Shinbone Valley, Alabama

Shinbone Valley
Population - Too small for a postal zip code

Located on the Eastern side of Mt. Cheaha lies a little valley named after a local Native American chief named Chief Shinbone. Many of the names found here are Native American, like Kechepedrakee Creek and Cheaha. Many people speculate where Chief Shinbone is buried, but it remains a mystery to the present day community. Hwy 49 is the main highway that runs through the valley. There are several dirt roads to be found around here, and creeks/branches too. I grew up near Pretty Branch and Nubin Creek Road (mostly dirt).

The National Talladega Forest and Mt. Cheaha make up the valley's back yard. Parts of the Appalachian Trail go through here also.

There was a book published about this place in 1982 called Shinbone Valley wrote by Vista Vitura Strickland and can be found at the local library in Ashland. My parents and I have one copy. If anyone knows if the book is still available for purchase, please let us know.

There is a rich history of people and places here - old abandoned ore mines, moonshine and whiskey stills that were raided or blown up during Prohibition, hiden waterfalls and some of the coldest water from mountain streams you will ever find. The people who grew up here never forget it and consider it a rare gem as far as home and heritage are concerned.