canoe

Marker Unveiled at Canoe

Saturday, March 15, a small crowd gathered in front of Baker's Store in Canoe to attend the unveiling of what is hoped the first of many historical makers to be placed around Escambia County.
For Kevin McKinley, Adjunct for the W.N. Carney Camp of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, this event was the culmination of several years of effort. His first book, Shadows to Dust:Stories from the Confederate South, was a primary source of funding for the cost of the marker. He has written two other books, Canoe:A Southern Town and Shadows to Dust Vol. II. All are available for sale.

For information on how to get one of these books, contact Kevin. His telephone number is 251-446-3495.

(Left) The marker is ready for its unveiling, with a strong breeze making the flags of the United States, the State of Alabama, and the Confederate flag show their beautiful colors.

(Middle) ECHS president Jerry Simmons congratulates Kevin McKinley for accomplishing a long-sought task.

(Right) Civil War reenactors Judson Carden and his son fire a volley to salute the unveiling of the marker.

The text on the marker reads: "Settled by A. J. Hall in 1852 and occupied by Confederate troops because of its value as a railroad stop during the War between the States (1861-65).

Canoe was the site of a March 27, 1865 encampment of Union Forces.

The 1870s brought expansion through the A. M. Lowery sawmill. The Farrar, Lowery and other stores prospered (1890s-1950s). Schools educated the young and the L & N Railroad provided passenger services (1890-1960s). The mineral spring was a social center and water was bottled and shipped from the site (early 1900s-). WPA employed residents during the Great Depression (1930s).

Local sons fought in WWII (1941-45). Many businesses had closed by the mid 1960s as larger commercial centers attracted Canoe's residents.

Sponsored by William Carney Camp Sons of Confederate Veterans and Residents. Alabama Historical Association 2007."