Orange Beach Honors Its Heritage With Marker

Orange Beach Honors Its Heritage With Marker
Orange Beach honored its heritage with the recent unveiling of a historical marker detailing the history of Perdido Pass, how it was originally located three miles to the east and how the current pass was formed after the Hurricane of September 1906. The marker shares the story of the first buildings on the shoreline and the first bridges to span the waterway. Most of all, it honors the city’s charter fishing fleet and the two families – The Callaways & The Walkers – that created that industry in Orange Beach. Members of those families were among special guests that included Iris Ethridge (first female O.B. charter captain), Ezell & Georgia McLain, Ella Callaway, Earl Callaway, Mr. & Mrs. Leroy Walker and Steve Walker. The marker, part of the City of Orange Beach’s participation in ALABAMA 200, is located at Seawall Park at Alabama Point (aka the fishing wall). Orange Beach will commission seven more historical markers in the city. There are currently markers at Bear Point Cemetery and the Coastal Art Center, site of the original Orange Beach Hotel, in addition to Perdido Pass. Orange Beach and Baldwin County officials were also on hand for the ceremony, with O.B. Mayor Tony Kennon welcoming the gathering. “We’re still a fishing village, with a side business of tourism,’’ the mayor said.