Barton, Alabama facts for kids
Barton, also known as Barton Station or Barton Depot, is a small community in western Colbert County, Alabama, United States. It is an unincorporated community, which means it doesn't have its own local government like a city or town. Barton is located about ten miles west of Tuscumbia, the county seat. It sits just south of the Tennessee River and about four miles southeast of Cherokee along US Route 72.
History of Barton
Barton began as a station along the Memphis and Charleston Railroad. Because of this, it was first known as Barton Depot or Barton Station. The community was founded in 1906. It was named after Armistead Barton, a businessman from Tuscumbia. He owned land in the area and built a famous house called Barton Hall.
Barton During the Civil War
Between December 1862 and October 1863, several small battles happened in Barton. These were part of the American Civil War. Forces from the Confederate Army tried to stop the Union Army from moving into the Tennessee Valley. The Union Army had a strong base in Corinth, Mississippi.
- On December 12, 1862, Union soldiers from the 1st Alabama Cavalry fought Confederate troops.
- On April 17, 1863, the 1st Alabama Cavalry and the 10th Missouri Volunteer Cavalry fought Confederate forces again.
- On October 20, 1863, Union forces, including the 3d Cavalry Regiment, 5th Ohio Cavalry, and Landgraeber's Battery, engaged Confederate soldiers.
- On October 25, 1863, Union troops, like the 13th Illinois Volunteer Infantry Regiment and 76th Ohio Infantry, fought Confederate forces once more.
A post office served the Barton community for many years. It operated from 1859 until 1972.
Notable Person
- Cecil Dowdy – a former professional football player.
