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Porcupine Flat Dredge

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Australia, Victoria, Mount Alexander (Shire), near Maldon
This bucket dredge was operated here by George Heywood, Eric Baumann and others, for about 30 years, until it was abandoned in 1984. It was one of the last dredges operated in Victoria.

It is a relatively small bucket dredge, but is one of few to have survived more or less intact. The crane nearby cleared trees in the dredge’s path.

Since the 1930s, electric power had allowed the construction of very large dredges, some employing up to 60 workers.

Dredging for gold dates back to the beginning of the 20th century, but for environmental reasons it is no longer practiced.

On the Diggings Trail
This is one of 30 sites on the Mount Alexander Diggings Trail.

With the trail guidebook you can find your way to historic places around Maldon and Castlemaine, and discover stories from the great Mount Alexander Gold Rush of 1851.

Then follow the story through the years.
Start on the trail at the Visitor Information Centres in Maldon or Castlemaine.

(Industry & Commerce) Includes location, directions, 5 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

Famous Firsts in Aeronautics at Fort Myer

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Virginia, Arlington County, Fort Myer

Here for the first time in the world, an airplane flew over an hour. That was on September 9, 1908, when a Wright Brothers’ “Flyer”, piloted by Orville Wright took off from the north end of the Fort Myer drill field and circled continuously over this area for one hour, two minutes and 15 seconds.

The same day Lieutenant Frank P. Lahm, U.S. Army, became the first person in the world to fly in an airplane as a military observer. That flight of six minutes and 24 seconds as a passenger with Mr. Wright was a world record flight for two men. The next year in another Wright “Flyer”, they made a world record passenger flight here of one hour, 12 minutes and 40 seconds.

The first cross-country flight of an airplane in America was made July 30, 1909, from Fort Myer to Alexandria and return, a continuous round trip of ten miles averaging about 42½ miles per hour. Orville Wright was pilot, and Lieutenant Benjamin Foulois, U.S. Army, was passenger.

Following these official tests that Wright “Flyer” of 1909 was accepted and purchased by the War Department. It was the first successful military airplane in the world. It remained in active service with the Signal Corps’ Aviation Section until 1911. It is now in the Smithsonian Institution’s National Air and Space Museum. In 1908 the Army’s first dirigible airship, the “SC-1” was test-flown from this field.

Dedicated July 30, 1959 by the Early Birds of Aviation
An organization of those who flew solo before December 17, 1916

(Air & Space) Includes location, directions, GPS coordinates, map.

Buena Vista

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Alabama, Autauga County, near Prattville
This antebellum plantation house was completed by Capt. William Montgomery, a contemporary of Prattville's founder, Daniel Pratt.

This “Deep South” architecture reflects the Federal style with the later addition of a Colonial Revival facade that includes a portico with Ionic Columns and a cast ironwork balcony. Interesting features of this structure are the delicately crafted fanlights over the front entrance and in the gable ends. A circular staircase spiraling 24 feet highlights the interior along with the elaborate plaster cornice moldings and spectacular ceiling medallions.

The home is presently owned by the Union Camp Corporation and is maintained by the Autauga County Heritage Association. Buena Vista was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974.

(Antebellum South, US) Includes location, directions, 3 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

Indian Springs Post Office/Thomas Hill House/Union Baptist Meeting House

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Alabama, Autauga County, Prattville
Indian Springs Post Office
Location of considerable Community activity in the early nineteenth-century Autauga County

Thomas Hill House
Site of first Court after Autauga became a County

Union Baptist Meeting House
1830s forerunner of First Baptist Church

The above sites were located
within ½ mile radius of this spot.

(Churches, Etc. • Settlements & Settlers) Includes location, directions, 3 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

Pratt Gin Factory

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Alabama, Autauga County, Prattville
Once the world's largest plant manufacturing cotton gins.

Founded 1833 by Daniel Pratt, the greatest industrialist of Alabama prior to 1860. Pratt's many industries were of great aid to Confederacy during Northern blockade.

