Historic Markers Across Alabama - Definitions
A historical marker is a plaque or sign erected at historically significant locations, facilities, or buildings. These markers are usually
near roads or in parks. Many different administrative systems exist for the purpose of creating and maintaining historical markers.
In addition to the National Register of Historic Places (which may or may not have markers at each property), many states have their own
distinctive set of historical markers. Cities and/or counties may also choose to have their own system of recognizing and acknowledging historical
places. In addition to these geographically defined regions, individual organizations, such as E Clampus Vitus or the American Society of Mechanical
Engineers, can choose to maintain a national set of historic markers that fit a certain theme. [1]
This web site primarily lists the free standing style of historic marker, but it does include some mounted markers. It also includd many of the Blue Star markers.
The intent of this site is to provide an overview of Alabama's history as recorded on the many historic markers throughout the state. Currently the site lists
3,091 markers.
Styles/Types
Free Standing
This is what we typically think of when we hear the term "historic marker." The Alabama Historic markers are made of metal
(usually brass or aluminum) that have raised lettering (rather than an inscription painted on a sign), and are mounted on a freestanding post.
Mounted
Historic markers that are attached to a rock, a building, a concrete base or some other type of structure are often referred to as plaques. Mounted Alabama Historic markers are made of metal (usually brass or aluminum) that have raised lettering (rather than an inscription painted on a sign, and are fixed to a structure.
Carved Stone
These are stone marker have had text engraved on them.
Interpretative Marker / Sign
These are painted or screen-printed rather than cast in metal on a weather resistant backing. Many times these markers include maps and or drawings. This is the style typically seen at National Parks.
Commemorative Markers
This is a sub-set of Historic Markers. These markers may be placed at the entrance to a park and typically lists the individual(s) that were significant in the creation of a park, monument, restoration of a building or other event. Also included in this sub-set would be the Blue Star Markers [2] (normally free-standing) and plaques designating a location as being in the National Register of Historic Places (normally mounted).
Free Standing |
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Wills Town Mission Alabama Historical Association
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10th Alabama Volunteers Army of Northern Virginia, C.S.A. Alabama Historical Association
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Main Street Historic District Alabama Historical Commission |
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City of Hartselle, Alabama Alabama Bureau of Tourism |
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Confederates Set Fire to Lower Bridge Historic Chattahoochee Commission |
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William Luther Sibert Etowah Historical Society |
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Etowah County, Alabama Forney Historical Society |
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Mounted |
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The Old Exchange - mounted on a building.
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The Alabama Keys Memorial Marker - mounted on a Memorial.
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Bellamy Road
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Works Progress Administration (WPA) - mounted on a rock.
New Hope Battlefield
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Works Progress Administration (WPA) - mounted on a rock.
New Hope Battlefield
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Commemorative Markers |
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Mounted on the Railroad Station in Stone Mountain Georgia.
Commemorates the restoration of the remodeling and conversion from a railway station to City Hall.
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Mounted on a building.
Columbus Historic Riverfront District
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Interpretative Marker / Sign |
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Battle of Knob's Farm - June 22, 1864
Sign including a map and pictures.
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Oak Grove Park
Sign including a map and pictures.
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References
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