Nestled within the scenic expanse of Colbert County, Alabama, the Key Underwood Coon Dog Memorial Graveyard has emerged as a revered landmark since its establishment in 1937.
This unique cemetery, set against the backdrop of the Freedom Hills Wildlife Management Area, draws nearly 7,000 visitors annually, despite its secluded locale.
Originally conceived by Key Underwood to honor his cherished coon dog, Troop, the site has garnered widespread acclaim and media coverage, including a prominent portrayal in the movie 'Sweet Home Alabama.'
Managed by the Tennessee Valley Coon Hunters Association and overseen by the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the cemetery's significance continues to captivate enthusiasts and tourists alike.
With over 350 interments and an annual Labor Day celebration, this hallowed resting place for legendary coon dogs remains an enduring attraction.
Key Takeaways
- The Key Underwood Coon Dog Memorial Graveyard was established in 1937 and is located in Colbert County, Alabama.
- It is the only cemetery of its kind in the world and has gained recognition through media coverage and inclusion in guidebooks.
- The cemetery has more than 350 interments with various types of headstones, including several world champion coon dogs and famous hounds.
- The Tennessee Valley Coon Hunters Association oversees the cemetery, the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources owns the land, and the Colbert County Tourism and Convention Bureau provides directions and a brochure.
Establishment and Location
The Key Underwood Coon Dog Memorial Graveyard was established in 1937 in a remote location in Colbert County, Alabama. Its history is deeply rooted in the local hunting community and holds significant cultural significance. Situated within the Freedom Hills Wildlife Management Area, near the Natchez Trace and the community of Cherokee, it remains a testament to the area's hunting heritage.
The graveyard was founded by Key Underwood, a hunter, with the burial of his beloved coon dog, Troop. This event marked the beginning of a unique resting place for coon dogs, with more than 350 interments to date. Recognized as the only cemetery of its kind in the world, it has gained notoriety through media coverage and even a feature in the movie 'Sweet Home Alabama'.
The Key Underwood Coon Dog Memorial Graveyard remains a significant historical site, drawing thousands of visitors annually.
Founding and Features
Established in 1937 by local hunter Key Underwood, the Key Underwood Coon Dog Memorial Graveyard began with the burial of his coon dog, Troop, marking the start of a unique resting place for coon dogs. Underwood marked Troop's grave with a large stone engraved by himself, and this act led to the protection of the site. The cemetery now boasts more than 350 interments, each with various types of headstones, and it continues to be open for new interments, with verification required for authenticity. The cemetery is a testament to the deep bond between coon hunters and their dogs, making it a truly extraordinary landmark.
| Founding and Features | |
|---|---|
| Founded by | Key Underwood |
| Started with | Burial of his coon dog, Troop |
| Marked by | Large stone engraved by Underwood |
| Protection | Brother also buried a coon dog, leading to the protection of the site |
Recognition and Visitors
Recognition and Visitors flock to the Key Underwood Coon Dog Memorial Graveyard, drawn by its reputation as the only cemetery of its kind in the world and the resting place of several world champion coon dogs and famous hounds.
Significance in pop culture: The cemetery's unique status and notable inhabitants have led to its recognition in various forms of media and entertainment.
Famous coon dogs buried: The graveyard is the final resting place of numerous renowned coon dogs, attracting fans and enthusiasts from across the country.
Visitor influx: The cemetery's distinctive appeal has resulted in a steady stream of visitors, with thousands making the pilgrimage each year to pay homage to the legendary coon dogs interred there.
Cultural impact: The presence of famous coon dogs has firmly embedded the cemetery in the cultural fabric of the region, making it a significant heritage site.
Management and Maintenance
Overseen by the Tennessee Valley Coon Hunters Association, the management and maintenance of the Key Underwood Coon Dog Memorial Graveyard ensure the upkeep and preservation of the historic site.
The association works in collaboration with the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, which owns the land, and the Colbert County Tourism and Convention Bureau, which provides directions and brochures.
Revenue from sales of merchandise contributes to the maintenance of the graveyard.
The management prioritizes coon dog preservation and graveyard upkeep, ensuring that the site remains accessible and well-maintained for the approximately 7,000 annual visitors.
An annual celebration on Labor Day involves the community in cleaning and decorating the graves, further demonstrating the commitment to preserving this unique and culturally significant cemetery.
Significance and Media Attention
The Key Underwood Coon Dog Memorial Graveyard has garnered significant media attention due to its unique status as the only cemetery of its kind in the world. This attention has led to increased cultural impact and recognition. One notable aspect is the extensive media coverage highlighting the cemetery's historical and cultural significance. Additionally, the cemetery has gained visibility through its inclusion in guidebooks and travel literature, further enhancing its reputation and attracting visitors. The cemetery's cultural significance was also elevated when it was featured in the movie 'Sweet Home Alabama,' bringing it to a global audience. Moreover, the presence of several world champion coon dogs and famous hounds buried at the site has further fueled media interest and added to its overall cultural significance. The attention from various forms of media has contributed to the cemetery's enduring legacy and solidified its role as a unique cultural landmark.
