DOTS FROM THE DRUID CITY LITERARY CLUB. 

Who Planted The First Oaks la Tuskaloosa ?

 The first Oaks were planted in Tuskaloosa in 1839, by an Irishman named Michael Shelly, who came along about that time. Mr. Erasmus Cooper employed him to plant them in front of the little brick house on the South of Main St., just West of Chestnut St., which now belongs to Mr.Chas Small wood, and to occupied by Mr. Tan.Simpson, as a residence ; and here you will to-day see the finest specimen of Oaks in the City. This man Shelly ,in talking about the trees, always insisted upon giving them what is perhaps then: proper botanical name, and thereby secured for himself, as long as he remained, m Tuskaloosa, the name of " Quircus Aquations." , He next planted a row m front of Bar Room, which in those davs. stood about where now stands the North end of what is known as the Drish Building.' This Bar Room was kept for Mat Duffee, by a man called Jimmy Owen, and it was known in those (lays as the "Old Fort" On or near the same snot iu.raruti B wmi uie omoe 01 ur. Jlullman and the Bnggs' Carriage Shop, landmarks which will per. haps be remembered by some of our i,i mi.:..

!,,.( , i'i .s. .1 J 1 J! t t t 1 wwiBiaw, lite next Oaks Were planted in 1840 and '41, in the centre of Main Street between Monroe and Market. and constitute that beautiful row which now flourishes in the business portion of the town. The expense was borne by the various parties who owned property ou either side oi tne street. The next were planted out in 1842 by Mr.

Win, M. Prince, tho School master, who advertised himself as "The Thrashing Machine," and for wnommanyot our old citizens re tain a reeling recollection. He plan ted a row around what in those days Was known as the "Indian Queen" Hotel, but which: is now known as The Druid City Hotel. Dr. John Owen, at the expense of the City, next planted them out on Main St., au tne way rroin aiarKet St.

to the capitoL-f, JVlr. Charley Patterson next planted thim on two sides of his Hotel, which stood where Mr. J, D. Spillers store now stands; and from that time the planting of trees increased, until now our beautiful town is Known tar and wide as The City of Oaks. J.

af-ti a 1.

1. United States
2. Alabama
3. Tuscaloosa
4. The Tuskaloosa Gazette
5. 1880
6. Mar
7. 04
8. Page 3







Towering, stately oaks, which line many of the city's streets. have brought it the names of "The Druid City" and "The City of Oaks.' Thomas Maxwell, founder of a mercantile concern. planted three rows of oaks-one on either side and one in the middle- on the streets near his home, and persuaded other residents to do likewise in other sections of town. He is the human acorn responsible for the "City of Oaks," pioneer citizens say.

* * to of established Warrior." of a.

1. United States
2. Alabama
3. Birmingham
4. The Birmingham News
5. 1936
6. Nov
7. 03
8. Page 18
9. Article clipped from The Birmingham News
9. Article clipped from The Tuskaloosa Gazette

The Druid City Tuscaloosa's years as State capital (1826-46) were the proudest in its early history. A highly cultured society developed and the planters continued to build huge columned mansions, for cotton was bringing in enormous profits. The citizens did not neglect to beautify the city itself. Under the guidance of Thomas Maxwell, an Englishman who had come to Tuscaloosa in 1826, rows of water oaks were planted along the streets, and Tuscaloosa came to be known as the "City of Oaks" and the "Druid City.".

1. United States
2. Alabama
3. Greenville
4. Greenville Advocate
5. 1951
6. Jan
7. 18
8. Page 3
9. Article clipped from Greenville Advocate