Issue 103, Winter 2012

The image you uploaded is the cover of “Alabama Heritage” magazine, issue number 103 from Winter 2012. It features a painting of an individual wearing a headscarf with feathers and a decorative piece on the forehead. The text on the cover includes the magazine title “Alabama Heritage” at the top, and below the image, it highlights a feature article about “William Augustus Bowles.” Additional text indicates that this publication is by “The University of Alabama at Birmingham” and “The Alabama Department of Archives and History.”

Issue 103, Winter 2012

On the cover: Portrait of William Augustus Bowles by Thomas Hardy. [State Archives of Florida]

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Features

Mining Alabama’s Carrara: The Forgotten History of Sylacauga’s Marble Industry

By Ruth Beaumont Cook

Even long-time Alabama residents may not know that the state has an official rock—Sylacauga marble. Indeed, the stone proves valuable to artists and architects alike, and it has been used in everything from statuary to the ceiling of the Lincoln Memorial. This resource’s popularity and availability have often been tied to the place it originates, and Sylacauga’s fate has risen and fallen along with the marble. Ruth Beaumont Cook takes readers through the history of the city’s marble industry and to the current efforts being made to celebrate and preserve this unique natural resource.

The photograph depicts a black and white scene from what appears to be an early 20th-century workshop or factory floor. Here are the key elements: Setting: The indoor environment features large windows that allow natural light to filter in. Wooden structures and beams are visible, suggesting an industrial workspace. The overall ambiance exudes a historical feel. People: A group of individuals is present in the photograph. They stand in multiple rows, with one person reclining in the foreground. All faces have been obscured by grey blocks, making identification impossible. Their attire includes suspenders and hats, consistent with the fashion of that era. Context: Given the clothing style and setting, this image likely captures a moment in the early 20th century. The workshop or factory setting suggests industrial work or craftsmanship.
A finishing shop crew. [Bettye R. Lessley]
The portrait appears to depict an individual from the 18th century, based on their attire. The person wears a white ruffled shirt, a red sash, and an elaborate feathered headdress.
William Augustus Bowles cut a dashing figure in eighteenth-century Alabama.
[State Archives of Florida]

William Augustus Bowles: Adventurous Rogue of the Old Southwest

By Susan E. Reynolds

Although born in the American colonies, William Augustus Bowles adhered to his ancestors’ strong sense of British loyalty, and he served with the British during the Revolutionary War. His primary allegiance, however, was to himself, and his adult life was marked by repeated efforts to position himself for personal gain and power. A charismatic and persuasive figure, Bowles enticed followers from many cultures and walks of life. And when he couldn’t earn status, he invented it, even declaring himself the Director General of the Creek Nation—and negotiating with other nations on its behalf. Alabama Heritage Associate Editor Susan Reynolds traces Bowles’s exploits, separating his actions from the many myths that encircled them.

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The image depicts a colorful bird perched on a branch. The bird features a vibrant blue head, an orange face with white around the eyes, and a greenish-yellow body transitioning to blue on the wings and tail. Dark banding is visible on the tail feathers. The background is a uniform dark green, providing a striking contrast to the bird’s bright plumage. This image could be relevant for discussions about avian species, biodiversity, or ornithology.
The Painted Bunting. [Jack Rogers]

Alabama: Richest in Biodiversity

By Edward O. Wilson

Alabama Heritage is honored to include in this issue the address delivered by distinguished socio-biologist Dr. Edward O. Wilson at the recent induction of the 2011 class of the Alabama Academy of Honor. In his address, Dr. Wilson—himself an Academy member—discusses the unique biological offerings of his native state and outlines necessary approaches to conserving these natural treasures. As an accompaniment to his address, Alabama Heritage Assistant Editor Elizabeth Wade offers a brief overview of the Alabama Academy of Honor, discussing the history of this organization and highlighting some of the members it has recognized over the decades.

