Key Underwood Coon Dog Memorial Graveyard

Coon Dog Cemetery Monument

Key Underwood Coon Dog Memorial Graveyard is a unique and culturally significant cemetery located in Cherokee, Alabama, United States. Established on September 4, 1937, by Key Underwood, the cemetery is dedicated exclusively to the burial of coon dogs, a type of hunting dog used primarily in the hunting of raccoons. The graveyard has become a revered site, reflecting the deep bond between hunters and their faithful canine companions, as well as the cultural importance of coon hunting in the American South.

History

The Key Underwood Coon Dog Memorial Graveyard was founded when Underwood decided to bury his beloved coon dog, Troop, in a remote hunting camp where they had shared many hunting trips. Recognizing the significance of the bond between a hunter and his coon dog, Underwood dedicated the site to coon dogs exclusively. The criteria for burial in the cemetery are strict; only genuine coon dogs, verified through witness testimony of their hunting prowess, are allowed to be buried here.

Over the years, the graveyard has grown in both size and reputation, becoming a cultural landmark and attracting visitors from across the country. It serves not only as a final resting place for these esteemed animals but also as a testament to the region's hunting traditions and the special place coon dogs hold in the hearts of their owners.

Cultural Significance

The Key Underwood Coon Dog Memorial Graveyard stands as a symbol of the Southern hunting tradition, particularly the practice of raccoon hunting. Coon dogs, including breeds such as the Treeing Walker Coonhound, Bluetick Coonhound, and Redbone Coonhound, are highly valued for their ability to track and tree raccoons. The cemetery highlights the respect and affection hunters have for their dogs, acknowledging their skills and companionship.

The graveyard has also become a site for community gatherings, especially on Labor Day, when a celebration including music, food, and storytelling takes place, drawing people from various backgrounds to share in the commemoration of these beloved animals.

Features

The Key Underwood Coon Dog Memorial Graveyard is notable for its rustic setting and the personal, often whimsical, tombstones and memorials erected by the owners of the buried dogs. Each grave marker is a tribute to the individual dog, with inscriptions that often reflect the personality of the dog or its achievements in hunting. The site embodies a heartfelt expression of the human-animal bond, set against the backdrop of the natural beauty of the Alabama woods.

Visiting

The cemetery is open to the public, offering a unique insight into a specific aspect of Southern culture and the deep connections formed between hunters and their dogs. Visitors are encouraged to walk among the graves, read the epitaphs, and experience the serene and respectful atmosphere that the site maintains.

Conclusion

The Key Underwood Coon Dog Memorial Graveyard is more than just a cemetery; it is a cultural heritage site that celebrates the lives of coon dogs and their role in the hunting traditions of the American South. It stands as a poignant reminder of the bonds between humans and animals, and the respect and love that can exist in such partnerships.

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