Watercress, Anyone?

Did you know that prior to being known for its rockets that Huntsville was called the “Watercress Capital of the World”?

New Market near Huntsville now boasts this title.

The market for watercress started in the Huntsville area in the early 1900s. The watercress plant is used as food in recipes. It is a great source of vitamins, calcium and iron. It is grown in shallow ponds and can yield a harvest every three months.

Since the 1960s, more than 2 million bunches of watercress has been harvested in the Madison County region. This single area in Alabama has produced the most watercress than any other place in North America. The watercress is shipped from North Alabama to restaurants and markets throughout the world.

Moundville Archaeological Museum and Park near Tuscaloosa

At one time, the region that would come to be known as Alabama was home to the largest city in North America. The city was home to a large settlement of Mississippian culture located on the Black Warrior River. The settlement covered three hundred acres on the top of a bluff overlooking the Black Warrior. Within the enclosure, surrounding a central plaza, were twenty-six earthen mounds. The village was important to the Native Americans in the social, political and religious aspects of their lives. Moundville remained an important part of their culture for more than four hundred fifty years. This is an excellent place to learn more about the Native American culture in Alabama.

Moundville Archaeological Museum and Park is a wonderful place for families, history buffs and all visitors to visit. No single location in North America gives more information about early Mississippian culture and early Native Americans the way Moundville Archaeological Museum and Park can. The Museum and Park allows the visitor to see the Mounds and walk upon the same ground that early Native Americans did more than a thousand years ago.

Moundville Archaeological Museum has recently been completely renovated. The new museum was opened earlier this year after the 11-year renovation. Modern technology has been implemented into the displays at the museum allowing the exhibits to bring the Native American story to life in a whole new way. The museum is operated by the University of Alabama Museums. For more information, visit http://moundville.ua.edu/?page_id=16

Fort Condé in Mobile

Fort Condé lies at the heart of Mobile's historical roots that run as long and deep as the Gulf itself. Mobile stands out in helping the progress of Alabama's early development and playing a significant role as a major port on the Gulf. The history of Mobile predates that of the State of Alabama by more than 100 years.

Mobile was founded in 1702 on 27-Mile Bluff up river from its current location. In 1711, the city was moved to closer to the Gulf and a wooden fort was constructed to protect the town. The fort was called Fort Louis in honor of the King of France (Louis XIV). In 1723, a brick fort was started and it was renamed Fort Condé in honor of King Louis XIV's brother.

Fort Condé would protect the city and her citizens from the hazards of the still undeveloped wilderness of the region. It would stand guard for nearly 100 years (1723-1820). Fort Condé was built by the French to guard Mobile and the port from attacks by Britain and Spain. Mobile was an important military location for French since it was located on the foremost eastern corner of the Louisiana Colony. This region would later be part of the largest land purchase in American history.

Fort Condé was renamed multiple times as it fell into the hands of other nations. In 1763, the British captured the fort and renamed it Fort Charlotte. Spain would rule the city from 1780 to 1813 and changed the name once again to Fort Carlota. In 1813, the United States would take control of the city during the War of 1812. The fort was name was changed back to Fort Charlotte. In 1820, Washington issued the order for the fort to be destroyed to make room for progress. Fort Morgan and Fort Gaines had been erected directly on the tips of the bay which gave the defenders an advantage in protecting its waters and the city.

As a contribution to the US bicentennial celebration, a scaled version of Fort Condé was opened on July 4, 1976. Fort Condé is a partially reconstructed 1724-35 French fort. Fort Condé also features workable reproductions of 1740’s naval cannon and muskets. A museum inside houses artifacts from the site. Areas of the fort are furnished as officer’s and enlisted men’s quarters. Staffed with soldiers in French period uniforms. It is a great place to step back to the 1700s Alabama.

Fort Condé is located at 150 South Royal Street in downtown area of Mobile. Admission is free. For more info, visit http://www.museumofmobile.com/other_locs.php

Little River Canyon near Fort Payne, AL

Some of the many amazing features about Alabama are the geographic landscapes from the Appalachian Mountain foothills to the Tennessee Valley to the plains to the Gulf Coast. The abundance of rivers and streams have been important to Alabama's development since it was first created. The magnificent wilderness that still remains in sections of Alabama have interesting stories of their own to tell.

