Baldwin County, Alabama
The Old Federal Road was one of the most important transportation routes in early Alabama history. Originally following Native American trails, it was expanded in the early 1800s to carry mail, settlers, soldiers, and commerce across the Mississippi Territory. This section of the road led travelers toward Mims Ferry on the Alabama River and passed near Mims Plantation and Boatyard Lake, serving as part of the route that helped open South Alabama to settlement.
Marker Text
The Old Federal Road ran parallel to this present road and on the same course in many areas. For centuries this was a walking path used by Native Americans. In 1805, the U.S. Government negotiated with the Creek Indians to widen the path to accommodate horsemen carrying the mail. In 1811, the U.S. Army widened the route for wagons used by settlers journeying through this portion of the Mississippi Territory and points west.
This part of the Federal Road led toward Mims Ferry on the Alabama River and passed near the Mims Plantation and Boatyard Lake. Hundreds of wagons rolled along this rutted, muddy, bridgeless and difficult road, often taking days to gain only a few miles.
Old Federal Road Project
This marker was photographed and documented as part of the Old Federal Road Project, an ongoing effort to visit and document historic sites, communities, and markers connected to the route of the Old Federal Road across South Alabama.
Location
Old Federal Road Historical Marker
Near Tensaw, Alabama
Baldwin County, Alabama
31.17326, -87.80219