The photograph is in black and white, capturing an individual seated on an ornate chair with a patterned cushion. The person’s face is obscured by a pixelated square, preventing identification. Their attire suggests a 19th-century style, including a coat, vest, and bow tie. A watch chain adorns the vest. The individual’s right arm rests on a table covered with a matching patterned cloth, while their left hand rests on their thigh.
Benjamin Sterling Turner, the first African American congressman from Alabama. [Library of Congress]

“He Means to Have His Way”: Benjamin Sterling Turner, Alabama’s First African American Congressman

By Frye Galliard

Born into slavery in North Carolina, Benjamin Sterling Turner held little hope of a prominent future. However, he subverted the expectations of his time, teaching himself to read and becoming a trusted member of his various owners’ estates. As a child, Turner moved to Alabama, but when Civil War broke out decades later, he knew his loyalty belonged to the side promising his freedom. Turner did not neglect his home state after the war, however, choosing instead to devote the remainder of his life to public service and that service to improving his Alabama home. His approach garnered him unprecedented recognition and helped him win election to the United States House of Representatives—Alabama’s first African American Congressman. 

Departments

Portraits & Landscapes

James McCrory: Alabama’s Revolutionary War Hero

By Thomas V. Ress

Although a native of Ireland, James McCrory quickly adopted the allegiances of his new land, enlisting in the Continental Army shortly after his arrival in America. He served as a combatant in a number of significant battles and eventually became entrusted as one of George Washington’s bodyguards. After the war, he and his family helped establish the town of Vienna, Alabama, where he continued to devote his adult life to developing the new nation that had welcomed him when he was a teenager. 

The depicted scene appears to be set during colonial times, likely in the context of the American Revolution. Here are the key elements: Central Figure on Horseback: The central figure, mounted on a horse, seems to be a commanding officer. Their prominent position suggests leadership. They are likely surveying the scene, perhaps assessing the situation or giving orders. Other Figures: Several individuals are present, some standing or walking. Their attire resembles colonial-era military uniforms. One figure carries a flag with stars and stripes, indicating an American context. The setting appears to be winter, as there is snow on the ground and rooftops. Background: Wooden structures in the background suggest a settlement or encampment. Smoke is visible in the air, possibly from musket fire or cold weather breath.
Valley Forge. [Library of Congress]
The image depicts a historical battle scene, likely from the American Civil War era. The soldiers wear uniforms and carry equipment consistent with that time period. In the foreground, numerous soldiers are engaged in various actions: some operate a cannon, while others fight with rifles. Fallen soldiers lie on the ground, suggesting casualties. The background features a forested area with trees mostly devoid of leaves, indicating autumn or winter. Smoke hangs in the air, adding to the chaotic atmosphere of the battlefield. Overall, the scene captures the intensity and tumult of war.
Nearly twenty-four thousand died at the Battle of Shiloh. [Library of Congress]

Becoming Alabama

Quarter by Quarter

By Joseph W. Pearson, Megan L. Bever, and Matthew Downs

In the latest installment of Becoming Alabama, the authors continue to trace developments at crucial times in Alabama’s history. Joseph Pearson takes us back to early 1812, when settlers flowed into the territory containing what would become the state of Alabama. Excited by the promise of trade and the lucrative cotton market, people came to the territory in great numbers. Not everyone was pleased by the growing population, though, and settlers and native communities continued to negotiate the division of land and resources. In the Civil War era, Megan Bever looks at the Battle of Shiloh, which exacted a ghastly toll on both factions of the conflict. Although the losses were unprecedented at the time, more bloody battles lay ahead. Finally, Matthew Downs revisits the Albany Movement and the tensions brewing among groups with different approaches to civil rights activism.

Editor’s Note: Alabama Heritage, the Summersell Center for Study of the South, the University of Alabama Department of History, and the Alabama Tourism Department offer this department as a part of the statewide “Becoming Alabama” initiative—a cooperative venture of state organizations to commemorate Alabama’s experiences related to the Creek War, the Civil War, and the civil rights movement. Quarter by quarter we will take you to the corresponding seasons 200, 150, and 50 years ago—sometimes describing the most pivotal events, sometimes describing daily life, but always illuminating a world in flux. We will wait for the ultimate outcomes as our forbears did—over time.

Recollections

In the Shadow of Burning Crosses

By Gaye Duncan Holman

Although accounts of the civil rights movement abound, few people who witnessed a Ku Klux Klan rally have ever spoken of it on the record. In this special edition of Recollections, Gaye Duncan Holman remembers the night she and a friend left the safety of Birmingham-Southern College to see first-hand what was happening nearby—and how that night changed both Holman and the community around her.