Little River Canyon near Fort Payne in the northeast corner of Alabama is one of these regions of beauty, mystique and nature that draws people to visit the region and remains in the heart of those who were raised there. Little River Canyon is more than just a geographical wonder. It is a cultural area that has inspired and influenced the people of Alabama. Its importance was preserved by the Federal Government as a part of the National Park Service in October 1992.

This beautiful canyon is located in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountain Range. Little River is often referred to as the "nation's longest mountaintop river". The preserve covers more than 14,000 acres and has several awesome waterfalls that pour off the 600 ft. bluffs rising above the river. Great place to experience the wilderness of Alabama. Lots of things to do in Fort Payne area.

According to the National Park Service, "The Little River Canyon area together with the whole of Lookout Mountain (Tennessee, Alabama and Georgia) has long been recognized as an area with important natural and cultural resources. Together Little River and the Little River Canyon area form one of the extraordinary natural features of Alabama. Little River flows unimpeded through five minor impoundments."

The proximity of Little River Canyon to Chattanooga made it center stage in two different battles of the US Civil War. Streight's Raid through Cherokee County is considered by local historians to be one of the most dramatic episodes of the Civil War. In April 1863, Union Colonel Streight was moving troops toward the northeast corner of Alabama. "Citizen Soldier" John Wisdom rode from Gadsden to Rome to warn the town of the impending Union raid. Confederate General Nathan Bedford Forrest moved 600 troops toward the area to stop the Union troops. On May 3, 1863, Forrest clashed with Streight near Cedar Bluff, AL. Forrest and his Confederate troops were able to force the surrender of Streight and 1600 Union troops thanks to the actions of John Wisdom. A 67-mile historical nature trail commerates the path that Wisdom took to warn Forrest of the Union raids.

Union General Rosencran used the Little River Canyon area to transport troops to Chickamauga to cut the Southern supply lines and prevent Confederate General Braxton Braggs' unit from receiving aide from Atlanta. After the burning of Atlanta, Union General Sherman clashed with Confederate General Hood near Little River. Sherman moved over 60,000 troops into the Gaylesville area in Late October 1864. It was here that Sherman made his final plans for his "March to the Sea" ending in Savannah, Georgia.

In the late 1800s and early 1900s, the railroad added to the region with what be called the "Pigeon Forge Route". In 1890 Colonel Woolsey Finnell, in charge of a surveying party laying out the railroad through Shinbone Valley, visited the Little River Canyon and remarked,

"Why go to Colorado to see the Royal Gorge...Little River Gorge is much longer, more rugged and almost as deep as the Royal Gorge. It is far more scenic."

The railroad was eventually purchased by Southern Railway and much of the tracks in the area were abandoned. The railroad ran for nearly 100 years.

In the 1930s, DeSoto State Park was created on Little River in DeKalb County. The park was later expanded to cover the Little River Canyon area. The park was expanded primarily due to an agreement between the State of Alabama and the Alabama Power Company who had title to many acres of land on Little River. The area was described and remains as "a natural resource for nature lovers".

Little River Canyon has many adventures waiting for those who accept the challenge to explore its beauty. A paved road circles much of the canyon and provides numerous overlooks for visitors to just savor the view or to take a picture and capture a moment of beauty in time. Horseback riding, nature trails, rock climbing (warning: most areas require experienced climbers due to dangerous conditions), camp grounds and playing in DeSoto Lake are all fun activities for visitors and families.

For more information, visit the National Park Service site at http://www.nps.gov/liri/index.htm

Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site

During WWII, history was made at Moton Field when the first African-American flight squadron were trained to fly fighter planes. You can visit this historic site and learn about the heroic actions of these pioneers who left their mark in history. Watch films profiling the story of the Tuskegee Airmen. Another place where Alabama made history.

