| In
1934, the state established DeSoto State Park on Little River in DeKalb
County. In 1937, the Alabama State Commission of Forestry and the National
Park Service wanted to see the DeSoto State Park and the May's Gulf (Little
River Canyon) located in DeKalb and Cherokee Counties combined into one
substantial state park unit. Forestry personnel thought it was essential
to the development of the project to connect the two areas. However, Alabama
Power Company had title to the land along the river between the two tracts
proposed for a state park.
In 1939, the
state again contacted the power company about acquiring additional land
for DeSoto Sate Park. The Director of the Alabama Department of Conservation
described May's Gulf (Little River Canyon) as an "ideal spot for the production
and maintenance of desirable wildlife species and is widely known for its
scenic beauty. The area could become a mecca for lovers of nature." He
stated that it would be a good opportunity to build nature trails, bridle
paths, etc. while the Civilian Conservation Corps boys were available.
In 1939, DeSoto State Park was dedicated and the canyon was made a part
of the park. The park was supervised by Frank Berry whose sister, the famous
educator Martha Berry, donated land for the park. On the recommendation
of a special board by the Department of the Interior, the name was changed
from May's Gulf or May's Gulch to Little River Canyon. Little was
done over the years except for the building of some rough roads by G. E.
Hill to reach the canyon.
G.E. Hill, County
Commissioner and Chairman of the Board of Revenue worked for more than
30 years to get the canyon recognized as a part of the state park system,
to have a good road built around the canyon, and to get publicity for the
canyon. Finally, state aid was obtained and a 16 mile paved road was built
around the rim of the canyon and trails were made leading down to the river.
In June, 1954, Civic leaders and interested citizens from both DeKalb and
Cherokee counties gathered at Eberhart Point for the dedication ceremony
for the canyon.
In 1967 the State
of Alabama and the Alabama Power Company finally entered into an agreement
for a cooperative wildlife management and public hunting area, whereby,
the State of Alabama leased approximately 10,000 acres of land from Alabama
Power Company for $1.00 per year. |