(Industry & Commerce • War, US Civil) Includes location, directions, 2 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

Happy Hollow

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Alabama, Autauga County, Prattville
Known as Fair Road, Sixth Street from Northington Street to the big curve was called “Happy Hollow”. The road went to the Fair home place but also curved right, into Warren Circle. Here stood a small frame church where the congregation’s enthusiastic preaching, singing, and shouting led to the name Happy Hollow Church. Bethlehem Colored Methodist Episcopal was relocated in 1947 to Chestnut and Sixth, and renamed Bethlehem Christian Methodist Episcopal Church.

Within the Hollow the “Spring”, one of Prattville’s signature artesian wells, provided water for drinking, cooking, bathing and washing before the city had a central water system. The mail route ended at the home of Miss Molly Burt where all the neighbors picked up their mail. These gathering places made for a close-knit community.

A traditional African American neighborhood, the Hollow was home for domestic workers, farm laborers, landowners and sharecroppers. Descendants of these families became leaders in Prattville and beyond: educators, nurses, doctors, accountants, carpenters, armed forces and ministers.

Beloved as a place to grow up even in segregated times; black and white children could not go to school together but played together in the branch that runs the length of The Hollow.

(African Americans • Churches, Etc. • Roads & Vehicles) Includes location, directions, 2 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

Saint Mark's Episcopal Church

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Alabama, Autauga County, Prattville
Saint Mark's was organized in 1859 as a mission of the Diocese of Alabama. Services were first held at the Presbyterian Church and in the old Court House. In December 1876, the congregation purchased an old wooden frame chapel from the Methodists and moved it to this site, where it was dedicated by Bishop Richard H. Wilmer on April 29, 1877. The baptismal font, pews, and church bell survive from that chapel. The present church building was completed in June 1909. The first service held in this structure was Morning Prayer on June 27. The first celebration of Holy Communion took place on July 25. The church was formally dedicated by Bishop Charles M. Beckwith on October 17. The small parish house west of the nave was built in 1953 and enlarged in 1966 and 1984. It is named in honor of the Chapman family. Miss Erin Chapman was credited with designing the 1909 building at the age of fifteen, and served as parish organist for more than forty years. The Fellowship Hall and Parish Education wing were dedicated by Bishop Robert O. Miller on April 14, 1996. TO THE ETERNAL GLORY OF GOD

(Churches, Etc.) Includes location, directions, 3 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

Sidney Lanier/Prattville Male and Female Academy Site

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Alabama, Autauga County, Prattville
Side 1 Sidney Lanier
1842-1881

The poet and musician, born in Macon, Georgia, was Academy principal in 1867-68. He married Mary H. Day of Macon in December 1867. In Prattville, they lived at the Mims Hotel and later in Dr. S.P. Smith's home.

Following a brief legal career in Georgia, Lanier became first flutist in 1873 with the Peabody Orchestra in Baltimore and in 1879 was appointed as lecturer in English Literature at Johns Hopkins University.

He wrote the words for the American Centennial Cantata and his poetry includes, “The Marshes of Glynn” and “Song of the Chattahoochee.” The poet's experiments with musical sound in verse were a significant literary contribution.

Lanier died at the age of 39 from the tuberculosis he had contracted as an imprisoned Confederate soldier during the Civil War. He was buried in Greenmount Cemetery in Baltimore.

Side 2 Prattville Male and Female Academy Site
The 1859 Italianate-style brick structure was built by Daniel Pratt. The bell which hung in the belfry above the second floor now may be seen in the school yard on Washington Street. In April 1861 the Prattville Dragoons mustered here before departing for encampment and were presented a silk flag by the young women of the Academy.

In 1927 the original building was replaced by the present structure, one of several in Alabama built on the same plan. The architect is unknown but the design has been attributed to Frank Lockwood.

(Arts, Letters, Music • Education • War, US Civil) Includes location, directions, 4 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

Wilson Pickett, Jr.

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Alabama, Autauga County, Prattville
A native of Prattville, Wilson Pickett was raised singing gospel in local churches. Upon moving to Detroit as a teenager, he began to blend gospel-style with rhythm and blues, resulting in some of "the deepest, funkiest soul music" to come from the Deep South.

In 1966, he began working with musicians in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, and it was there that he cut some of his biggest hits, including “Land of a Thousand Dances,” “Mustang Sally” and “Funky Broadway.” During his career, he made more than 200 recordings, 50 of which made the rhythm and blues and pop charts. Called “The Wicked Pickett” because of his uninhibited style, raw energy and distinctive sound, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1991.