Prior to World War II, many people believed that Black men lacked the intelligence, skill, courage and patriotism to hold important positions in the military. In July 1941, the Tuskegee Airmen was created partly due to the encouragement and support of First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt. Many Black college graduates and others who passed the mental and physical qualifications from throughout America volunteered to join this new air unit. The men selected for air training received their commissions as officers and trained to be single-engine pilots. Later the program was expanded to include twin-engine pilots, navigators and bombardiers.

The officers trained in operations, meteorology, intelligence, engineering, medicine or any of the other officer fields. Enlisted members were trained to be aircraft and engine mechanics, armament specialists, radio repairmen, parachute riggers, control tower operators, policemen, administrative clerks and all of the other skills necessary to fully function as an Army Air Corps flying squadron or ground support unit.

The black airmen were trained at Tuskegee Army Air Field (TAFF) which was how they received their name as the Tuskegee Airmen. The first class started in July 1941 and graduated in March 1942. The inaugural class graduated five pilots including West Point graduate Captain Benjamin O. Davis Jr.

From 1941-46, nine hundred ninety-six pilots graduated from the Tuskegee Army Air Field Training School. Four hundred and fifty of the pilots who were trained at TAAF served overseas in either the 99th Pursuit Squadron (later the 99th Fighter Squadron) or the 332nd Fighter Group. The 99th Fighter Squadron trained in and flew P-40 Warhawk aircraft in combat in North Africa, Sicily and Italy from April 1943 until July 1944 when they were transferred to the 332nd Fighter Group in the 15th Air Force.

On May 2, 1949, the Tuskegee Airmen participated in the first ever United States Air Force Weapons Meet in Nevada. They won the challenge and become designated as the "First Top Guns". The pilots gave credit to their Maintenance Personnel for the victory and they were listed as the "Best" in the Air Force. Staff Sergeant Buford Johnson won the title "Best of the Best" as crew chief for James Harvey.

In 1995, the story of the Tuskegee Airmen was made into a television movie starring Laurence Fishburne, Courtney B. Vance, Cuba Gooding Jr., John Lithgow, Andre Braugher and many others. Although the majority of the characters in the film were fictious composites of real pilots, Benjamin O. Davis portrayed by Andre Braugher was one of the original Tuskegee Airmen and it has been said that Braugher's portrayal of Davis was very realistic.

In March 2007, President George W. Bush presented the Tuskegee Airmen with the Congressional Gold Medal for their outstanding service during World War II. Several surviving members of the Tuskegee Airmen were in attendance at the ceremony including Dr. Roscoe Brown, Lt. Col. Alexander Jefferson, Col. Elmer D. Jones and Lt. Col. Walter L. McCreary.

In combat, the Tuskegee Airmen flew nearly 1600 missions and over 15,500 sorties. They destroyed or damaged 1446 enemy buildings, weapons and vehicles. Out of the 450 Tuskegee pilots in combat overseas, sixty-six were killed in action. They were awarded with 866 medals and merits for their service.

The Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site is located at Moton Field in Tuskegee, AL. The visitor center houses many exhibits and a theatre where films are shown about the history of the Tuskegee Airmen as well as visitor information about the historic site. A scenic overlook provides visitors the opportunity to see Moton Field and the structures on it where the pilots trained. Tours of Hangar #1 are available on weekends; but must be prescheduled with the ranger on duty. There are also various activities designed specifically for children.

The Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site is a place where history was made and the valor of African-Americans in the military was realized. This site is unique to Alabama and an important chapter of not only Alabama history, but American history. For more information on visiting the Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site, visit http://www.nps.gov/tuai/index.htm

As we honor our veterans past and present, let us not forget the courage and sacrifice of these pioneers as the world fought side by side to prevent the domination of our planet by evil and to preserve the freedom that we all enjoy today.

Alabama Department of Archives and History

Alabama created the first state department of archives and history in the United States. Founded in 1901, the Alabama Department of Archives and History became a model for many other states. The museum contains artifacts from throughout Alabama's history. It is a great place for adults and kids alike to see history firsthand.

