Tuscumbia Landing

A historic trail trace at the mouth of Spring Creek, on the Tennessee River at Tuscumbia Landing.

NPS Photo

Quick Facts

Location:

At the confluence of the Tennessee River (Pickwick Lake) and Spring Creek, near the foot of Blackwell Road, west of downtown Sheffield

Significance:

The railway was used to transport Native Americans to Tuscumbia Landing, where they would be loaded into boats to travel downstream.

MANAGED BY:

City of Sheffield

Tuscumbia Landing was located at the western terminus of the Tuscumbia, Courtland, and Decatur Railway. During the summer of 1838, Cherokee detachments headed by Lt. Edward Deas and Lt. Robert H. K. Whiteley attempted to travel from Ross Landing, Tennessee, to Fort Gibson, Indian Territory, via the water route. These detachments floated down the Tennessee River to Decatur. Due to low water and potential difficulties navigating through Muscle Shoals, they rode on the railway west to Tuscumbia Landing and then boarded boats headed downriver. Prior to that summer, numerous other water route detachments brought Creeks, Choctaws, and other tribal groups past this spot on their way to Indian Territory.

Site Information

Location (Park West (Blackwell Road/Fontana Street) Sheffield, AL 35660)

 

Safety Considerations

More Site Information 

Trail of Tears National Historic Trail