt Administration. — — Map (db m219327) HM
Well-known throughout the nation and the world for his innovative work with rubber and vinyl, E. Stanley Robbins supplied rubber inner tubes, retread rubber and, later synthetic rubber for the Armed Forces in WW II. — — Map (db m219319) HM
Dr. Ellen D. Hoffleit, celebrated worldwide for her many contributions to astronomy, discovered more than 1,200 variable stars. She authored Yale Bright Star Catalogue which is used in almost every astronomical observatory in the world. . . . — — Map (db m219302) HM
With a fourth grade education, Ezra Culver employed his own innovative concrete process in major 20th century projects. His construction experience included work on Yankee Stadium, Lincoln Tunnel and the Florida Keys bridges. — — Map (db m219299) HM
The clock was discarded when the Lauderdale County Courthouse was torn down in 1963, and was taken to Belgreen, Alabama, 45 miles South of Florence.
The clock rested and rusted under an oak tree until 1986, when it was found by Douglas Farley. . . . — — Map (db m297166) HM
Side A
Sam Phillips fell in love with the miracle of sound and the unifying power of music. Moving to Memphis, Tennessee, he embraced the beauty of the blues with his early recordings of Howlin Wolf, B.B. King and other delta artists. In . . . — — Map (db m29270) HM
On May 27, 1888, this church was established in the courthouse after a commencement sermon at the State Normal College delivered by the Rev. W. H. Smith. Its initial name was First Missionary Baptist, but in 1910 it became First Baptist. The . . . — — Map (db m83964) HM
First Muscle Shoals Canal
1836-1838
From the earliest attempts to navigate the Tennessee River, it was known that a formidable obstacle made the passage from one end to the other almost impossible. This barrier, caused by waterfalls, . . . — — Map (db m125572) HM
The Presbyterians organized the first church in Florence and purchased this property from the Cypress Land Company in 1818. A sanctuary was erected here in 1824. James L. Sloss, an early Alabama Territory missionary, was installed as the church's . . . — — Map (db m28955) HM
Established September 8, 1822 in a log house on the west side of town by Revs. John Cox and John Kerr. Cox and wife, Frances Langley had been affiliated with the Wesleys in England. Second meeting place was in Farmer's Cobbler Shop on West Mobile . . . — — Map (db m83966) HM
The Forks of Cypress plantation was established in 1818 by James and Sarah Jackson. Its home, believed the design of William Nichols, was one of Alabama's great houses, featuring perhaps the earliest peristyle colonnades in America. Built by skilled . . . — — Map (db m83975) HM
The "Mother Church" of the Presbytery, Florence Cumberland Colored Presbyterian Church originated in 1898 on property deeded by the city. Led, in 1918, by Rev. Holt Smith, it bought property on Alabama Street and built a frame structure. In 1948 . . . — — Map (db m83967) HM
The Florence Canal resulted from a desire to tame the shallow and craggy Muscle Shoals. In 1830, amid urgings for a navigable solution, James Kerney of the Board of Engineers for Internal Improvements completed plans for a thirty-five-mile canal . . . — — Map (db m268971) HM
When the city was surveyed this land described as "outside the city limits" was designated as the burying grounds for the new town. It contains the graves of early settlers, including a son and brother of Ferdinand Sannoner, Surveyor of Florence, . . . — — Map (db m83968) HM
The Florence Indian Mound was the heart of a largely indigenous cultural center that existed along this section of the Tennessee River Valley centuries ago. A map was drawn by E. G. Squier and Edwin Davis in 1848 showed the mound as originally . . . — — Map (db m191412) HM
Plans for the Florence Little League Baseball program for youth in ages ranging from eight to twelve years were completed in April 1951. These plans and the layout of this playing field were in accord with those developed by America's first Little . . . — — Map (db m83969) HM
The Florence Mound was built in layers, or stages, between ca. AD 0 to 400. At 43 Feet, it is the tallest earthwork in the Tennessee River Valley. An earthen wall nearly 12 feet in height encircled the mound.
There is no indication houses or other . . . — — Map (db m251805) HM
Oldest state~supported
teacher college south of Ohio R.
1830 ~ opened as LaGrange College
(Methodist) at nearby Leighton.
First charted college in state.
1855 ~ moved here and re~named
Florence Wesleyan University.
Flourished until . . . — — Map (db m83970) HM
During World War II, more than 300 graduates and former students of this institution served in the U.S. armed forces. All are hereby honored as heroes.
The following paid the supreme sacrifice in defense of their country.
