By Cathy Wood
MSNHA Media Coordinator
Mid-February is when we pause and “shower the people we love with love,” as recent ShoaslFest performer James Taylor encouraged us to do 50 years ago. Historically, signs of love are evident throughout the Muscle Shoals National Heritage Area. Consider these familiar sites in terms of that sweet emotion we honor every Valentine’s Day:
- One of the most powerful testaments to love in Colbert County is the Key Underwood Coon Dog Cemetery. On Labor Day, 1937, Underwood buried his beloved coon dog Troop at the pair’s favorite spot — their hunting camp. Touched by this heartfelt gesture, other hunters did the same. Today almost 200 coon dogs are buried in this one-of-a-kind memorial to one man’s deep love for his best friend.
- Another result of one man’s lifelong love is in Franklin County, at the Red Bay Museum, where curator Scotty Kennedy and the Red Bay Civitan club have created probably the largest tribute to country-western singer Tammy Wynette. Housed in the former Hotel Red Bay, the museum includes exhibits on the town’s history as well as the stunning display of Wynette’s costumes, awards and personal items.
- In Lauderdale County, one woman’s love of creating sustainable and creative clothing resulted in the internationally known fashion company Alabama Chanin. Florence native Natalie Chanin founded her business in 2000. It’s expanded to the School of Making and the non-profit Project Threadways, which documents and interprets history, community, and power through textiles.
- A love of sharing Lawrence County history that shaped the world drives the Jesse Owens Memorial Park staff every day as they welcome visitors from around the globe. The park honors Owens’s life and accomplishments — he was the first American to win four gold Olympic medals and did so in politically charged 1936 Berlin — and mirrors Owens’ dedication to America’s youth by investing in the community.
- The love for community history also shines in Limestone County, where the entire town of Mooresville on the National Register of Historic Places. One of Alabama’s most important and intact villages, Mooresville was incorporated in 1818. Its historic homes and buildings, architecturally significant churches gracious gardens, and tree-shaded streets that make a visit seem like a step back in time.
- Morgan County District Court Judge David Breland loved history. As long-time head of Decatur’s Historic Resources program, Breland (who died in 2025) dedicated countless hours and effort to the city’s historic Old State Bank and Union Depot. He remained determined that stories of Decatur’s history should be accessible to all, and that work continues.
This month is a good time to remember that much of the history preserved for us today is available because of others’ love and commitment. The MSNHA has an abundance of these sites and projects that are rooted in someone’s deep dedication to save and share their stories.