(African Americans • Arts, Letters, Music • Entertainment) Includes location, directions, 2 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

Doster Road Artesian Well House

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Alabama, Autauga County, Prattville
Prattville is often referred to as “The Fountain City” for the numerous free-flowing artesian wells found here. A 1933 edition of the Prattville Progress noted that there were more than 400 of these artesian wells in Prattville and its immediate vicinity, some of which supplied the town's water system. Although many of the wells have been capped, or ceased to flow when relocated, quite a few remain, including several public wells in the Daniel Pratt Historic District.

This one, over which a well house was erected in 2001 through a partnership with the Historic Prattville Redevelopment Authority and the City of Prattville, has long attracted those who enjoy its clear, sweet artesian water.

(Natural Resources) Includes location, directions, 3 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

First Presbyterian Church of Prattville, Alabama

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Alabama, Autauga County, Prattville
Organized 1846 by Pastor Wm. H. Mitchell, this congregation succeeded Millenium Hope Presbyterian, 2 mi. E. of town. Pastor Jas. K. Hazen (1861-77) married Mary Ticknor, niece of town founder, Daniel Pratt. They led in establishing orphanage, now Presbyterian Home for Children, Talladega. In 1867-68 Poet Sidney Lanier, principal of Prattville Male and Female Academy, was church organist. Original Greek Revival church on Bridge St. was relocated and now houses First Missionary Baptist. The 1895 Victorian church on this site burned Jan. 1941. First worrhip services in the present modified Gothic building were held in Oct. of that year.

A founding congregation of the Presbyterian Church in America, 1973. TO THE GLORY OF THE TRIUNE GOD

(Churches, Etc.) Includes location, directions, 3 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

Daniel Pratt/First United Methodist Church

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Alabama, Autauga County, Prattville
Side 1 Daniel Pratt
Founder of Prattville

Daniel Pratt, a native of New Hampshire, became an industrialist, statesman and philanthropist in Alabama. He was a Methodist in both heart and practice. He encourage the development of the Methodist community in Prattville. As his town grew, Pratt contributed land and money to build schools and churches for its citizens.

Until shortly before his death, Mr. Pratt taught a class in the Union Sunday School that all its citizens could attend. He died on May 13, 1873. On his tombstone was engraved, "Blessed are the dead who die in the lord, for they rest from their labors and their works do follow them." Rev. 14:13. At his funeral, it was stated he had completed all his goals.

Even though he died before this present edifice was conceived, he left a legacy that inspired Methodism to grow.

Side 2 First United Methodist Church
In 1843 Prattville became a regular appointment on the Washington Circuit of the Alabama Conference. The congregation met in a frame building provided by Daniel Pratt. Reverend William Jeremiah Sassnett was minister for the circuit.

A new brick building near the corner of Maple and Bridge Streets was given by Mr. Pratt in 1853. By 1911 the congregation grew to 596 members and voted to build a new sanctuary on this site. Groundbreaking was held May 4, 1912, and a marble cornerstone was laid in July. The first Service was held April 6, 1913. The text used by Dr. W.P. Dickinson was from Psalm 122:1, "I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord."

Additional buildings were added in 1958, 1989 and 2002. One hundred years of service were celebrated at this location in 2013. The formation of the Trinity UMC was sponsored in 1971.

The church has continued to prosper in serving its members and the community. To God be the Glory.

(Churches, Etc. • Settlements & Settlers) Includes location, directions, 3 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

Old Autauga County Courthouse

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Alabama, Autauga County, Prattville
The county's third courthouse was used until 1906. George Littlefield Smith, an early citizen of Prattville, designed and built the Italianate-style structure. Earlier county seats were Washington, then Kingston. Marker placed by the Historic Pratville Redevelopment Authority for the City of Pratville.

(Notable Buildings) Includes location, directions, 2 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

A. H. Longino

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Mississippi, Lawrence County, Monticello
Former home of Governor Andrew H. Longino, who served as legislator, judge, and county official. New capitol building erected and primary election law passed during his term.

