I haven't started doing much research and AL does seem tough in some areas. I'm trying to find real old maps and info for Winston county. Arley area. I haven't looked lately but would love to find the "old history".
My avatar is of Dismal Creek. I have found a little history of that area. I also found what I think to be a wagon trail. Have no proof of that. A lot of Indian activity in AL. Very cool places that are basically untouched or touched very little.
I invite anyone from the area to contact me to go explore with. I'm even ok with exploring my land. As long as I'm there.
The area is watched now.
We camp there often and welcome anyone that wants to check some of the area out, detect, look for arrow heads, or explore the cliffs and caves. Just PM me. We are backed up to 80 acres of Bankhead National Forest that I haven't even begun to explore yet because I'm usually by myself back that far and have a fear of falling and no one hearing me. hahaha..It's some rough country!!!
And "Looneys Tavern" is right down the street. Which played an important role in the Civil War History. Depending on who you talk to. The Civil war History is mixed with "perception". Depending on where or who it's coming from. To try to get the "Real History" is difficult. I'm sure that's with any state. A lot was lost or misrepresented for political reasons. I often question "Facts".
I'll try to find info again and link it back to this post. Most of what I found was online. I also have family there that have been there from the "beginning". Sheriff of that time and I do know some of that area. Winston (Free State of Winston)and Walker Counties. A lot of stories were passed down and will be lost to the next generation. A lot of people don't care about history.
As far as books? I haven't really found much. I just had to pick pieces parts from online. You have all of the Treasure type books or legend books. But to get down to real old history you almost have to pick the brains of the "Road side" Museums too. Which aren't many left. I was fortunate enough to talk to the owner of Natural Bridge before they sold it all off. I also stopped at a Home civil war museum. The man was full of knowledge, Owned the land, and offered to let me come back and detect. This was about 10 years ago and couldn't find the place again if my life depended on it. It was in Winston or Walker county.
The Civil war history is .......Mixed. There are legends, the truth, perceptions, and somewhere all mixed. My step dad was a wealth of info on that but unfortunately he passed this past Dec. He was from the "Davis" family.
I also have stacks and stacks of 8mm reels of film that are very early!!! Black and white stuff even. Of Winston and Walker Counties. At some point I will convert to Youtube so that it doesn't get lost to decay.This was of times where they were cutting roads up to the point of them building Smith Lake. The old water falls and bridges that are now 100 feet or more down.
My step Grandfather was working on that part of the history. He even made a DVD, but it was low budget and only made it to local people. I have some copies and will try to get to youtube if you have any interest in that area.
