The only cemetery of its kind in the world “Key Underwood Coon Dog Memorial Graveyard.”
The only cemetery of its kind in the world “Key Underwood Coon Dog Memorial Graveyard.”
By Dick I
The only cemetery of its kind in the world, Key Underwood Coon Dog Memorial, lies of the beaten path 7 west of Tuscumbia, AL. Here in a small grassy meadow lies the final resting place of over 200 authentic coon dogs from all across the United States.
Who started the cemetery and why, you might ask. On Labor Day September 4, 1937 Key Underwood said good-bye to his legendary coon dog, Troop. For 15 years they had been close friends and hunted together. The burial spot was a hunting camp where coon hunters from all over came to tell tall tales, chew tobacco and compare coon hounds. Troop loved the camp and it was only fitting that he spend eternity there.
Troop was special; he was the best in the region. He was said to be “cold nosed,” being able to follow cold coon tracks until they became fresh. He never left a coons trail until he treed him.
It wasn’t long after Troop was laid to rest that other hunters started bring the favorite dogs to be interred in the cemetery. Even Ralston Purina’s Dog of the Year in 1984 was buried here, Hunters Famous Amos.
Among the dead you’ll find names like, Night Ranger, Patches, Bomma, Preacher, Bean Blossom and Smoky. Etched on the tombstones not only are the names and dates but tributes like “A joy to hunt with,” He wasn’t the best but he was the best I ever had.”
There are strict standards for burial in this unique cemetery:
- The owner must declare that their dog is an authentic coon dog.
- A witness must declare that the dog being buried is a coon dog
- The local coonhunters’ organization must view the coonhound and declare it is a coon dog.
When ask why other dogs can’t be buried here the answers is ”You must not know much about coon hunters and their dogs, if you think we would contaminate this burial place with poodles and lap dogs.”
Each Labor Day, the Tennessee Valley Coon Hunter’s Association host a celebration at the cemetery. Entertainment includes music, dancing, food and a liar’s contest. Time: 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. Official Coon Dog T-shirts and camouflage caps available to purchase.
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to visit; The only cemetery of its kind in the world “Key Underwood Coon Dog Memorial Graveyard.”
About the Author
Dick I is an active RVer, having traveled extensively in U.S, Canada and served as a wagon master for the Piggy Back train through Mexico’s Copper Canyon. Learn more about the RV lifestyle view our travel photos when you visit http://www.irvrvs.com/ RVing the RV lifestyle .
Labor Day 2008 Remembrance of 1937 Memorial Day Massacre
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