New Leeds mural promotes community and transportation history

There is a new mural in downtown Leeds, Alabama.

Honoring the community’s transportation history as a stagecoach hub and its association with railroads, the mural was made possible by the City of Leeds and TA Services under the direction of the Leeds Redevelopment Authority.

TA Services, a freight brokerage company based in Leeds, provided the artist, the design and materials for the mural, which is located on the concrete wall of the newest parking lot in downtown Leeds. 

The fresh new painting can be found on the corner of Parkway Drive and 8th Street across from Regions Bank and Leeds Jane Culbreth Library. Find it HERE.

Many People to Thank

“As Mayor of Leeds, I give high praise and my personal thanks to Scott Schell, owner and CEO of Transportation Associates, for his great contribution to our downtown with his full underwriting of this project. He worked with both me and the Redevelopment Authority to make this beautiful addition to our City Center a reality. This gorgeous mural is an especially fitting tribute to Leeds’ history as a stagecoach venue and its historical association with the railroads. In addition, this further enhances our multi-use public parking/downtown activity site which is seeing more and more use as a meeting place and entertainment area.”

Mayor David Miller in a City of Leeds news release

Scott Harvey, the mural’s artist, described the elements and meaning of the mural in the following way:

“The old steam train is painted on the right. The small trees in front and behind the stage coach are cedar saplings symbolizing growth and the old name of our town Cedar Grove. 

The stagecoach represents the historic stagecoach route that ran through Leeds. The feather to the left of Est. represents the Indians who took part in trade, and helped develop the foundation of Leeds. There is a small wave to the right of 1887 representing the home of the Green Wave. Lots of history in our town to be proud of.”

More Than a Mural

According to Leeds Redevelopment Authority Chairman, Mike Cauble, what makes this piece of public art all the more special is that it enhances the parking lot and provides a multi-use function. 

“We have already had a number of events after hours in the space including the city’s downtown outdoor movie nights this past summer. ~Mike Cauble

Murals Throughout the Region

Are you a fan of murals across the Birmingham Metro area? Check out Bham Now’s series on the region’s murals.

Your guide to all of Birmingham’s beautiful murals in 2021—Part 1

Your guide to all of Birmingham’s beautiful murals in 2021—Part 2

Your guide to all of Birmingham’s beautiful murals in 2021—Part 3

 Your guide to Birmingham’s beautiful murals in 2021—Part 4

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