Come and visit the Shoals Area . . . . . . . On the banks of the Tennessee River in Northwest Alabama . . . . .

Beautiful Florence, located on the banks of the Tennessee River.


The Shoals encompasses thirteen cities in the counties of Colbert & Lauderdale. The 4 principle cities are Florence, Muscle Shoals, Sheffield & Tuscumbia. Flowing between the two countries is the Tennessee River, a vital component of the history and development of the area. "The Shoals" takes its name from the once rocky, unnavigable stretch of the river as it flowed through Northwest Alabama.

WILSON LOCK AND DAM: With one of the highest single-lift locks in the world, this Tennessee Valley Authority facility is an engineering marvel. At the visitors center on the south end of the dam, one can learn about hydro-electric power, and even go inside an operational generator.

W.C. HANDY HOME, LIBRARY & MUSEUM: W.C. Handy's "Father of the Blues" birthplace is located in Florence. His home has been restored and now houses memorabilia, musical instruments and original manuscripts from some of his most famous works.

POPE'S TAVERN: Constructed over 150 years ago, Pope's Tavern has functioned as a tavern, stage stop and a confederate hospital. The building now houses a museum featuring pioneer artifacts. Located at 203 Hermitage Drive in Florence.

INDIAN MOUND AND MUSEUM: In Florence, this museum houses artifacts of native Americans dating back 10,000 years. The domicillary mound is the largest on the Tennessee River.


IVY GREEN: Located in Tuscumbia. "America's First Lady of Courage", Helen Keller, was born and raised in this typical Southern cottage. The museum room houses many of her personal belongings including braille books and honors.

ALABAMA MUSIC HALL OF FAME: Whether you like rock, rhythm & blues, gospel, country & western, opera, classics or contemporary music, the Alabama Music Hall of Fame will affirm that "stars really do fall on Alabama". Located on Hwy. 72 W in Tuscumbia..

COON DOG MEMORIAL GRAVEYARD: A unique tribute to man's best friend. Over 100 coon dogs hve been buried at the site. Each Labor Day, a celebration is held in the park with entertainment ranging from glue-greas music to buck dancing and even a liars contest, all served up with great Southern barbeque. The park is equipped with picnic area, rest rooms and a pavilion. Located seven miles West of Tuscumbia on U.S. Hwy 72 turn left on Alabama Hwy 247 and travel approximately 12 miles, turn right and follow the signs.

 

Wilson Lock and Dam

ABOUT THE CITY OF
FLORENCE, ALABAMA

The City of Florence, population 40,000, is located in the beautiful northwest corner of the State of Alabama, 20 miles south of the border with Tennessee and 20 miles east of the Mississippi border. 

Florence has the advantage of being situated on two lakes formed by TVA dams on the Tennessee River and is, therefore, a  mecca for anglers, boaters, and water sports enthusiasts.   The Parks and Recreation Department is recognized as among the best in the Southeast with four major parks, an 18-hole golf course, numerous playgrounds throughout the community, four community centers, a coliseum, and other recreational amenities.  It was determined by a company specializing in appraising the historical importance of cities that Florence, because of the many historic buildings and districts in Florence, was tied for the Most Historic City in Alabama with one other Alabama city .

Florence is the site of the University of North Alabama which adds to the educational and cultural activities of the city.  The city government has, as a part of its structure, an Arts and Museums Department which consists of four museums/art galleries.  There are, in addition, several independent, citizen groups devoted to cultural activities ranging from dramas and musical stage productions, to the annual Renaissance Faire and Feast and the week-long  W. C. Handy Music Festival.   The latter two, along with two other local presentations, have been honored as among the 20 best festivals in the Southeast.

In addition to the usual services provided by a municipality, Florence has a Utilities Department comprising an electrical department, a natural gas department, and a water/wastewater department to provide the people of the city with their utilities at the lowest possible cost.

The city has one of the lowest crime rates in the United States and its progressive Police Department ensures that this will continue.  Fire coverage is provided from five stations located throughout the city and the overall city fire rating is well above average for cities of all sizes.   Fire equipment is above the established standards both in amount and function.

Florence was the first city in Alabama to establish a city-wide recycling system and weekly recycling pick-up continues.  

Collection of household waste is once per week in carts provided by the City, pick-up of garden/lawn waste is weekly, other trash is also on a weekly basis and provision is made for exceptional trash pick-up as needed. 

The Florence City School System is rated among the highest in the State of Alabama and is constantly striving to improve its status.

The City of Florence, Alabama, in all respects lives up to its reputation of being The Renaissance City.

The City of Florence was founded in 1818 on the banks of the beautiful Tennessee River in the scenic Northwest corner of Alabama.  Florence, Muscle Shoals, Sheffield, Tuscumbia, and two counties, Lauderdale and Colbert, comprise the Shoals area. 

The history of the Florence and the Shoals began over 1,000 years ago when Native Americans inhabited the area.  Evidence of their existence can still be found at the ancient Florence Indian Mound. In 1818, the Cypress Land Company was formed to develop a thriving river town. A young Italian surveyor laid out the town of Florence and named it for his favorite city in Italy — Florence.

The Civil War left its mark on the area and relics can be found in many venues.  Tuscumbia is the birthplace of  "America’s First Lady of Courage," Helen Keller.  The music legacy began with the birth of the "Father of the Blues," William Christopher Handy in Florence. Florence is also home to the state’s only Frank Lloyd Wright designed structure.

Florence and the Shoals has a population of over 140,000 and offers the experience of a small Southern town, including a generous helping of Southern hospitality, with all the amenities of a large city.  Florence boasts a state-of-the-art conference center, a beautiful marina and harbor, a restored downtown area, a beautiful municipal golf course and a technologically advanced library. 

Florence, and the entire Shoals area, is the perfect place to live, work, retire, and visit. Won’t you come and see for yourself?

Florence has a well trained Police Department to keep law and order.

 

For even more detailed information about the Shoals Area,  click on the "OK" button.

 

 

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