The Alabama Department of Archives and History was established with a mission to preserve the historical records of the state. Thomas McAdory Owen had a dream and a sense of duty that it was the state's obligation to preserve documents of history for future generations. In 1901, the Department of Archives and History became a reality. Owen wanted a new building for the department which would be erected in honor of Alabamians who served in World War I. Although Owen never saw his dream come to fruition, his widow, Marie Bankhead Owen, would continue to pursue her husband's dream. The magnificent new building was completed and opened in 1940. At the time, it was one of the Alabama Archives was one of the largest and most outstanding history centers in the United States.

The goal of the Alabama Department of Archives and History is preserve documents; provide reference material for legislators; and to provide educational programs and tours for school groups, tourists and interested citizens.

"Some of the strengths of the current collection include extensive Native American artifacts, especially those from the Historic Creek peoples; Civil War Confederate uniforms, flags, weapons, letters and diaries; antebellum planter class artifacts and records; World War I and II uniforms, weapons, war trophies, and records; 19th and early 20th century textiles, including quilts, coverlets, and clothing; and Alabama political and governmental artifacts and records, especially those relating to former Governor George C. Wallace. Highlights of the artifact collection include a very rare “Peace and Friendship” medal presented by President George Washington to a Creek Indian delegation; the Alabama State Bible, used in the inauguration of all Alabama governors since 1853 and at the inauguration of Confederate President Jefferson Davis; and boots, clothing, and guitars which belonged to Hank Williams, Sr." (This excerpt from the official website)

The Alabama Department of Archives and History is located at 624 Washington Ave.
Montgomery, AL 36130 (334) 242-4435.

http://www.archives.alabama.gov/

The exhibits and collections on display are quite extraordinary and worth seeing. It is great way for tourists and families to learn about Alabama history in a fun atmosphere. It is an excellent opportunity to teach the kids history without them even realizing that they are learning something new. They just think the stuff is neat. Hope you take the time to visit the ADAH soon.

Southern Museum of Flight

Southern Museum of Flight in Birmingham celebrates the advancements in aviation through the years. It has more than 75 aircraft on display plus a whole lot more. The Southern Museum of Flight is also home to the Alabama Aviation Hall of Fame. If you are an aviation enthusiast or a museum fan, this is a must-see for the whole family.

The Southern Museum of Flight, located in Birmingham Alabama is dedicated to presenting civilian, military, experimental aircraft and memorabilia from the earliest history of powered flight. The 68,000 square foot facility houses over 75 aircraft, as well as engines, models, artifacts, photographs, and paintings.

In addition, the Southern Museum of Flight is home to the Alabama Aviation Hall of Fame with over 65 biographical plaques presenting Alabama aviation history through collective biography. Notable aircraft on display include a Wright Flyer, a Curtis Pusher, a WWII Fokker D-VII, an Alexander Eaglerock once owned by the first deaf pilot, WWII trainers, an F4 "Phantom" jet, Soviet built MiGs, an A12 "Blackbird" spy plane, the "Lake Murray" B-25 Bomber, and a vast array of experimental aircraft. Featured on display at the Southern Museum of Flight is a diorama exhibit honoring Alabama's famed Tuskegee Airmen.

The Southern Museum of Flight has recently opened the South Wing. This new section features many military-oriented exhibits. You can even experience the feeling of sitting in the cockpit of a fighter plane. They have also added flight simulators where you can take the controls and experience the thrill of flying a jet or airplane for yourself. A unique picnic area has been built where you can dine with a F-4 Phantom Jet.

A state-of-the-art theater with surround sound, realistic flight simulators, tours, and a children's "Little Pilots Room" are also available. The Southern Museum of Flight has something for everyone!!! Adult admission is $5 and student/senior is $4. Active military & families are free. Museum family memberships are $45. Family memberships include reciprocal memberships with hundreds of other museums. Discounted group rates are available.

Southern Museum of Flight is located at 4343-73rd Street North Birmingham, AL 35206 205.833.8226

This is a great place to explore the history of aviation and Alabama's contributions to the science of avionics.