Selma in Dallas County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)
Last Stronghold Falls
Alabama & Mississippi Railroad Depot
— Wilson's Raid - Battle of Selma —
Photographed By Mark Hilton, April 26, 2015
1. Last Stronghold Falls Marker (Front)
Hardie's Reserve Cavalry Battalion, about 500 strong were ordered to Selma from Talladega. They were placed along the railroad track to the right and Left of the Depot. This makeshift defensive line was made of the railroad bed, the Depot, cotton bales and other buildings. With the fall of the Interior Redoubt III to the west and General Upton's forces crossing the railroad track to the East. Major Hardie's Battalion was flanked on both sides. About 7 pm Major Greeno and troopers of the 7th Pennsylvania Cavalry captured the Depot.
"Upon my arrival there I reported to Gen'l Bedford Forrest in person and was ordered to leave my horses in Weaver's Grove and place my men as a second line of defense at what is now know as the So. Railway depot on Broad Street. ...We did not have long to wait for very soon the front line of defense was broken and the enemy came pouring over and for a while we were kept busy. Capt. John Donahoo was killed at this point. I soon saw our lines were broken on our right and the enemy came pouring in through the Range Line Road, so I undertook to take my Command out of the City, but finding it impossible to do so, I told each man to look out for himself... I went down to the Gee Hotel and surrendered and was sent to Watts Hall (now Sturdivant Hall) where many prisoners were congregated..."
Major
this page online
Erected 2015 by the April 1865 Society.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil.
Location. Marker is missing. It was located near 32° 24.959′ N, 87° 1.456′ W. Marker was in Selma, Alabama, in Dallas County. Marker was at the intersection of Broad Street (Business U.S. 80) and Voeglin Avenue, on the right when traveling south on Broad Street. Located just south of the railroad tracks. Touch for map. Marker was at or near this postal address: 1007 Broad St, Selma AL 36701, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. Tabernacle Baptist Church (approx. ¼ mile away); John Tyler Morgan House (approx. ¼ mile away); Ware - Baker - Jones House (approx. ¼ mile away); a different marker also named Tabernacle Baptist Church (approx. ¼ mile away); Temple Mishkan Israel (approx. ¼ mile away); Mabry - Jones Home (approx. ¼ mile away); White - Force Cottage (approx. 0.3 miles away); Sturdivant Hall (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Selma.
More about this marker. One of a newer interactive marker that includes QR codes that allow you to use your smartphone to see
Photographed By Mark Hilton, April 26, 2015
2. Last Stronghold Falls Marker (Rear)
Map of the City of Selma and its Defenses.
Captured by assault by the Cavalry Corps., M.D.M., April 2d, 1865. Bvt Maj. Gen. J.H. Wilson, Com'd'g.
Surveyed and drawn by Capt. H.E. Noyes, 2d U.S. Cavalry, A.D.C.
Marker went missing sometime between Oct. 2022 & May 2023. By Feb. 2022 the rear foil map had already started to curl up.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker.
Photographed By Mark Hilton, April 26, 2015
3. The view south down Broad Street.
Photographed By Mark Hilton, April 26, 2015
4. View north on Broad Street at railroad crossing.
Photographed By Mark Hilton, May 28, 2023
5. Only pole is left from marker (just to right of white sign pole)
Credits. This page was last revised on May 28, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 28, 2015, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 819 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on April 28, 2015, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. 5. submitted on May 28, 2023, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.
