Rivers of History : Life on the Coosa, Tallapoosa, Cahaba, and Alabama

This study reviews how the four streams of the Alabama River system - which flow for more than 900 miles through the state - have shaped the lives of those living along their banks, and how people have used them. The Coosa, Tallapoosa, Cahaba and Alabama are now both harnessed and polluted. The story of the people of the Alabama River system Four streams make up the Alabama River system, the Coosa, Tallapoosa, Cahaba, and Alabama. Together they flow for more than 900 miles, through some of the most historic regions of the state. This book looks at the way these streams have shaped the lives of the people who lived along them, and how, in turn, people have used the rivers to their own ends. This is the story of the people of the Alabama River system: the Indians, traders, steamboatmen, passengers, slaves, loggers,'deadheaders', divers, river rats, fishermen, industrial giants, factory workers, business boosters, environmentalists, and those who simply love the rivers because of something that seems to have been a part of them from the first time they saw the water flowing. This is a book for and about these people. They, and the rivers, are the main characters in the story. The story of the people of the Alabama River system Four streams make up the Alabama River system, the Coosa, Tallapoosa, Cahaba, and Alabama. Together they flow for more than 900 miles, through some of the most historic regions of the state. This book looks at the way these streams have shaped the lives of the people who lived along them, and how, in turn, people have used the rivers to their own ends. This is the story of the people of the Alabama River the Indians, traders, steamboatmen, passengers, slaves, loggers, "deadheaders", divers, river rats, fishermen, industrial giants, factory workers, business boosters, environmentalists, and those who simply love the rivers because of something that seems to have been a part of them from the first time they saw the water flowing. This is a book for and about these people. They, and the rivers, are the main characters in the story. 'Jackson weaves a fascinating story a amazing variety of sources, primary, secondary, oral histories, and personal observations. This book is entertaining, informative, poignant and finally, to me, profoundly sad. The fact that (these rivers) now are 'elongated lakes' with little if any of a once-abundant biota should be a constant reminder to all of the price we have paid for 'civilization.' Harvey H. Jackson Iii. Includes Bibliographical References (p. 287-293) And Index.