Ownership and Oversight
How is the Key Underwood Coon Dog Memorial Graveyard owned and managed? The Tennessee Valley Coon Hunters Association oversees the cemetery, ensuring its preservation and maintenance. The land itself is owned by the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, providing a sense of official stewardship. Additionally, the Colbert County Tourism and Convention Bureau offers directions and a brochure to facilitate visitors' understanding and appreciation of the site. Revenue from sales of merchandise contributes to the ongoing maintenance and upkeep of the cemetery, securing its longevity for future generations. An annual celebration on Labor Day involves the cleaning and decoration of the graves, fostering a community spirit of ownership and care for this unique and legendary resting place.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Oversight | Tennessee Valley Coon Hunters Association |
| Land Ownership | Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources |
| Visitor Guidance | Colbert County Tourism and Convention Bureau |
| Revenue Source | Merchandise Sales |
| Annual Celebration | Labor Day Cleaning and Decoration |
Revenue and Celebration
The Key Underwood Coon Dog Memorial Graveyard ensures its maintenance through revenue generated from merchandise sales. This not only supports the cemetery's upkeep but also allows for the annual Labor Day celebration, which fosters community involvement and stewardship.
During this celebration, volunteers come together to clean and decorate the graves, further strengthening the sense of community.
The cemetery's sustainability is thus not only ensured through financial means but also through the active participation of the local community.
Accessibility and Visitation
Accessibility to the Key Underwood Coon Dog Memorial Graveyard is facilitated through its daily opening during daylight hours, ensuring visitation for approximately 7,000 visitors annually. The public interest in this unique cemetery is fueled by its cultural significance as the only one of its kind in the world, drawing visitors from near and far.
The remote location, nestled in the Freedom Hills Wildlife Management Area near the Natchez Trace and the community of Cherokee, adds to the allure of the site. Media coverage and its inclusion in guidebooks have further increased its profile, with the movie Sweet Home Alabama featuring a recreated version of the cemetery.
The accessibility and visitation to this hallowed ground offer an opportunity for people to pay homage to the legendary coon dogs and experience a piece of Southern heritage.
Related Resources and Articles
Several reputable sources provide valuable information about the Key Underwood Coon Dog Memorial Graveyard and its historical significance.
The Southern Courier and Alabama Legacy Moments both offer in-depth analysis of the cemetery's historical and cultural importance. The Southern Courier sheds light on its impact on the local community and beyond, while Alabama Legacy Moments explores the significance of the cemetery in Alabama's cultural history.
These resources highlight the unique role of the Key Underwood Coon Dog Memorial Graveyard in preserving the legacy of coon dogs and their owners.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Process for Verifying the Authenticity of a Coon Dog Before It Can Be Interred at the Cemetery?
The verification process for interring a coon dog at the cemetery involves providing documentation of the dog's pedigree and hunting background. Headstone guidelines and visitor regulations are overseen by the cemetery management to maintain authenticity and uphold visitation restrictions.
Are There Any Specific Guidelines for the Types of Headstones That Can Be Used for the Interments at the Cemetery?
The Key Underwood Coon Dog Memorial Graveyard has guidelines for headstones, allowing various types. To inter a coon dog, authenticity is verified. Cemetery regulations require compliance. This ensures respect for all interments.
How Does the Tennessee Valley Coon Hunters Association Oversee the Maintenance and Management of the Cemetery?
The Tennessee Valley Coon Hunters Association oversees cemetery maintenance at Key Underwood Coon Dog Memorial Graveyard. They manage the coon dog verification process, uphold headstone guidelines, and enforce visitor regulations, including restrictions on bringing coon dogs to the cemetery.
Are There Any Specific Rules or Regulations for Visitors to Follow While at the Cemetery?
Visitor etiquette at the Key Underwood Coon Dog Memorial Graveyard includes no loud noises, littering, or disturbing other visitors. The cemetery regulations also emphasize respecting the solemn and hallowed nature of the site, making it a peaceful and respectful environment for all.
Can Visitors Bring Their Own Coon Dogs to the Cemetery, and if So, Are There Any Restrictions on Where They Can Go Within the Grounds?
Visitors to Key Underwood Coon Dog Memorial Graveyard can bring their coon dogs, but must keep them leashed and respectful of the gravesites. The cemetery welcomes well-behaved pets, but requests they not disturb the solemnity of the grounds.
Conclusion
In the heart of the Freedom Hills Wildlife Management Area, the Key Underwood Coon Dog Memorial Graveyard stands as a timeless tribute to the legendary coon dogs of the past.
With its storied history, widespread recognition, and ongoing preservation efforts, the cemetery continues to draw thousands of visitors each year.
Its enduring significance and unique charm make it a cherished landmark, a testament to the enduring bond between man and his faithful coon hound companions.
Our Reader’s Queries
What is the story of the Coon dog cemetery?
In 1937, Key Underwood founded a cemetery in rural Colbert County, Alabama. The first burial was that of his loyal coon dog, Troop, at a hunting camp near Cherokee, Alabama. Originally, Underwood simply wanted to lay Troop to rest in the familiar hunting grounds where they had spent 15 years together.
Where is the oldest grave in Alabama?
The Forks of Cypress Cemetery in Alabama is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is thought to be the oldest official cemetery in the state. The earliest headstone, dating back to 1820, belongs to Jane Hanna, who lived around 17 years.
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