Brig. Gen. Asa N. . . . — — Map (db m156977) WM
Side A The Cypress Land Company reserved this block for educational purposes. In 1847 the Florence Female Academy, consisting of two buildings, was established. The Academy was soon in financial trouble. Despite a $20,000 contribution from . . . — — Map (db m83973) HM
Moved here from Atlanta in 1889, this industry made Florence a household word throughout the South. It was the largest wagon factory in the South, reportedly second largest in U.S. with 250 employees and annual production of 12,000 wagons. World War . . . — — Map (db m35772) HM
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this tower of native stone was completed in 1890 as the foundation for a wrought- iron tank with a capacity of 280,000 gallons of water. It is 70 feet high and is located on the highest elevation . . . — — Map (db m35234) HM
The Forks of Cypress plantation was established in 1818 by James and Sarah Jackson. This home, believed the design of William Nichols, was one of Alabama's great houses, featuring perhaps the earliest peristyle colonnades in America. Built by . . . — — Map (db m156982) HM
The United States flag that flies at the base of this hill stands as a sentry over the site that was the home of Fort Willingham Armory from 1937-1979. The Armory was named after Dr. Henry J. Willingham, president of Florence State Normal School, . . . — — Map (db m83987) HM
Lauderdale County was created by the Territorial Legislature in February 1818. On March 12, 1818, recognized as the Founding Day for Florence, Alabama the Articles of Association was signed by the seven trustees of the newly-organized Cypress . . . — — Map (db m115156) HM
In 1947 Frank Achorn began his successful work as a chemical engineer in 45 states and 40 countries to feed the hungry of the world through increased crop yields. He later secured eight patents related to the fertilizer industry. — — Map (db m219177) HM
A 1953 graduate of West Point, Gen. Brown culminated a 36-year military career as Director of the Army Staff (1983-1987) and Vice-Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army (1987-1989). — — Map (db m219297) HM
Following his tragic defeat at Franklin and Nashville, General John B. Hood managed to escape over the Tennessee River at Bainbridge Ferry, a few miles south of here on December 26, 1864. Two corps under General Benjamin Cheatham and Stephen D. Lee . . . — — Map (db m35258) HM
Hugh P. Harris became a four-star general in 1964, the 66th officer to receive this rank. A leader in the development of the airborne concept, he held such important post as Commanding General, U.S. Continental Army Commander. — — Map (db m219305) HM
Through his personal and business relationship with Andrew Jackson, Gen. Coffee led Jackson's cavalry in the Battle of New Orleans in 1815 and became a celebrated American hero. — — Map (db m219304) HM
Cavalry Commander under Andrew Jackson throughout War of 1812:
(Creek War, Pensacola, New Orleans).
Negotiated many treaties ceding Indian lands to U.S.
Made original surveys of Tennessee Valley. — — Map (db m304253) HM
The lion habitat is named in honor of George H. Carroll (1926-1998), a long-standing friend and supporter of the University of North Alabama (UNA). Mr. Carroll was the loving husband of Virginia Sego Carroll and father of Steven, Judy, and George . . . — — Map (db m35658) HM
Gilbert School, named in honor of Henry C. Gilbert, school superintendent 1892-1904 and long time member of Board of Education was built in 1920, costing $79,000. The structure was planned by George D. Waller, architect. A relief sculpture . . . — — Map (db m83988) HM
This Hamilton-Standard 23E50-505 hydromatic propeller is from Douglas Aircraft C-47 transport plane known as the Gooney Bird.
The C-47s operated in both the European and Pacific theaters of W.W. II as troop and cargo transports, and initiated . . . — — Map (db m69659) HM
McVay (1766~1851), South Carolina native, built a three room log house at head of Cox's Creek about 1818. Community later called Mars Hill. He was a member of Mississippi Territorial Legislature, delegate to convention of 1819 which framed . . . — — Map (db m35260) HM
The congregation first met in home of Mrs. Betsy Key. Organized as "Fairgrounds Church" in 1896 at nearby site of early Florence Racetrack and Fairgrounds, with Andy Sloss as pastor. Later, the church was moved to Irvine Avenue (formerly Fish-Trap . . . — — Map (db m156929) HM
The NFL Rookie of the Year (1954) and MVP (1955), Harlon Hill starred with the Chicago Bears. The Harlon Hill Trophy is presented annually to the NCAA Division II Football Player of the Year. — — Map (db m219314) HM
The Hawk Missile was the first mobile medium-range, guided, anti-aircraft missile deployed by the U.S. Army in August 1959. The Hawk is a surface-to-air missile powered by a solid-propellant rocket motor and controlled in flight by its large tail . . . — — Map (db m69652) HM
A keen observer and researcher of the Civil Rights Movement in the South, Hank Klibanoff won the Pulitzer Prize in 2007 for The Race Beat: The Press, the Civil Rights Struggle, and the Awakening of a Nation. — — Map (db m219181) HM
To the south of this marker is the Hickory Hill Plantation Slave Cemetery which contains the remains of approximately 140 African-Americans. These individuals labored in the bonds of slavery during the period 1818 to 1865 and many as tenant . . . — — Map (db m138778) HM
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