Smithsonia, Alabama

Smithsonia, also known as Cave Springs, is an unincorporated community in Lauderdale County, in the U.S. state of Alabama.

Smithsonia, Alabama
Unincorporated community
Smithsonia is located in Alabama
Smithsonia
Smithsonia
Smithsonia is located in the United States
Smithsonia
Smithsonia
Coordinates: 34°47′39″N 87°52′45″W
CountryUnited States
StateAlabama
CountyLauderdale
Elevation
512 ft (156 m)
Time zoneUTC-6 (Central (CST))
 • Summer (DST)UTC-5 (CDT)
Area code(s)256 & 938
GNIS feature ID157080[1]

History

Smithsonia was originally known as Cave Springs, in reference to the numerous caves in the surrounding area. It was then named Smithsonia, in honor of Columbus Smith, a landowner and merchant following the American Civil War.[2] Smith operated a ferry, general store, grist mill, and cotton gin in Smithsonia.[3] A post office was in operation under the name Smithsonia from 1886 to 1927.[4]

References
  1. "Smithsonia". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior.
  2. Foscue, Virginia (1989). Place Names in Alabama. Tuscaloosa: The University of Alabama Press. p. 129. ISBN 0-8173-0410-X.
  3. William Lindsey McDonald (2003). A Walk Through the Past - People and Places of Florence and Lauderdale County Alabama. Heart of Dixie Publishing. pp. 363–. ISBN 978-0-9719945-6-0.
  4. "Lauderdale County". Jim Forte Postal History. Retrieved November 28, 2014.


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