(Politics) Includes location, directions, 4 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

Autauga Creek

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Alabama, Autauga County, Prattville
Side 1
Water has always played a significant role in the history of Prattville. Daniel Pratt chose the location for his new town because of the proximity to Autauga Creek and the Alabama River. This area was referred to as an “unhealthy quagmire” in the earliest records; but the location of Prattville proved to be ideal for Daniel Pratt’s new town. He built his gin mill, saw mill, and grist mill on the banks of Autauga Creek in the early 1830’s. In 1847, an article in De Bow’s Review described Autauga Creek as "a bold, clear stream…with a pretty water fall and pine forests making up to the edge. The woods abound with pine timber, the country healthy, navigation convenient and everything favorable to extensive manufactories." (continued on other side) Side 2
(Continued from other side) Since the 1830’s the waters of Autauga Creek have powered cotton gins that have employed generations of families; turned saws that cut wood for lumber to build homes, barns and businesses; ground corn and grain that have fed families and livestock alike; bathed, baptized and provided recreation for thousands of people. Autauga Creek continues be a source of beauty and wonder.

All streams flow into the sea, yet the sea is never full. To the place the streams come from, there they return again.

(Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers • Waterways & Vessels) Includes location, directions, 4 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

Foundations of Freedom

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West Virginia, Jefferson County, Harpers Ferry


Harpers Ferry, including Anthony Hall (behind you to the right), played host to large and small scenes in the epic human struggle for freedom and equality. In this building, the superintendent of the national armory contemplated how to strengthen the nation's military. On these fields, great armies battled over a divided land. Here, former slaves strove to obtain the education previously denied them by law.

[Aerial photo caption reads]
Storer College grew from a one-room schoolhouse in an abandoned armory building to a typical college campus by the time it closed in 1955. Today these buildings serve as a training center and offices for the National Park Service.

[Inset photo captions read]
During the Civil War, a war over the meaning of freedom, both Union and Confederate soldiers used the fields around you as staging, training, and battlegrounds.

Storer College, founded in 1867, was one of the first schools in the South open to African American students. Chartered as a school for all students, regardless of race or gender, Storer College was never able to achieve the goal of an integrated campus due to racial segregation laws.

(African Americans • Civil Rights • Education) Includes location, directions, 6 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

The Stone House / Robert W. Akin

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Minnesota, Anoka County, Anoka
The Stone House
Three stone houses were built during the 1920's by Thaddeus P. Giddings (1969-1954). Giddings was the Supervisor of Music for the Minneapolis Schools and founder of the National Music Camp in Interlachen, Michigan. The stone houses were part of the landscaping of Giddings' home and were places for the family to enjoy the river.

One house was located just north of the Eastman (Windego Park) Amphitheater. The other two were located on an island in the Rum River south of the Main Street Bridge. Only one house has survived the river and time. The City of Anoka is preserving it for future generations.

Akin Riverside Historic Promenade

Robert W. Akin
Robert W. Akin (1871-1920) came to Anoka in 1898 and began working as a cahier in the State Bank. His property a few blocks south of Main Street on the east bank of the Rum River was said to be one of the "most picturesque sites in the city". Mr. Akin raised fruit on his property, but his main interest was banking. He became the president of the Anoka State Bank and devoted much of his time to public affairs. He served on the school board for twelve years, sat on the city council of Anoka for a year, and held the offices of Mayor for three terms.

Mr. Akin knew the community needed space for its citizens to relax, so he donated some of his land and sold other portions of it to the City of Anoka to become a park. The deed stipulated that the city purchase additional land to create a system of parks in Anoka. Part of the land Riverside Park resides on is land that once belonged to R.W. Akin. His vision of a system of parks in the city has been fulfilled.

Akin Riverside Historic Promenade

(Man-Made Features) Includes location, directions, 4 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

Autauga County Viet Nam Memorial

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Alabama, Autauga County, Prattville
In
Memory of
Veterans
of the
Viet Nam
Conflict

(War, Vietnam) Includes location, directions, 2 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

Autauga County World War II Memorial

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Alabama, Autauga County, Prattville
Dedicated to the Veterans
of Autauga County who served
their country during WWII

(War, World II) Includes location, directions, 2 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

Autauga County Korean War Memorial

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Alabama, Autauga County, Prattville
Dedicated to the
Korean War Veterans
of Autauga County

(War, Korean) Includes location, directions, 2 photos, GPS coordinates, map.
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