Old Indian boundary line in Clarke County, Alabama was settled over a pair of ball games around 1808

My son, James, and I found ourselves in Thomasville around lunch on Saturday afternoon and we stopped at the Taco Bell to get something to eat. While we were sitting in the drive thru, we started talking about all of the historical sites in Clarke County. I’ve been to many of them before, but there are many others that I have yet to visit.

Among those that I’d never been to before is a place called Choctaw Corner. I knew that it was located just a handful of miles outside of Thomasville, so James and I decided to take a short field trip to this unique location. A few minutes later, we found ourselves on the Bashi Road (County Road 48) with each turn of the wheel taking us closer to Choctaw Corner.

About 4-1/2 miles from the Thomasville city limits, we came upon a historic marker. The weather was picture-perfect with the sun shining nice and bright. We stepped out for a closer look at the short, squat marker.

Here’s what it says: CHOCTAW CORNER - Established by Choctaw and Creek Indians about 1808 as the northern limit of boundary line between their lands. This line begins at the cut-off in South Clarke County, follows the watershed between Alabama and Tombigbee Rivers without crossing water. The disputed territory boundary was settled by two ball games, one between the warriors and one between the squaws of each tribe. The Choctaws won both games, clearing forever their title to the lands. Actual site of corner is 1.7 miles north, northeast. Erected by the Clarke County Historical Society, 1978.”

Next to this marker is another sign that says, “You Are Now Crossing The Old Indian Peace Treaty Line – 1808.” The sign, which looks relatively new, indicates that it was erected by Boy Scout Troop 76. This sign also bears an image of two Indians going after a ball with a pair of sticks.

I snapped a few pictures and then we climbed back in the truck. As we returned to Thomasville, James asked me about what kind of ball game the Indians played. I had to admit that I didn’t know, but from the picture of the Boy Scout sign, it looked as if they were playing an older version of lacrosse, which I know almost nothing about.

On the way home, traveling east on U.S. Highway 84, we crossed over the Old Line Road, between Whatley and Gosport. I’ve heard many times that this modern road lies along a ridge that also marked an Indian boundary line. This ridge also marks the watershed between the Alabama and Tombigbee Rivers. Rain falling on the east side goes to the Alabama River, and rain falling on the west side goes to the Tombigbee River.

In the end, let me hear from you if you know of any other Indian sites in and around Monroe County. I’m especially interested in the locations of any old Indian mounds and village sites. No doubt there are many such places located in the deep woods, albeit maybe not as famous as Clarke County’s Choctaw Corner.