McIntosh historical marker describes town's history, large salt dome

'Town of McIntosh' historical marker in McIntosh, Ala.

This week’s featured historical marker is the “TOWN OF MCINTOSH” marker in Washington County, Ala. This marker is located in front of McIntosh Town Hall on U.S. Highway 43 in McIntosh.

This marker was erected by the Alabama Tourism Department and the Town of McIntosh in September 2010. There’s text on both sides of this marker, and both side are different. What follows is the complete text from the marker.

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“TOWN OF MCINTOSH: McIntosh has a community population of about 300. The town was incorporated on April 7, 1970, becoming the third incorporated town in Washington County. The following officials were elected to serve four-year terms: Mayor Carrol Daugherty, R.A. Boykin, Arla Kern, Frank Everett, W.Z. Wells and Armond Daugherty. People of black, white and Indian ancestry live in the area of McIntosh. McIntosh is served by the Southern Railroad which runs from Mobile to Birmingham to connecting lines. Highway 43 runs through McIntosh, north-south. The Tombigbee River is on the eastern boundary of McIntosh. It is a navigable waterway and provides fishing for the local sportsmen. Telephone service came to McIntosh in the early 1950s as a result of the construction of two large chemical plants near the large salt dome, a natural resource. (Continued on other side)”

“TOWN OF MCINTOSH (Continued from other side): The forest located around McIntosh has always provided livelihood for McIntosh residents. Longleaf pine, shortleaf pine and hardwood, such as oak, hickory, beech, ash, cedar, cypress, poplar, walnut, gum and dogwood, were found to be abundant in the area with trees used for making paper and furniture. At the time of this marker dedication in 2010, McIntosh had two schools located on separate campuses, McIntosh Elementary School on the north end of town and McIntosh High School on the south end of town; five industrial plants; and a Rescue Squad and Fire Department. Also, as of 2010, the mayor was Carrol Daugherty, the only person elected since the town’s incorporation in 1970. Serving with him as council members were Dean Daugherty, Joe Middleton, Randy Davidson, Julia Wells and Tony Daugherty.”

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The 'Frank Everett Rose Garden' in McIntosh, Ala.

The marker described above is also about 20 yards from a second marker on the other side of the yard in front of the town hall building, near a small, brick-bordered flower garden. That marker reads as follows – “FRANK EVERETT ROSE GARDEN – Dedicated to the memory of Frank (Frib) Everette – Employed by Olin Chemicals, June 2, 1952 – Feb. 1, 1982, Councilman for the Town of McIntosh, 1970-1984.”

If you’ve never been to McIntosh, you should check it out sometime. It’s a neat little town about 45 miles north of Mobile. Named after Creek Indian chief William McIntosh, the town is also the hometown of former Major League Baseball player, Gregory DeWayne “Boomer” Wells, who used to play for the Toronto Blue Jays and the Minnesota Twins.

In the end, visit this site next Wednesday to learn about another historical marker. I’m also taking suggestions from the reading audience, so if you know of an interesting historical marker that you’d like me to feature, let me know in the comments section below.