The city of Bridgeport, Alabama, one of our Thriving Communities, is searching for artists to help create and install five metal historical trail markers that will be placed along the city’s two-mile-long Historic Walking Trail that spans downtown to the Tennessee River. 

In 2019, Bridgeport, Alabama, became one of our Thriving Communities. The city has decided to use art to help tell its story, and boy, does it have a story to tell. The City of Bridgeport, which is located in Jackson County, has played a prominent role in American history. We’ll get into that more in a minute, but first, let’s get to the details of the art project. 

Project Overview

The city is searching for artists to help create and install five metal historical trail markers that will be placed along the city’s two-mile-long Historic Walking Trail. This trail begins on 7th street and travels through downtown Bridgeport to the Tennessee River. By placing these markers along this trail, people will be drawn to not only learn more about the city’s history but also stop by the local businesses in the downtown area. 

Artists who live in Jackson County or in any of the following surrounding areas are welcome to apply: 

• Alabama: DeKalb County

• Tennessee: Marion County

• Georgia: Dade and Walker Counties

Interested or know someone who would be? Learning a community’s history is a foundational way to creatively express its culture. 

A Little Bit of Bridgeport History

In the beginning, Bridgeport was actually known as Jonesville. According to the North Alabama Electric Cooperative, which has a page on its website dedicated to the city’s history, the city was named after the city’s largest landowner Charles Smithson Jones. 

Proximity to the Tennessee River has always made Bridgeport distinctive. The construction of a railroad bridge in the city, which is also a river port, in the mid-1800s led to its name being changed to “Bridgeport.” This bridge made it possible for trains to cross the Tennessee River. During the Civil War, the Union forces were able to capture the bridge. Bridgeport became a shipping and strategy center for the Union Army. Yearly, the Siege of Bridgeport is reenacted. It’s actually one of the largest reenactments in the state.

Following the Civil War, the area experienced development during an economic boom. During this time, the city’s first city hall, The Whicher Block, was constructed. Also during this time, Bridgeport became known for its “castles in the sky,” beautiful Queen Anne homes on Kilpatrick Row. The architecture style is characterized by unique turrets, wide porches, and ornate woodwork. Unfortunately, the boom came to a halt due to the Panic of 1893 and many investors of the city left town. 

Bridgeport is also a notable site along the Trail of Tears. Today, the annual Trail of Tears Commemorative Motorcycle Ride begins in Bridgeport. 

Another tragic event occurred in more recent memory in 1999. In downtown Bridgeport, a gas explosion destroyed three buildings and claimed four lives. An amphitheater and stage now sit at the site where the buildings once stood. 

Today, Bridgeport is thriving. Google has constructed a new data center just outside of the city, and several residents have participated in community development programs such as our Thriving Communities program, and the Tennessee RiverTowns program.

With the eye and talent of an artist, there’s a lot to tell about the city of Bridgeport to visitors and future generations. 

More Details about the Art Project

Since you now know a little more about the city, here are some additional details about the project. The city will select up to five artists to assist with this project. The artists will each be given a $4,000 budget per historical marker for fees and supplies. Those artists will be selected by a panel composed of members of the Thriving Communities Team, artists, a student, City Clerk, teachers, and other community members. Once completed, the markers will be placed at the following locations along the trail: 

1. 7th Street and Alabama Avenue 

2. Lena Cagle Public Library, 401 Alabama Highway

3. Bridgeport Depot Museum, 116 Soulard Square 

4. Battery Hill 

In an effort to involve the city’s future leaders and help them engage in local history, students from Jackson County Public Schools will have the opportunity to view the artist’s work and envision their own ideas for markers while the historical markers are being created and/ or installed. The city’s goal is to have the project completed in early 2022. The city will then host a public engagement event for residents, visitors, and artists to activate the trail and engage the markers.

Interested artists can find all of the application requirements and apply by clicking here.