COLBERT’S FERRY – Saturday, October 25 saw the dedication of a monument to the timeless contributions made by Chickasaw Chief, George Colbert. The event took place at the site of Colbert’s ‘stand’ on the southern bank of Tennessee River along the Natchez Trace. A ‘stand’ was a place for wayfarers traveling mostly by foot along this early-19th Century highway from natchez, Mississippi to Nashville Tennessee.
The event was organized by the Daughters of the American Revolution.
Moderator of Saturday’s event, Verna Brennan of the DAR, provided The Quad-Cities Daily a list of dignitaries who attended the marker unveiling.
“The colors were presented by the American Legion Post 31. Pledge allegiance was led by Vice Regent, Tricia Montgomery. Greetings brought by the Alabama State Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Regent, Constance Grund, State Senator Roger Bedford, Nancy Billings, Organizing Sec DAR Society. Joel Mize, Vice President of the Shoals Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR). Glenn Nivens, SAR Past State President and Alabama Historical Commission Registrar., Carolyn Drennan, State President of the Daughters of the War of 1812; Davie Williams, DAR Northern District Director, Chris Cowley, DAR Chairman of Veterans Committee. Mary Risser, Superintendent of the Natchez Trace Parkway Association as well as Greg Smith and Chris Smith with the Natchez Trace Parkway. Tom McKnight brought greetings from the Tennessee Valley Historical Society. Bud Pride, past President of the Alabama Chapter of the Natchez Trace Parkway Association. After recognition of guests and dignitaries, the keynote message was brought by DAR member and President of the Alabama Chapter of the Natchez Trace, Annie Perry who spoke on the accomplishments of Chiefs George and Levi Colbert and their meaning to local culture and their Chickasaw Nation.
Following this Bagpiper Allan McKenzie, Canadian Scot performed two tunes selected to emphasize the early trade and interaction with Native American Tribes with the Scots-Irish.
Then, the unveiling of the marker by Marie Johnston who was instrumental in this entire ceremony. Following the unveiling, “Amazing Grace” was played by the piper, the colors were retired by the Amercan Legion, the benediction given and dismissal. beautiful weather and a great day !!”
Here is a LINK to the Natchez Trace Parkway website’s listing on Colbert’s Stand.