The image you uploaded appears to be a black and white illustration of a person dressed in Victorian-era clothing. The individual’s face is obscured by a gray rectangle, making it impossible to identify any facial features. The clothing suggests a formal style, with what appears to be a bow tie, a high-collared shirt, and a jacket with wide lapels.
James H. DeVotie [Samford University]

Southern Religion

James H. DeVotie: A Lens into Southern Race Relations

By Christopher Peters

Although marked by a fiery and polarizing temperament in his younger days, James DeVotie matured into a significant and influential figure in the Baptist church throughout Georgia and Alabama. A pastor, editor, and educator who helped found present-day Samford University, DeVotie worked to organize and expand the south’s Baptist population. DeVotie’s life remains particularly compelling, allowing us to consider the way the cultural standards governing race relations were both incorporated into and modified by the church.

The close-up image showcases a plant with intriguing features. Here’s what I observe: Berries: Dark purple, almost black berries dangle from a reddish-purple stem. These small, spherical berries are tightly clustered together. Leaf: Positioned above and to the left of the berries, there’s a large green leaf. It displays visible veins and smooth edges. Background: The blurred background hints at a natural environment, with various shades of green—typical of foliage. This image could be relevant for botany studies, especially in identifying plant species or discussing berry-bearing plants.
The purple berries and red-purple stem of late-season pokeweed. [W. Mike Howell]

The Nature Journal

Tony Joe’s Poke Salad

By L. J. Davenport

Alabama Heritage’s resident nature expert Larry Davenport gets to the root of Tony Joe White’s “Polk Salad Annie,” a popular song from his childhood. In the process, he takes readers on a tour of linguistic and botanic history, explaining just what makes poke weed song-worthy—and deadly.

AH Update

Reclaiming Our Historic Lands

By Linda Derry, Gregory Waselkov, and Jessica Crawford

Alabama Heritage often highlights significant sites in need of preservation. In this special update, Alabama Heritage revisits Old Cahawba and Holy Ground, letting readers know about the progress that’s been made and the work still to be done.

The image appears to be a two-page magazine spread. On the left side, there is a large title that says “Return to HOLY GROUND” with a subtitle underneath stating “The Legendary Battle Site Discovered.” Below the title, there is a photograph of a forested area with dense trees and sunlight filtering through the foliage. The right page contains an article with several paragraphs of text and two images: one close-up shot of what seems to be tree bark and another smaller photograph related to the article’s content.
The Holy Ground archaeological site. [Alabama Heritage]
The image you uploaded depicts the cover of a book titled “Confederate Reckoning: Power and Politics in the Civil War South” by Stephanie McCurry. The cover art features a dramatic scene with a ship that appears to be sinking or in distress, its sails ablaze. The sky is filled with hues of orange, yellow, and brown, suggesting a fiery tumult or sunset. This image likely symbolizes the turmoil and destruction associated with the Confederate experience during the American Civil War, aligning with the book’s theme on power and politics in that era.
The cover features a collage for the book titled “The Grand Design: Strategy and the U.S. Civil War” by Donald Stoker. Here’s what I can discern: Visual Elements: The top portion displays an old map, likely related to Civil War strategies or locations. Below the map, there’s an illustration of a Civil War battle scene. Numerous soldiers on horseback are engaged in combat. The title and author’s name are prominently displayed in white and yellow text against the collage background. Relevance: This image is relevant for those interested in American history, military strategy, or the Civil War era specifically.
The cover features a sepia-toned photograph from the Civil War era. In the image, two individuals are seated on the ground within what appears to be a military camp. Tents can be seen in the background, evoking an historical setting. The text overlay prominently displays “1861” in large, bold font at the top, followed by the title “The Civil War Awakening” in smaller font. The author’s name, Adam Goodheart, appears at the bottom of the cover.

Reading the Southern Past

The Civil War—Again

By Stephen Goldfarb

In this quarter’s installment of Reading the Southern Past, Stephen Goldfarb discusses several texts that offer new approaches to the Civil War, commenting on Adam Goodheart’s 1861: The Civil War Awakening (Knopf, 2011), Stephanie McCurry’s Confederate Reckoning: Power and Politics in the Civil War South (Harvard University Press, 2010), Andrew F. Smith’s Starving the South: How the North Won the Civil War (St. Martin’s Press, 2011), and Donald Stoker’s The Grand Design: Strategy and the Civil War (Oxford University Press, 2010).

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