There are a lot of unique places in Alabama that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. One of the most unique of these places is located in rural Colbert County in the Freedom Hills area in the western end of the county. Key Underwood Coondog Memorial Graveyard is the only one of its kind in the entire world. It is a special resting place for coondogs who have distinguished themselves as the best of their breed.
Key Underwood was an avid coonhunter who owned what was considered to be one of the best coondogs in the world. His dog Troop was more than just a coondog. He was Key's faithful companion and friend for more than fifteen years. On Labor Day 1937, Troop passed away. Underwood wanted to find an eternal resting place for his friend. There was a hunting camp located in the Freedom Hills where Underwood and Troop enjoyed spending time during coon hunting season. Underwood decided that there was no better place to bury Troop. Underwood took a stone from an old chimney and carved Troop's name and the date "September 4, 1937" on it.
Out of one hunter's eternal love and friendship for his faithful dog, a legendary place was created. Once known simply as Coondog Cemetery by locals and coonhunters, the importance of this place spread throughout the area and then the world. The name was changed to honor the man who established. Key Underwood Coondog Memorial Graveyard is now recognized throughout the world as the only cemetery of its kind.
Since 1937, there have been more than 185 coondogs buried in the sacred place. The dogs have to distinguish themselves as more than just their master's best friends. They have to be recognized as the best of their trade and must have distinguished themselves in some way. Although Troop was the first and considered to be a legend in the Colbert County area amongst coonhunters, there are other residents buried in the cemetery that have achieved world class status. Hunter's Famous Amos is one coonhound recognized as a world class hunter. In 1984, Famous Amos was chosen as Ralston Purina's Dog of the Year.
Key Underwood Coondog Memorial Graveyard has become a popular tourist attraction for hunters and visitors alike. A picnic pavilion has been built on site for those who want to visit the cemetery and enjoy a family outing at the same time. A monument has been erected to the dedication of these special animals. It is a carved statue featuring a tree with two dogs at the base looking up at a coon sitting on top of it. The statue is surrounded by a black rod iron fence.
Each year on Labor Day, the Tennessee Valley Coon Hunters Association host a celebration for the dogs buried at the cemetery. A decoration ceremony is held as well as a vast array of entertainment including music, dancing, food and a Liar's Contest where they spin yarns about the biggest coons that got away and other entertaining tales of folklore. Proceeds of the Labor Day Celebration help to finance the upkeep of this world famous cemetery.
The Coondog Cemetery is located near the Thomas Wildlife Hunting Preserve which is a fitting location for this sacred resting place. You can find the Coon Dog Cemetery 7 miles west of Tuscumbia on U.S. Hwy 72. Turn left on Alabama Hwy 247, and travel approximately 12 miles. Then turn right, and follow the signs.
So if you want to visit a one-of-a-kind place or just spend some quite time in the woods, you don't want to miss Key Underwood Coondog Memorial Graveyard. While visiting take a moment to say "hi" to Troop. If you listen closely, you might just hear the far away haunting bay of a coondog chasing his prey through the vast forest surrounding this magical place.
For more info visit their website listed below:
http://www.coondogcemetery.com/
The world is a beautiful place if you look in the right place. Take time to explore it!
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