Key Underwood Coon Dog Memorial Graveyard
Encyclopedia
The Key Underwood Coon Dog Memorial Graveyard is a cemetery located in rural Colbert County, Alabama
, USA, reserved specifically for the burial of coon dogs
. Key Underwood established the cemetery on September 4, 1937 by burying his coon dog, Troop. Underwood chose the spot as it was previously a popular hunting camp. As of 2007 more than 185 dogs are buried at the cemetery.
Dogs must meet three requirements to qualify for burial at the cemetery: the owner must claim that their pet is an authentic coon dog, a witness must declare that the deceased is a coon dog, and a member of the local coonhunters' organization must be allowed to view the coonhound and declare it as such.
Headstone
s in the cemetery range from the homemade wooden and metal monuments to the more elaborate marble engraved stones found at many human cemeteries. The dead include many famous dogs such as Hunter's Famous Amos, Ralston Purina's 1984 Dog of the Year.
. From Tuscumbia travel west on US 72
to Alabama 247
. Take Alabama 247 south for 12 miles to Colbert County Route 21, Coondog Cemetery Road. Turn right and follow the signs to the cemetery.
Colbert County, Alabama
Colbert County is a county of the U.S. state of Alabama. Its name is in honor of brothers George and Levi Colbert, Chickasaw Indian chiefs. George Colbert operated a ferry across the Tennessee River in 1790 near present day Cherokee....
, USA, reserved specifically for the burial of coon dogs
Coonhound
A Coonhound is a type of scent hound and a member of the hound group.Coonhounds are an American style of hunting dog developed for the quarry and working conditions found in the United States. Coondogs are highly valued.-History:...
. Key Underwood established the cemetery on September 4, 1937 by burying his coon dog, Troop. Underwood chose the spot as it was previously a popular hunting camp. As of 2007 more than 185 dogs are buried at the cemetery.
Dogs must meet three requirements to qualify for burial at the cemetery: the owner must claim that their pet is an authentic coon dog, a witness must declare that the deceased is a coon dog, and a member of the local coonhunters' organization must be allowed to view the coonhound and declare it as such.
Headstone
Headstone
A headstone, tombstone, or gravestone is a marker, usually stone, that is placed over a grave. In most cases they have the deceased's name, date of birth, and date of death inscribed on them, along with a personal message, or prayer.- Use :...
s in the cemetery range from the homemade wooden and metal monuments to the more elaborate marble engraved stones found at many human cemeteries. The dead include many famous dogs such as Hunter's Famous Amos, Ralston Purina's 1984 Dog of the Year.
Labor Day
Every Labor Day the Tennessee Valley Coon Hunter’s Association sponsors a gathering at the cemetery in a tribute to the inauguration of the cemetery on Labor Day in 1937. The celebration includes music, dancing, food and a liar's contest. The gathering is often attended by local politicians.Location
The cemetery is west of Tuscumbia, AlabamaTuscumbia, Alabama
Tuscumbia is a city in and the county seat of Colbert County, Alabama, United States. As of the 2010 census, the population was 8,423 and is included in The Shoals MSA....
. From Tuscumbia travel west on US 72
U.S. Route 72
U.S. Route 72 is an east–west United States highway that runs for 337 miles from southeast Tennessee through northern Alabama and northern Mississippi to southwest Tennessee. The highway's eastern terminus is Chattanooga, Tennessee. Its western terminus is Memphis, Tennessee...
to Alabama 247
Alabama State Route 247
State Route 247 or SR-247 is a long route that serves as a connection between State Route 24 east of Halltown with U.S. Highway 72 east of Pride.-Route description:...
. Take Alabama 247 south for 12 miles to Colbert County Route 21, Coondog Cemetery Road. Turn right and follow the signs to the cemetery.