#81653: Boardwalk at Steadman's Landing

A historic marker at the top of the boardwalk to the beach at Steadman's Landing, part of Baldwin County Parks System reads:

Established in 1852 and used as a community wharf until destroyed by the 1916 hurricane. The wharf was an important factor in the life of the Montrose community. Located in an inward curve of Mobile Bay, the wharf was quite long because it had to reach the natural deep water traveled by the bay boats along the eastern shore. The wharf began at the foot of Sibley Street, where the bluff was about fifty feet high requiring a gradual slope downward. The slope allowed the freight car to go down the wharf by its own momentum on wooden tracks. This was a flat car for general use with portable sides used for certain commodities such as pottery ware. The return trip up the wharf with loaded car or cart was pulled by mule or ox.