The Unique Story Behind The Coon Dog Cemetery In Alabama

While driving Alabama’s backroads, you’ll encounter a variety of unique places. One place in particular is the Key Underwood Coon Dog Memorial Graveyard, which is best known as the Coon Dog Cemetery. This unique cemetery is one of Alabama’s true hidden gems. For information about the Coon Dog Cemetery and how it got its start, read on.

The Coon Dog Cemetery is located in rural Colbert County, Alabama. It may be located off the beaten path, but it's so worth the journey.

After hunting together for 15 years, Key Underwood buried Troop, his faithful coon dog, in a small, grassy meadow on September 4, 1937. This area was a popular hunting camp that Troop loved.

Troop's grave is marked with a rock from a nearby chimney that has his name and date of death chiseled out of it.

Today, more than 185 coon dogs are buried in this special cemetery. It's such a unique place that people travel from all over the world to see it.

Each Labor Day, the "Friends of the Coondog Cemetery" host a celebration at the cemetery from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The celebration includes music, dancing, food and a liar's contest. It's a fun event for all ages.

An authentic coon dog is the only type of dog allowed to be buried in the Coon Dog Cemetery. This makes it the only cemetery of its kind in the world.

Some of the cemetery's headstones are made from wood and sheet metal, while others are much like the headstones found in a traditional cemetery. Patches, Preacher, Bean Blossom Bomma and Smoky are just a few of the wonderful coon dogs buried here.

If you’ve ever visited the Coon Dog Cemetery, please share your experience with us.

To experience even more unique places in Alabama, click here.

Coon Dog Cemetery Driving Directions:
From US Highway 72, turn left onto Alabama Highway 247. After traveling approximately 12 miles, turn right onto Coondog Cemetery Road and follow the signs.

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Most People Don't Know The Unique Story Behind This Cemetery In Alabama

Jennifer Young

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