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Warrior Mountain Historic Marker

Discover the historical significance of the Warrior Mountains at this informative marker, a gateway to exploring the natural beauty and rich heritage of Bankhead National Forest in Alabama.

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The Warrior Mountain Historic Marker, located in Moulton, Alabama, commemorates the rich history of the Warrior Mountains region. This area, nestled within the southern highlands of Lawrence County, has been home to Native Americans, early settlers, and their descendants for millennia. The marker highlights the region's significance as a geographical boundary and a vital part of the Black Warrior Forest, now known as the William B. Bankhead National Forest. Visitors can explore the surrounding Bankhead National Forest, known for its stunning bluffs, canyons, waterfalls, and lakes, offering a glimpse into Alabama's natural beauty and historical past. The marker serves as a reminder of the diverse cultures and events that have shaped this unique landscape, inviting travelers to delve deeper into the area's captivating story.

A brief summary to Warrior Mountain Historic Marker

  • 3718 AL-33, Moulton, Alabama, 35650, US

Local tips

  • Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Bankhead National Forest for hiking and scenic views.
  • Visit the Warrior Mountains Trading Co. for information about the area and canoe rentals.
  • Explore the Sipsey Wilderness, known as the 'Land of a Thousand Waterfalls,' for a unique outdoor experience.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    The Warrior Mountain Historic Marker is located on AL-33, approximately 11.4 miles south of the intersection of AL Hwy 24 and AL Hwy 33 in Moulton. From Moulton, head south on AL-33. The marker is located at 3718 AL-33, Moulton, AL 35650, near the Bankhead National Forest-Central Firetower. Parking is available nearby.

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Discover more about Warrior Mountain Historic Marker

The Warrior Mountain Historic Marker stands as a stoic reminder of the layered history embedded within the landscape of northern Alabama. Located on AL-33 in Moulton, the marker commemorates the Warrior Mountains, a region steeped in Native American heritage, early settlement stories, and the evolution of Alabama's natural resources. The area's history stretches back over 10,000 years, with evidence of Paleo-Indian occupation through the Mississippian Period found in local bluff shelters. Chief Tuscaloosa, the Black Warrior, a noted Creek Indian leader encountered by DeSoto in 1540, lends his name and legacy to the region. A 1733 map identified the southern drainage from these mountains as the Tuscaloosa River, further solidifying the area's Native American roots. The name "Warrior Mountains" first appeared in writing in 1829, engraved on a rifle by John Bull, a local rifle maker. This engraving, "David Smith, Warrior Mountains - 1829," offers a tangible link to the early settlers who recognized the unique character of this land. James Havens, an early settler, requested to be buried "by my Indian friends on the side of the Warrior Mountains where the magnolia blooms in the spring,” reflecting the intertwined lives of settlers and Native Americans in the region. James E. Saunders' 1899 book further cemented the name, referring to the southern highlands of Lawrence County as the Warrior Mountains. In a twist of fate, President Franklin D. Roosevelt changed the name to the Black Warrior Forest in 1936, and Congress later renamed it the William B. Bankhead National Forest in 1942. Despite these changes, the spirit of the Warrior Mountains endures, preserved in the Black Warrior Wildlife Management Area, the Sipsey Wilderness, and the Sipsey Wild and Scenic Rivers. Today, the Warrior Mountain Historic Marker serves as a gateway to exploring the wonders of the Bankhead National Forest. Visitors can immerse themselves in the forest's 180,000 acres of wild beauty, traversing a network of trails that reveal breathtaking views of bluffs, canyons, waterfalls, and lakes. The Sipsey Wilderness, known as the "Land of a Thousand Waterfalls," offers a unique opportunity to experience the raw, untamed beauty of Alabama's natural landscape. For those interested in delving deeper into the region's history, the Warrior Mountains Trading Co. located nearby, serves as a visitor center for the Bankhead National Forest. Here, visitors can gather information about the surrounding area, rent canoes, and explore a small Southeastern Native American Museum featuring natural history exhibits. Additionally, the nearby Warrior Mountains Indian Museum offers a comprehensive collection of artifacts from the Paleo-Indian period through modern times, providing a rich educational experience. The marker is also a starting point for exploring other historical sites in the area, such as the Cheatham Road, an early road authorized by the Alabama Legislature in 1824, and the High Town Path, a prehistoric east-west Indian trail. These sites offer glimpses into the lives of early settlers and the Native American tribes who shaped the region. The Warrior Mountain Historic Marker is more than just a roadside attraction; it is a portal to understanding the complex interplay of history, culture, and nature that defines northern Alabama. It invites visitors to connect with the land, to learn from the past, and to appreciate the enduring legacy of the Warrior Mountains.

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