Gregory A. Waselkov (author) & Raven M. Christopher (author) Kathryn H. Braund (author)The Old Federal Road in Alabama: An Illustrated Guide (Alabama The Forge of History)

I'm close to the end reading this book and it makes me want to start over. This is for anyone interested in the early history of Alabama, history of the Creek Indians, history of early American roads and road construction, history of the "old southwest" (southern states), and the history of the period between the War of 1812 and the end of the Indian Removal in 1837.This book covers only that portion of the road in Alabama and has little to say about the road elsewhere but it's an essential part of the road, perhaps the most essential part. Few may realize what a role the Federal Road played in causing the first (1813-1814) and second (1836) Creek Indian Wars until they read this book. Although it's small, only 145 pages plus Notes and Index, it is jam packed with excerpts from other resources. A page of "Additional Resources" lists a dedicated website which, although now defunct, this book page also lists several other websites which are still active.One of these websites is an Old Federal Road project sponsored by Auburn University and lists all 3 of the authors of this book as project partners. This website is still active as are several others. There is also a YouTube video with a one-hour presentation by the Alabama Department of Archives and History that goes along with the book. It is a presentation by 2 of the 3 authors. This YouTube video can be found by searching YouTube for the book title.I highly recommend purchasing this book by anyone interested in Alabama History as well as the history of those who emigrated from other states who resided or travelled through the State of Alabama during the period the book covers.

An absolute most for lovers of Alabama History !

Using for ancestry information.

Just got it yesterday so haven't had a chance to read but looked thru it,excellent pictures and it looks like its gonna be a great book.Love Kathryn Braunds books shes a great author.

Since my family has deep roots in Alabama I was curious about the settlement history. I had not realized that the Creek natives had so much in common with the more publicized Cherokee. The history part of the book is a quick read. The modern road guide would be of more interest to people still living in that area or who could visit it.